Delaware CDL — General Knowledge practice
Delaware CDL — General Knowledge: Safe Driving Practices practice test
Following distance, scanning, blind spots, using your lights, and the habits that prevent crashes and keep you in control.
Content reviewed against official driver handbooks · August 12, 2026
15 questions · pass with 12 correct. You get instant feedback and an explanation after every answer.
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12 sample Safe Driving Practices questions with the correct answer, a short explanation, and the official handbook reference. Read through them, then take the quiz above.
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1. Which of these does the manual list as an effect of distracted driving?
Correct answer: Slowed perception, so you notice a traffic event late or not at all
The listed effects are slowed perception, delayed decision making, and improper action, such as wrong inputs to the steering, accelerator, or brakes.
Source: Delaware Commercial Driver's Manual — Section 2.9.2, Effects of Distracted Driving
2. Your truck has a see-through coolant overflow container that is not part of the pressurized system. What does the manual say about adding coolant?
Correct answer: You may take the cap off and add coolant even with the engine at operating temperature
Sight glasses and overflow or recovery containers let you check the level while hot. If the container is outside the pressurized system, its cap can come off safely with the engine warm. The radiator cap itself must wait until the system cools.
Source: Delaware Commercial Driver's Manual — Section 2.14.1, Vehicle Checks
3. Before you inspect a vehicle, the manual says to check the area around it for hazards to vehicle movement. Which of these does it name?
Correct answer: Low-hanging wires and limbs
While approaching the vehicle you look over its general condition and check the surrounding area for anything in the way, such as people, vehicles, low wires, or tree limbs.
Source: Delaware Commercial Driver's Manual — Section 2.1.5, Seven-step Inspection Method
4. Why should you check your cargo covers in the mirrors every so often while driving?
Correct answer: A flapping cover can tear loose, exposing the cargo and possibly blocking someone's view
A cover that flaps can rip free, which uncovers the cargo and may block your view or another driver's. Checking it in the mirrors lets you catch the problem early.
Source: Delaware Commercial Driver's Manual — Section 3.3.4, Covering Cargo
5. Why must wiper blades press firmly against the windshield in winter?
Correct answer: Otherwise they may not sweep snow off properly
The winter checks call for wiper blades in good condition that press hard enough to wipe the glass clean; weak blades may fail to clear snow.
Source: Delaware Commercial Driver's Manual — Section 2.13.1, Vehicle Checks
6. During a pre-trip inspection you measure 3/32 inch of tread in a major groove of a steer tire and 3/32 inch on a drive tire. Which tire fails the manual's standard?
Correct answer: Only the steer tire
Front tires need at least 4/32 inch in every major groove, so 3/32 is too little there. Other tires need 2/32 inch, so the drive tire still passes.
Source: Delaware Commercial Driver's Manual — Section 2.1.3, What to Look For
7. Besides general mechanical damage, what can rough acceleration damage when you are pulling a trailer?
Correct answer: The coupling
The manual says acceleration should be smooth and gradual to avoid jerking the vehicle. Rough acceleration can cause mechanical damage and, with a trailer, can damage the coupling.
Source: Delaware Commercial Driver's Manual — Section 2.2.1, Accelerating
8. On a cab-over-engine truck, what must you confirm about the cab during the walk-around?
Correct answer: The primary and secondary safety cab locks are engaged
On the right side of the walk-around, the checklist calls for both the primary and the secondary safety cab locks to be engaged when the truck is a cab-over-engine design.
Source: Delaware Commercial Driver's Manual — Section 2.1.5, Seven-step Inspection Method
9. Why does the manual recommend regular eye exams by a specialist?
Correct answer: You may never know your vision is poor unless it is tested
Control of the brake, accelerator, and steering depends on what you see, and the manual points out that poor vision can go unnoticed until the eyes are tested.
Source: Delaware Commercial Driver's Manual — Section 2.11.2, Driver Factors
10. Which exhaust system condition does the manual list as a defect to look for?
Correct answer: Exhaust parts rubbing against fuel system parts or tires
A damaged exhaust can leak poisonous fumes into the cab or sleeper. The listed defects include loose or missing pipes and brackets, leaks, and exhaust parts that rub on the fuel system, tires, or other moving parts.
Source: Delaware Commercial Driver's Manual — Section 2.1.3, What to Look For
11. According to the manual, how are the special skills for driving a large commercial vehicle most reliably learned?
Correct answer: Through formal training, such as a truck driver training program
The manual helps you pass the tests, but it says it is no substitute for a training class or program and calls formal training the most reliable way to learn.
Source: Delaware Commercial Driver's Manual — Section 1, To Get a CDL or CLP
12. When are containerized loads generally used, according to the manual?
Correct answer: When freight travels part of the way by rail or ship
Containers are typically used when a shipment goes part way by rail or ship, with the truck handling the start and/or the end of the journey.
Source: Delaware Commercial Driver's Manual — Section 3.3.5, Sealed and Containerized Loads
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