CDL General Knowledge Test
Speed and space management: practice questions
Our CDL General Knowledge bank has 20 questions on this topic. Here are 5 of them with answers; the full mock exam draws from every topic, like the real one.
Question 1
What is the 'no-zone' around a large truck?
- The space under the trailer
- Blind spots around the vehicle where other drivers can't be seen
- The area behind the truck where other vehicles may park while it loads
- A zone where trucks cannot drive
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B. Blind spots around the vehicle where other drivers can't be seen — Large blind spots exist on both sides, especially the right side.
Question 2
How far ahead should you look while driving?
- About 1 to 2 seconds ahead
- Only in the mirrors
- About 12 to 15 seconds ahead
- Only at the vehicle in front
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C. About 12 to 15 seconds ahead — At highway speeds this is about a quarter of a mile.
Question 3
Why do empty trucks require greater stopping distances than loaded ones in some conditions?
- They have more tires
- Empty vehicles have less traction; wheels can lock and bounce
- Their brakes are newer and grab harder than those on loaded trucks
- They are heavier
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B. Empty vehicles have less traction; wheels can lock and bounce — Stiff suspension and light weight reduce traction.
Question 4
When you must stop on the side of the road, where should you put warning devices on a two-lane road?
- Within 10 feet of the front or rear corner (traffic side), about 100 feet behind, and about 100 feet ahead
- Only one triangle 10 feet behind
- All three at the front
- 500 feet behind only
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A. Within 10 feet of the front or rear corner (traffic side), about 100 feet behind, and about 100 feet ahead — On a one-way or divided highway: 10, 100 and 200 feet toward approaching traffic.
Question 5
How should you let other drivers know you are slowing down unexpectedly?
- Use your horn
- Tap the brake pedal lightly a few times to flash the brake lights
- Turn on the left signal and move toward the centre line so drivers notice you
- Flash your headlights
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B. Tap the brake pedal lightly a few times to flash the brake lights — Warn drivers behind you early.