California CDL — General Knowledge practice
Penalties & Licensing
The point system, license suspension, provisional-license rules, insurance requirements, and other licensing basics.
Content reviewed against official driver handbooks · July 7, 2026
9 questions · pass with 7 correct. You get instant feedback and an explanation after every answer.
Study questions with answers
9 sample Penalties & Licensing questions with the correct answer, a short explanation, and the official handbook reference. Read through them, then take the quiz above.
1. Under the federal hours-of-service rules, how many hours may a property-carrying driver drive after 10 hours off duty?
Correct answer: 11 hours
After at least 10 consecutive hours off duty, a property-carrying driver may drive up to 11 hours. These limits are designed to reduce fatigue-related crashes.
Source: California Commercial Driver Handbook — Federal Requirements
2. If you are convicted of two serious traffic violations within three years, in separate incidents, how long is your CDL disqualified?
Correct answer: At least 60 days
Two serious traffic violations within three years lead to at least a 60-day disqualification; three within three years lead to at least 120 days. Serious violations include excessive speeding, reckless driving, and following too closely.
3. How does the 14-hour rule limit a property-carrying driver?
Correct answer: You may not drive after the 14th hour since coming on duty
A driver may not drive after the 14th consecutive hour following the start of the work shift, even if they stop for breaks during that window. Off-duty time inside the window does not push back the 14-hour limit.
Source: California Commercial Driver Handbook — Federal Requirements
4. What do the 60- and 70-hour hours-of-service limits mean?
Correct answer: The most on-duty hours allowed over 7 or 8 consecutive days
A driver may not drive after being on duty 60 hours in 7 consecutive days or 70 hours in 8 consecutive days, depending on the carrier's schedule. A 34-hour off-duty restart can reset the weekly total.
Source: California Commercial Driver Handbook — Federal Requirements
5. What does it mean when a vehicle or driver is placed "out of service"?
Correct answer: The vehicle or driver may not operate until the problem is fixed
An out-of-service order means the vehicle or driver may not be operated until the safety problem or violation is corrected. Driving in violation of an out-of-service order brings heavy penalties.
6. For a first conviction of driving a commercial vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.04 or higher, how long is your CDL disqualified?
Correct answer: At least 1 year
A first major offense, such as a 0.04 or higher BAC or refusing testing, disqualifies your CDL for at least one year. A second major offense results in a lifetime disqualification.
7. What can happen to a commercial driver convicted of texting or using a handheld phone while driving?
Correct answer: Fines, and disqualification of the CDL for repeat convictions
These violations bring fines and count as serious traffic violations, so repeat convictions can disqualify your CDL. Employers who allow the practice can also be fined.
Source: California Commercial Driver Handbook — Driver Disqualifications
8. Which of the following is a major offense that can disqualify your CDL?
Correct answer: Leaving the scene of a crash involving your CMV
Leaving the scene of a crash involving your commercial vehicle is a major offense, along with DUI, refusing a test, and using a CMV to commit a felony. A first major offense disqualifies you for at least one year.
9. A Commercial Driver License (CDL) is required to drive a single vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating of at least how much?
Correct answer: 26,001 pounds
A CDL is required to drive a vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more. A CDL is also required for certain passenger vehicles and any vehicle carrying placarded hazardous materials.
Source: California CDL Manual — Commercial Driver License Information
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