Texas CDL General Knowledge Practice Test

The Texas CDL General Knowledge test is a multiple-choice knowledge test you take for your commercial learner's permit. Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), Driver License Division says you need 80% to pass (source).

Last updated Oct 7, 2026. FirstTry CDL is a CDL permit test prep site by Hive Asset Group, LLC.

By Scott Wilder, Editor

Last reviewed against the Texas CDL manual on October 7, 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.

Texas CDL permit facts

What	What Texas says	Source
General Knowledge pass mark	80%	Official page
CLP fee	$25 (expires 180 days from issue)	Official page
CLP validity	180 days, or until your Texas driver license expires, whichever is first	Official page
CLP holding period	Hold the CLP at least 14 days before the skills test	Official page
Knowledge test retest rule	After a failed test, your application stays active for 90 days. After 90 days or three failed attempts, whichever comes first, you must submit a new application, pay fees again and retest	Official page
Test languages	All CDL and CLP knowledge exams are English only since June 1, 2026. Spanish tests are no longer offered and interpreters are not allowed. Skills tests are English only. Drivers who cannot show enough English are not eligible for a Texas CDL or CLP.	Official page

20 question General Knowledge practice test

1. At 55 mph, how far do you travel during your reaction time?
1. A. 142 feet
2. B. 61 feet
3. C. 216 feet
4. D. 419 feet
Show answer
Answer: B. 61 feet
The manual says reaction distance at 55 mph is 61 feet.
From the official CDL manual, section 2.6.1.
2. 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.
3. Why should you turn on the four-way flashers when parked at the side of the road?
1. A. Flashers keep the battery charged.
2. B. Drivers may think your vehicle is moving normally.
3. C. Flashers show your load is heavy.
Show answer
Answer: B. Drivers may think your vehicle is moving normally.
Taillights alone may not warn drivers that you are stopped.
From the official CDL manual, section 2.5.2.
4. An aggressive driver you saw has crashed farther down the road. What should you do?
1. A. Drive past quickly
2. B. Confront the driver
3. C. Stop a safe distance away and wait for police
4. D. Follow the driver away from the scene
Show answer
Answer: C. Stop a safe distance away and wait for police
The manual says to stop a safe distance from the scene, wait for police, and report what you saw.
From the official CDL manual, section 2.10.3.
5. At 55 mph, how far do you travel during your perception time?
1. A. 61 feet
2. B. 216 feet
3. C. 142 feet
4. D. 419 feet
Show answer
Answer: C. 142 feet
The manual says perception distance at 55 mph is 142 feet.
From the official CDL manual, section 2.6.1.
6. How should you apply the brake pedal to bring a vehicle to a stop?
1. A. Push down hard right away, then ease off
2. B. Pump the pedal quickly several times
3. C. Tap lightly and release before the vehicle stops
4. D. Push the pedal down gradually
Show answer
Answer: D. Push the pedal down gradually
The manual says to push the brake pedal down gradually, using the pressure that your speed and stop require.
From the official CDL manual, section 2.2.3.
7. On packed snow, how much should you reduce your speed?
1. A. By about one-third
2. B. By about 10 mph
3. C. By half or more
4. D. Not at all, if you drive carefully
Show answer
Answer: C. By half or more
The manual says to reduce speed by half, or more, on packed snow.
From the official CDL manual, section 2.6.2.
8. You feel very tired. What is the only cure for fatigue?
1. A. A drug that hides tiredness
2. B. Rest
3. C. A cold shower
4. D. Strong coffee
Show answer
Answer: B. Rest
The manual says the only cure for fatigue is rest, and you should not use any drug that hides fatigue.
From the official CDL manual, section 2.22.2.
9. How should you plan your travel time to lower your stress?
1. A. Assume the roads will be clear
2. B. Expect delays and allow extra time
3. C. Drive faster to make up time
4. D. Plan only for the fastest trip
Show answer
Answer: B. Expect delays and allow extra time
The manual says to be realistic and expect delays from traffic, construction, or bad weather.
From the official CDL manual, section 2.10.2.
10. 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.
11. You are approaching a work zone. How can you warn drivers behind you?
1. A. Use your high beams
2. B. Honk your horn continuously
3. C. Use your four-way flashers or brake lights
4. D. Use your left turn signal
Show answer
Answer: C. Use your four-way flashers or brake lights
The manual says to use flashers or brake lights to warn drivers behind you near work zones.
From the official CDL manual, section 2.8.2.
12. How long should you keep a copy of your vehicle inspection report in the vehicle?
1. A. One hour
2. B. One day
3. C. One week
4. D. One month
Show answer
Answer: B. One day
A copy stays in the vehicle for one day so the next driver can learn about problems you found.
From the official CDL manual, section 2.1.7.
13. Which problem can fatigue cause?
1. A. Better judgment of speed
2. B. Errors judging speed and distance
3. C. Faster reactions
4. D. Clearer decisions
Show answer
Answer: B. Errors judging speed and distance
Fatigue causes errors related to speed and distance.
From the official CDL manual, section 2.11.2.
14. What can happen when a front tire fails?
1. A. It always makes the engine stop
2. B. It can twist the steering wheel out of your hand
3. C. It locks the rear brakes
4. D. It makes the steering lighter
Show answer
Answer: B. It can twist the steering wheel out of your hand
A failed front tire can pull the wheel from your hand, so keep a firm grip with both hands.
From the official CDL manual, section 2.17.4.
15. How can the way you load a vehicle affect driving?
1. A. It only changes fuel use
2. B. It can make steering and control more difficult
3. C. It has no effect if the cargo is legal
Show answer
Answer: B. It can make steering and control more difficult
How a vehicle is loaded can affect steering and make it harder to control.
From the official CDL manual, section 3.
16. You are not sure what to use on a hazardous materials fire. What should you do?
1. A. Wait for firefighters
2. B. Use water
3. C. Use the closest extinguisher
4. D. Open the doors to check
Show answer
Answer: A. Wait for firefighters
If you are not sure what to use, especially on a hazmat fire, wait for firefighters.
From the official CDL manual, section 2.21.3.
17. Do you have to double clutch in a truck with a synchronized manual transmission?
1. A. Yes, you must always double clutch.
2. B. Yes, but only when you shift down.
3. C. No, double clutching is not required.
Show answer
Answer: C. No, double clutching is not required.
The manual says double clutching is not required with a synchronized manual transmission.
From the official CDL manual, section 2.3.1.
18. When can you check your mirror adjustment accurately?
1. A. When the trailer or trailers are straight
2. B. While you are making a turn
3. C. While you are backing around a corner
4. D. Only when the trailer is empty
Show answer
Answer: A. When the trailer or trailers are straight
The manual says mirror adjustment can only be checked accurately when the trailer(s) are straight.
From the official CDL manual, section 2.4.2.
19. Some containers have their own locks. Where do these attach?
1. A. To the driver's seat
2. B. To a special frame
3. C. To the fuel tank
Show answer
Answer: B. To a special frame
Some containers have tiedown devices or locks that attach directly to a special frame.
From the official CDL manual, section 3.3.5.
20. From how many directions must placards be readable?
1. A. Two
2. B. Three
3. C. Five
4. D. Four
Show answer
Answer: D. Four
Placards must be readable from all four directions.
From the official CDL manual, section 2.23.3.

Texas CDL General Knowledge questions

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

Texas says you need 80% to pass the General Knowledge test.

Is the Texas 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. Texas uses its own handbook: https://www.dps.texas.gov/internetforms/Forms/DL-7C.pdf

How much does a CDL permit cost in Texas?

CLP fee: $25 (expires 180 days from issue).

What languages is the Texas CDL knowledge test offered in?

All CDL and CLP knowledge exams are English only since June 1, 2026. Spanish tests are no longer offered and interpreters are not allowed. Skills tests are English only. Drivers who cannot show enough English are not eligible for a Texas CDL or CLP.

Sources

https://www.dps.texas.gov/internetforms/Forms/DL-7C.pdf
https://www.dps.texas.gov/section/driver-license/driver-license-fees
https://www.dps.texas.gov/section/driver-license/how-do-i-apply-commercial-driver-license
Manual sections used in this test: 2.1.7; 2.10.2; 2.10.3; 2.11.2; 2.17.4; 2.2.3; 2.21.3; 2.22.2; 2.23.3; 2.3.1; 2.4.2; 2.5.2; 2.6.1; 2.6.2; 2.7.1; 2.8.2; 3; 3.3.5; 3.4.4

General Knowledge practice test in nearby states