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Iowa CDL General Knowledge Test Practice Questions - Iowa Commercial Driver License General Knowledge Test Exam
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Question
1
of 25
QUESTION 1 / 25
What is the main reason Iowa CDL drivers must inspect a commercial vehicle before a trip?
Choose one answer below.
A
To satisfy a paperwork rule only
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B
To find defects that could cause a breakdown or crash
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C
To make the vehicle easier to sell
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D
To avoid checking the vehicle after the trip
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QUESTION 2 / 25
In the seven-step inspection method, what should you do as you approach the vehicle?
Choose one answer below.
A
Notice the general condition and look for leaks, leaning, damage, and hazards around the vehicle
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B
Start the engine immediately and check the radio
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C
Load cargo before checking the vehicle
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D
Check only the license plate and registration
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QUESTION 3 / 25
Which emergency equipment should a CDL driver verify during inspection?
Choose one answer below.
A
A spare steering wheel and two cones
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B
A properly charged fire extinguisher, spare electrical fuses if needed, and three red reflective triangles
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C
Only a first-aid kit
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D
A personal flashlight and work gloves only
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QUESTION 4 / 25
What should you check when inspecting tires?
Choose one answer below.
A
Tread depth, inflation, cuts, bulges, exposed fabric, and mismatched or damaged tires
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B
Only whether the tires are clean
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C
Only the tire brand
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D
Only whether the valve caps are shiny
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QUESTION 5 / 25
What minimum tread depth is required on front steering axle tires under general CDL safety rules?
Choose one answer below.
A
2/32 inch
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B
3/32 inch
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C
4/32 inch
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D
6/32 inch
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QUESTION 6 / 25
What minimum tread depth is required on most non-steering axle tires?
Choose one answer below.
A
1/32 inch
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B
2/32 inch
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C
4/32 inch
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D
8/32 inch
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QUESTION 7 / 25
During an Iowa CDL pre-trip, what should a driver do if a safety-related defect is found?
Choose one answer below.
A
Ignore it if the delivery is late
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B
Operate only on local roads
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C
Have it corrected before operating the vehicle
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D
Drive until the next scheduled maintenance interval
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QUESTION 8 / 25
Why must a driver review the previous vehicle inspection report when one is required?
Choose one answer below.
A
To know about defects the last driver found and whether repairs were certified
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B
To copy the last driver's signature
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C
To avoid doing a pre-trip inspection
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D
To estimate fuel mileage
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QUESTION 9 / 25
What is the safest way to test hydraulic brakes for leaks during a vehicle check?
Choose one answer below.
A
Pump the brakes once and listen to the radio
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B
Apply firm pressure to the brake pedal and hold it to see if it moves or feels spongy
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C
Drive at highway speed and stop hard
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D
Check only the brake-light switch
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QUESTION 10 / 25
When checking a cargo truck before a trip, what must the driver confirm?
Choose one answer below.
A
The truck is not overloaded and cargo is balanced and secured
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B
The cargo is stacked as high as possible
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C
Only the shipper signed the paperwork
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D
The cargo doors are painted correctly
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QUESTION 11 / 25
What is the first step to getting an Iowa CDL according to Iowa DOT testing information?
Choose one answer below.
A
Pass the required CDL knowledge test or tests
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B
Take the skills test before any knowledge test
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C
Buy a truck
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D
Apply for a hazmat endorsement first
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QUESTION 12 / 25
How many questions are on Iowa's CDL General Knowledge test, and how many may be missed?
Choose one answer below.
A
30 questions, 6 may be missed
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B
40 questions, 8 may be missed
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C
50 questions, 10 may be missed
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D
60 questions, 12 may be missed
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QUESTION 13 / 25
What score is required to pass a CDL knowledge test under FMCSA standards?
Choose one answer below.
A
60 percent
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B
70 percent
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C
80 percent
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D
90 percent
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QUESTION 14 / 25
Where does Iowa DOT say CDL knowledge tests can be taken?
Choose one answer below.
A
Only at one state office in Ames
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B
At DOT or County Treasurer locations and additional CDL testing locations
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C
Only at private truck schools
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D
Only online from home
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QUESTION 15 / 25
How long must an Iowa CLP generally be held before the CDL skills and drive test?
Choose one answer below.
A
At least 7 days
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B
At least 14 days
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C
At least 30 days
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D
No waiting period applies
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QUESTION 16 / 25
What is the current Iowa DOT cost for a commercial learner's permit?
Choose one answer below.
A
$$5
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B
$$12
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C
$$25
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D
$$64
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QUESTION 17 / 25
How long is an Iowa commercial learner's permit valid according to Iowa DOT?
Choose one answer below.
A
90 days
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B
180 days
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C
One year with no renewal period
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D
Four years
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QUESTION 18 / 25
What is the minimum age for an Iowa CDL, and what age is needed for interstate CMV operation?
Choose one answer below.
A
16 for any CDL; 18 interstate
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B
18 for a CDL; 21 for interstate travel
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C
21 for all Iowa CDLs; 25 interstate
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D
18 for all operations including interstate
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QUESTION 19 / 25
Which statement about Iowa CLP operation is correct?
Choose one answer below.
A
A CLP holder may drive the permitted CMV only when accompanied by a driver with the proper CDL
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B
A CLP holder may drive any CMV alone after passing General Knowledge
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C
A CLP automatically authorizes hazmat loads
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D
A CLP removes all CDL restrictions
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QUESTION 20 / 25
What federal source lists the 20 general areas a basic CDL knowledge test must cover?
Choose one answer below.
A
49 CFR 383.111(a)
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B
49 CFR 390.21 only
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C
A private practice-test site
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D
The vehicle owner's manual only
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QUESTION 21 / 25
How far ahead should a CDL driver look while scanning in normal conditions?
Choose one answer below.
A
2 to 3 seconds
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B
5 to 6 seconds
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C
At least 12 to 15 seconds
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D
Only to the vehicle directly ahead
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QUESTION 22 / 25
Why is looking far ahead especially important in a CMV?
Choose one answer below.
A
CMVs need more distance to stop or change lanes safely
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B
It makes mirrors unnecessary
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C
It lets the driver ignore nearby traffic
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D
It is required only at night
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QUESTION 23 / 25
When should mirrors be checked in normal driving?
Choose one answer below.
A
Only before starting the engine
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B
Regularly, and before lane changes, turns, merges, and tight maneuvers
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C
Only after hearing a horn
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D
Only when backing
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QUESTION 24 / 25
What is the safest way to communicate a turn or lane change?
Choose one answer below.
A
Signal early enough that others know your intent, then confirm the space is clear
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B
Signal only after moving
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C
Use the horn instead of turn signals
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D
Assume a large vehicle is obvious and needs no signal
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QUESTION 25 / 25
What does the Iowa CDL Manual mean by "not looking properly" being a major cause of accidents?
Choose one answer below.
A
Drivers must search ahead, to the sides, and behind instead of staring in one place
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B
Drivers should look only at dashboard gauges
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C
Drivers should focus only on the centerline
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D
Drivers should avoid mirror checks in heavy traffic
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