Connecticut CDL — General Knowledge Practice Test
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Connecticut CDL — General Knowledge questions with answers
20 sample questions from the Connecticut CDL — General Knowledge question bank — each with the correct answer, a short explanation, and the section of the official handbook it comes from.
1. Because a retarder can cause the drive wheels to skid, when should you turn it off?
Correct answer: When the road is wet, icy, or snowy
Switch the retarder off on wet, icy, or snowy roads, because low traction can let it send the drive wheels into a skid.
Source: Connecticut CDL Manual - Section 2: Driving Safely
2. If a hill or curve blocks the view of your stopped vehicle, where should the rear warning device go?
Correct answer: Back beyond the obstruction, within 500 feet
Move the back triangle beyond the obstruction so drivers get warning within 500 feet of your vehicle.
Source: Connecticut CDL Manual - Section 2: Driving Safely
3. On a two-lane road, the pavement marking that warns of a railroad crossing includes what?
Correct answer: An 'X' with 'RR' and a no-passing line
The crossing is painted on the pavement as a big X, along with RR lettering and a line that forbids passing.
Source: Connecticut CDL Manual - Section 2: Driving Safely
4. What is the correct way to handle speed for a curve?
Correct answer: Slow down before entering the curve
Slow to a safe speed before entering the curve; braking within the curve makes it easier to lock the wheels and skid.
Source: Connecticut CDL Manual - Section 2: Driving Safely
5. If an oncoming driver drifts into your lane, which way is usually best to steer?
Correct answer: To your right
Steering right is safest; a driver who notices the error will instinctively pull back into their own lane.
Source: Connecticut CDL Manual - Section 2: Driving Safely
6. Which class covers a single heavy straight vehicle rated at 26,001 pounds or more?
Correct answer: Class B
Group B includes single vehicles of 26,001 pounds or more, such as straight trucks and large buses.
Source: Connecticut CDL Manual - Section 1: Introduction
7. What is a danger of traveling alongside another vehicle?
Correct answer: You might get boxed in when you must change lanes
Driving next to others risks being boxed in when you need to change lanes, or being hit if that driver turns into you.
Source: Connecticut CDL Manual - Section 2: Driving Safely
8. A court may impose what maximum fine on a driver who operates a commercial vehicle without holding a CDL?
Correct answer: Up to $5,000
Driving a CMV without a CDL can cost up to a $5,000 fine or jail time.
Source: Connecticut CDL Manual - Section 1: Introduction
9. How should you change lanes after putting on your turn signal?
Correct answer: Slowly and smoothly
Move over slowly and smoothly so a driver you did not see has a chance to sound the horn or avoid your vehicle.
Source: Connecticut CDL Manual - Section 2: Driving Safely
10. Before you start across an intersection or road, what must you be sure of?
Correct answer: That you can clear the full width before other traffic reaches you
Make certain you can clear the whole way across before other traffic reaches you, since your vehicle is long and slow.
Source: Connecticut CDL Manual - Section 2: Driving Safely
11. For a first offense such as driving a CMV under the influence, how long will you lose your CDL?
Correct answer: At least one year
A first alcohol-related offense costs you your CDL for at least one year.
Source: Connecticut CDL Manual - Section 1: Introduction
12. What is your goal regarding in-vehicle distractions before you start driving?
Correct answer: Eliminate them before driving begins
Aim to remove all in-vehicle distractions before you begin, since a driver reacting even a half-second slower doubles crash risk.
Source: Connecticut CDL Manual - Section 2: Driving Safely
13. On a level surface, what should you use to help hold a parked vehicle in place?
Correct answer: Wheel chocks
On level ground, place wheel chocks to stop the vehicle from rolling, particularly when you cannot set the parking brakes.
Source: Connecticut CDL Manual - Section 2: Driving Safely
14. How many separate hazard classes are listed in the hazardous-materials class chart?
Correct answer: Nine
The chart lists nine numbered hazard classes, from explosives through miscellaneous hazardous materials.
Source: Connecticut CDL Manual - Section 2: Driving Safely
15. How much should you reduce speed on packed snow?
Correct answer: By a half or more
On packed snow, reduce your speed by a half or more.
Source: Connecticut CDL Manual - Section 2: Driving Safely
16. How do you correct a drive-wheel braking skid?
Correct answer: Stop braking and then countersteer
Stop braking to let the rear wheels roll again, then countersteer as the vehicle straightens out.
Source: Connecticut CDL Manual - Section 2: Driving Safely
17. What is the minimum age to drive a CMV in interstate commerce?
Correct answer: 21
Driving across state lines requires you to be at least 21 years old.
Source: Connecticut CDL Manual - Section 1: Introduction
18. A vehicle displaying the slow-moving-vehicle emblem, such as a tractor or moped, is a clue to what?
Correct answer: That a very slow vehicle is ahead
Some vehicles are slow by nature; seeing them early, marked by the slow-moving symbol, helps you avoid a crash.
Source: Connecticut CDL Manual - Section 2: Driving Safely
19. After the first cargo check, how often must the load be re-inspected during the trip?
Correct answer: Every 150 miles or 3 hours
You must re-check the load after another 150 miles or three hours of driving, whichever happens first, and again after each break.
Source: Connecticut CDL Manual - Section 3: Transporting Cargo Safely
20. When is the best time to turn on your signal before making a turn?
Correct answer: Well before you reach the turn
Signal well ahead of the turn; doing it early is the best way to discourage others from passing you.
Source: Connecticut CDL Manual - Section 2: Driving Safely