Pennsylvania CDL General Knowledge Practice Test

The Pennsylvania CDL General Knowledge test is a multiple-choice knowledge test you take for your commercial learner's permit. You need at least 80% to pass. That's the federal minimum in 49 CFR 383.135 (Pennsylvania does not publish its own number).

Last updated Oct 15, 2026. FirstTry CDL is a CDL permit test prep site by Hive Asset Group, LLC.

By Scott Wilder, Editor

Last reviewed against the Pennsylvania CDL manual on October 15, 2026

Scott Wilder on X | scottwilderhq.com

FirstTry CDL is a CDL permit test prep site by Hive Asset Group, LLC. It offers free exam-style practice tests built from the official CDL manual. FirstTry CDL is not affiliated with any DMV, FMCSA or government agency. Practice questions are exam-style questions built from the official CDL manual, not actual test questions.

Pennsylvania CDL permit facts

What	What Pennsylvania says	Source
General Knowledge pass mark	At least 80%. This is the federal minimum (49 CFR 383.135); Pennsylvania does not publish its own number.	Official page
CLP fee (photo fee, one permit)	$15.50 photo fee, plus $6.00 for each endorsement or restriction removal (no fee for the school bus endorsement). Add $5 for each additional commercial permit on the fee chart.	Official page
CLP validity	The permit is valid for one year from the date the Knowledge Test Authorization (KTA) is issued.	Official page
Test languages	PennDOT offers knowledge tests in multiple languages, in written and audio format. The hazmat knowledge test is English only. The test language list is not published on the pages checked.	Official page

20 question General Knowledge practice test

1. How can you find out how many seconds of following distance you have?
1. A. Count the seconds from when the vehicle ahead passes a landmark until you reach the same spot
2. B. Count the number of car lengths between you and the vehicle ahead
3. C. Divide your speed by the length of your vehicle
4. D. Count the seconds from when the vehicle ahead brakes until you brake
Show answer
Answer: A. Count the seconds from when the vehicle ahead passes a landmark until you reach the same spot
Pick a clear landmark and count the seconds between the vehicle ahead passing it and you reaching it.
From the official CDL manual, section 2.7.1.
2. An inspector decides your vehicle is unsafe. What happens to it?
1. A. It is put out of service until it is fixed
2. B. It can finish the trip if you drive slowly
3. C. It gets a warning tag and may keep running
4. D. It is only reported to the motor carrier
Show answer
Answer: A. It is put out of service until it is fixed
Federal and state inspectors can take an unsafe vehicle out of service until the problem is repaired.
From the official CDL manual, section 2.1.1.
3. A cross-buck sign marks a railroad crossing. What does it require you to do?
1. A. Speed up to clear the tracks
2. B. Honk your horn and keep going
3. C. Stop only if you see a train
4. D. Yield the right-of-way to the train
Show answer
Answer: D. Yield the right-of-way to the train
The cross-buck requires you to yield the right-of-way to the train.
From the official CDL manual, section 2.15.2.
4. When should you sign the last vehicle inspection report?
1. A. Only if defects were noted and certified as repaired or not needing repair
2. B. Always, to show that you read it
3. C. Only after you finish your own walk-around
4. D. Never, because only the motor carrier signs
Show answer
Answer: A. Only if defects were noted and certified as repaired or not needing repair
The manual says to sign only when noted defects are certified as repaired or not needed to be repaired.
From the official CDL manual, section 2.1.5.
5. Compared with 20 mph, how much greater is braking distance at 80 mph?
1. A. 4 times greater
2. B. 16 times greater
3. C. 9 times greater
4. D. 8 times greater
Show answer
Answer: B. 16 times greater
At 80 mph the impact and braking distance are 16 times greater than at 20 mph.
From the official CDL manual, section 2.6.1.
6. Reaching for an object while driving is an example of which kind of distraction?
1. A. Mental distraction
2. B. Both physical and mental distraction
3. C. Physical distraction
Show answer
Answer: C. Physical distraction
A physical distraction takes your hands off the wheel or your eyes off the road.
From the official CDL manual, section 2.9.3.
7. What should you check about the splash guards at the rear?
1. A. They are painted
2. B. They are present, fastened, and not rubbing the tires
3. C. They are removed
4. D. They touch the ground
Show answer
Answer: B. They are present, fastened, and not rubbing the tires
Splash guards should be present, not damaged, properly fastened, and not dragging or rubbing tires.
From the official CDL manual, section 2.1.5.
8. What is the average perception time for an alert driver?
1. A. ¾ second
2. B. 1 second
3. C. 1¾ seconds
4. D. 3 seconds
Show answer
Answer: C. 1¾ seconds
The manual gives 1¾ seconds as the average perception time for an alert driver.
From the official CDL manual, section 2.6.1.
9. The aggregate working load limit of your tie-downs must be at least how much of the cargo's weight?
1. A. One-half of the cargo's weight
2. B. One-tenth of the cargo's weight
3. C. Twice the cargo's weight
4. D. Three times the cargo's weight
Show answer
Answer: A. One-half of the cargo's weight
Federal rules require an aggregate working load limit of at least one-half the cargo's weight.
From the official CDL manual, section 3.3.2.
10. Which clue shows that a parked vehicle may be about to move?
1. A. The doors are locked
2. B. Brake lights, backup lights, or exhaust
3. C. The windows are closed
4. D. The vehicle has out-of-state plates
Show answer
Answer: B. Brake lights, backup lights, or exhaust
These are clues that a driver is about to move.
From the official CDL manual, section 2.8.3.
11. Of all the space around your vehicle, which is the most important?
1. A. The space behind the vehicle
2. B. The space ahead of the vehicle
3. C. The space to the sides
4. D. The space overhead
Show answer
Answer: B. The space ahead of the vehicle
The manual says the area ahead, the space you are driving into, is the most important.
From the official CDL manual, section 2.7.1.
12. When should you shift into a low gear for a long, steep downgrade?
1. A. Before you start down the grade
2. B. Halfway down, once the speed builds
3. C. When the brakes begin to fade
4. D. After the first brake application
Show answer
Answer: A. Before you start down the grade
Pick the low gear before you start down because you may not be able to downshift once your speed is up.
From the official CDL manual, section 2.16.2.
13. What is the most a driver can be fined in civil penalties for violating the texting prohibition?
1. A. $500
2. B. $1,000
3. C. $2,750
4. D. $11,000
Show answer
Answer: C. $2,750
Drivers face civil penalties of up to $2,750 for each violation.
From the official CDL manual, section 2.9.5.
14. When may you fully apply the brakes in an emergency stop with ABS?
1. A. Whenever ABS is on only the tractor
2. B. Whenever the road is dry
3. C. Whenever ABS is on only the trailer
4. D. With a straight truck or combination that has working ABS on all axles
Show answer
Answer: D. With a straight truck or combination that has working ABS on all axles
Working ABS on all axles is the one exception to braking only as hard as needed.
From the official CDL manual, section 2.18.6.
15. On a trip, you smell something that might mean trouble. What should you do?
1. A. Wait for it to go away
2. B. Check it out
3. C. Turn up the radio
4. D. Drive faster to the next town
Show answer
Answer: B. Check it out
The manual says to check it out if you see, hear, smell, or feel anything that might mean trouble.
From the official CDL manual, section 2.1.6.
16. What may an oversized load need while it travels on the road?
1. A. Extra tie-downs on the cab
2. B. A police escort or pilot vehicles with warning signs or flashing lights
3. C. A second fuel tank
4. D. A hazardous materials placard
Show answer
Answer: B. A police escort or pilot vehicles with warning signs or flashing lights
Oversized loads may require a police escort or pilot vehicles.
From the official CDL manual, section 3.4.4.
17. Under a bridge formula, how much weight is allowed on axles that are closer together?
1. A. More maximum weight
2. B. The same maximum weight as axles far apart
3. C. Less maximum weight
4. D. No weight limit at all
Show answer
Answer: C. Less maximum weight
A bridge formula allows less weight on axles that are closer together.
From the official CDL manual, section 3.2.2.
18. Your vehicle is hydroplaning. What should you do?
1. A. Release the accelerator and push in the clutch
2. B. Brake hard to slow down
3. C. Speed up to get past the water
4. D. Turn the steering wheel sharply
Show answer
Answer: A. Release the accelerator and push in the clutch
This slows the vehicle and lets the wheels turn freely so you can regain control.
From the official CDL manual, section 2.6.2.
19. You swing wide to the left before making a right turn. What can happen?
1. A. A following driver may try to pass you on the right
2. B. The rear of your vehicle will stay closer to the curb
3. C. Drivers behind you will slow and give you room
4. D. Oncoming drivers will move over for you
Show answer
Answer: A. A following driver may try to pass you on the right
The driver behind may think you are turning left and try to pass on the right.
From the official CDL manual, section 2.7.6.
20. While driving with a covered load, how should you check the cover?
1. A. Never look at it until you stop
2. B. Check it only at night
3. C. Ask other drivers to check it
4. D. Look at it in your mirrors from time to time
Show answer
Answer: D. Look at it in your mirrors from time to time
The manual says to look at your cargo covers in the mirrors from time to time while driving.
From the official CDL manual, section 3.3.4.

Pennsylvania CDL General Knowledge questions

What score do you need to pass the Pennsylvania CDL General Knowledge test?

You need at least 80% to pass. That is the federal minimum in 49 CFR 383.135. Pennsylvania does not publish its own number.

Is the Pennsylvania CDL General Knowledge test the same as other states?

The General Knowledge test is built on the same federal knowledge standards in every state, so the topics match the CDL manual. Pennsylvania uses its own handbook: https://www.pa.gov/content/dam/copapwp-pagov/en/penndot/documents/public/dvspubsforms/bdl/bdl-manuals/commercial-drivers-manual/pub223.pdf

How much does a CDL permit cost in Pennsylvania?

CLP fee (photo fee, one permit): $15.50 photo fee, plus $6.00 for each endorsement or restriction removal (no fee for the school bus endorsement). Add $5 for each additional commercial permit on the fee chart..

What languages is the Pennsylvania CDL knowledge test offered in?

PennDOT offers knowledge tests in multiple languages, in written and audio format. The hazmat knowledge test is English only. The test language list is not published on the pages checked.

Sources

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-49/section-383.135
https://www.pa.gov/content/dam/copapwp-pagov/en/penndot/documents/public/dvspubsforms/bdl/bdl-form/dl-31cd.pdf
https://www.pa.gov/content/dam/copapwp-pagov/en/penndot/documents/public/dvspubsforms/bdl/bdl-fact-sheets/fs-cdl.pdf
https://www.pa.gov/content/dam/copapwp-pagov/en/penndot/documents/public/dvspubsforms/bdl/bdl-manuals/commercial-drivers-manual/pub223.pdf
Manual sections used in this test: 2.1.1; 2.1.5; 2.1.6; 2.15.2; 2.16.2; 2.18.6; 2.6.1; 2.6.2; 2.7.1; 2.7.6; 2.8.3; 2.9.3; 2.9.5; 3.2.2; 3.3.2; 3.3.4; 3.4.4

General Knowledge practice test in nearby states