Take Maryland CDL General Knowledge Practice Questions - Maryland Commercial Driver License General Knowledge Test Exam

QUESTION 1 / 25

What is the first step in the seven-step pre-trip inspection method?

Choose one answer below.

AApproach the vehicle and check its general condition✓BCheck under the hood✓CStart the engine and inspect inside the cab✓DWalk around and inspect the entire vehicle✓

QUESTION 2 / 25

What is the proper technique for shifting gears in a commercial motor vehicle with a manual transmission (double clutching)?

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APress the clutch, shift to neutral, release the clutch, press the clutch again, shift to the next gear, release the clutch✓BHold the clutch down while moving through each gear✓CShift without using the clutch at any time✓DPress the clutch once and move the shifter directly to the next gear✓

QUESTION 3 / 25

How far ahead should you scan the road while driving a commercial vehicle at highway speeds?

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A5 to 8 seconds✓B8 to 10 seconds✓C12 to 15 seconds✓D20 to 25 seconds✓

QUESTION 4 / 25

According to FMCSA regulations, how soon after starting a trip must a driver inspect their cargo and securing devices?

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AWithin the first 50 miles✓BWithin the first 100 miles✓CWithin the first 25 miles✓DWithin the first 75 miles✓

QUESTION 5 / 25

A Class A CDL allows the holder to operate:

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AAny single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 lbs or more✓BAny combination vehicle with a GCWR of 26,001 lbs or more, provided the towed vehicle weighs more than 10,000 lbs✓COnly passenger buses with 16 or more passengers✓DOnly vehicles carrying hazardous materials✓

QUESTION 6 / 25

During a pre-trip inspection, what should you check in the engine compartment?

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AOnly the oil level✓BOil level, coolant level, power steering fluid, belts, and hoses✓COnly the coolant level and belts✓DOnly items visible without opening any caps✓

QUESTION 7 / 25

When driving a commercial motor vehicle with a manual transmission, what is progressive shifting?

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AShifting through every gear in sequence regardless of speed✓BShifting at lower RPMs as road speed increases to improve fuel economy and reduce engine wear✓CSkipping gears while shifting up✓DShifting at the highest RPM in every gear for maximum power✓

QUESTION 8 / 25

How often should you check your mirrors while driving a commercial vehicle?

Choose one answer below.

AEvery 1 to 2 seconds✓BEvery 5 to 8 seconds✓CEvery 15 to 20 seconds✓DOnly when changing lanes or turning✓

QUESTION 9 / 25

After the initial cargo inspection, how often must a driver re-inspect their cargo securement during a trip?

Choose one answer below.

AEvery 200 miles or 4 hours, whichever comes first✓BEvery 150 miles or 3 hours, whichever comes first✓CEvery 100 miles or 2 hours, whichever comes first✓DOnly when stopping for fuel✓

QUESTION 10 / 25

A Class B CDL allows the holder to operate:

Choose one answer below.

AAny combination vehicle with a GCWR over 26,001 lbs✓BAny single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 lbs or more, and towed vehicles not exceeding 10,000 lbs GVWR✓COnly motorcycles and small passenger vehicles✓DOnly straight trucks under 10,000 lbs✓

QUESTION 11 / 25

When performing a pre-trip inspection, the driver should ensure that the steering wheel free play (lash) does not exceed what limit?

Choose one answer below.

A5 degrees in either direction✓B10 degrees in either direction (approximately 2 inches on a 20-inch wheel)✓C15 degrees in either direction✓D20 degrees in either direction✓

QUESTION 12 / 25

What is "off-tracking" when driving a commercial vehicle through a turn?

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AWhen the vehicle drifts out of its lane on a straight road✓BWhen the rear wheels follow a shorter path (closer to the inside of the curve) than the front wheels✓CWhen the trailer fishtails on slippery roads✓DWhen the steering wheel locks during a turn✓

QUESTION 13 / 25

When approaching a railroad crossing without signals or gates in a commercial vehicle, where must you stop?

Choose one answer below.

ABetween 5 and 10 feet from the nearest rail✓BBetween 15 and 50 feet from the nearest rail✓CAt least 75 feet from the nearest rail✓DDirectly at the rail and look both ways✓

QUESTION 14 / 25

How many tie-downs are required for an article that is 5 feet long or less and weighs 1,100 lbs or more?

Choose one answer below.

AAt least 1 tie-down✓BAt least 2 tie-downs✓CAt least 3 tie-downs✓DNo tie-downs if it is blocked and braced✓

QUESTION 15 / 25

A Class C CDL is required for:

Choose one answer below.

AOperating any vehicle over 26,001 lbs GVWR✓BVehicles designed to transport 16 or more passengers (including the driver) or vehicles carrying hazardous materials that do not meet Class A or B requirements✓COperating any combination vehicle✓DOnly personal-use vehicles✓

QUESTION 16 / 25

During the cab check portion of a pre-trip inspection, you should test the parking brake by:

Choose one answer below.

ADriving forward slowly and applying the parking brake✓BPutting the vehicle in gear with the parking brake set and gently pressing the accelerator to see if the vehicle holds✓CVisually checking that the parking brake handle is in the correct position✓DChecking the parking brake cable under the vehicle✓

QUESTION 17 / 25

When turning right with a large commercial vehicle, the correct technique is to:

Choose one answer below.

ATurn tightly to stay as close to the curb as possible✓BSwing wide to the left before turning right to give the rear wheels room to clear the corner✓CKeep the front wheels close to the right curb and allow the trailer to track over the curb✓DStop in the intersection and wait for all traffic to clear✓

QUESTION 18 / 25

Which of the following is the BEST indicator of an aggressive driver near your commercial vehicle?

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AA driver using turn signals before every lane change✓BA driver maintaining a steady speed in the right lane✓CA driver frequently changing lanes, tailgating, and making obscene gestures✓DA driver who slows down at yellow traffic lights✓

QUESTION 19 / 25

A piece of cargo is 17 feet long. What is the minimum number of tie-downs required?

Choose one answer below.

A2 tie-downs✓B3 tie-downs✓C4 tie-downs✓D5 tie-downs✓

QUESTION 20 / 25

Under federal Hours of Service (HOS) rules, what is the maximum consecutive hours a property-carrying driver may drive?

Choose one answer below.

A8 hours✓B10 hours✓C11 hours✓D14 hours✓

QUESTION 21 / 25

Which emergency equipment is required to be on a commercial motor vehicle?

Choose one answer below.

AFire extinguisher, spare fuses, and three red reflective triangles✓BFirst aid kit, fire extinguisher, and flares only✓CFire extinguisher and road flares only✓DSpare tire, jack, and reflective vest✓

QUESTION 22 / 25

What does countersteering mean?

Choose one answer below.

ATurning the steering wheel in the direction opposite to the way you want to go✓BTurning the steering wheel back toward straight ahead after completing a turn to prevent oversteering✓CSteering with one hand while braking with the other✓DSteering the vehicle in reverse✓

QUESTION 23 / 25

When driving through a construction or work zone, which of the following is the safest practice?

Choose one answer below.

AMaintain highway speed to keep up with traffic flow✓BReduce speed, watch for workers, and obey posted speed limits✓CUse your horn to alert workers of your presence✓DMove to the center lane regardless of markings✓

QUESTION 24 / 25

Which of the following is NOT a common type of cargo tie-down?

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AChains✓BNylon straps✓CBungee cords✓DWire cables✓

QUESTION 25 / 25

What is the 14-hour on-duty window under HOS rules for property-carrying drivers?

Choose one answer below.

ADrivers may not drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty, following 10 consecutive hours off duty✓BDrivers must take a 14-hour rest period between shifts✓CDrivers may work a total of 14 hours per week✓DDrivers must have 14 hours of off-duty time between trips✓