Penalties & Licensing

Study questions with answers

12 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. 1. After the first check, how often must cargo securement be re-inspected on the road?

   Correct answer: Every 150 miles or 3 hours, whichever comes first

   After the initial check, re-inspect the cargo every 150 miles or every 3 hours, whichever comes first, and after each break.

   Source: Tennessee CDL Manual — Section 3: Transporting Cargo Safely (Securing Cargo)

2. 2. No matter how small a flatbed load is, at least how many tie-downs are required?

   Correct answer: Two tie-downs

   No matter how small the cargo, it must have at least two tie-downs.

   Source: Tennessee CDL Manual — Section 3: Transporting Cargo Safely (Securing Cargo)

3. 3. How long must you have held your CLP before you may take the CDL skills test?

   Correct answer: At least 14 days

   The CLP must be in your possession for at least 14 days before you can schedule and take the skills test.

   Source: Tennessee CDL Manual — Section 1: Introduction (Eligibility / Applying)

4. 4. For how many days is a Tennessee commercial learner permit (CLP) valid?

   Correct answer: 365 days

   A Tennessee CLP is valid for 365 days; if you don't convert it to a CDL before it expires, your test results become void.

   Source: Tennessee CDL Manual — Section 1: Introduction (Eligibility / Applying)

5. 5. How many tie-downs does the manual require based on the length of a load?

   Correct answer: One tie-down for every 10 feet of cargo

   You need at least one tie-down for every 10 feet of cargo, with a minimum of two overall.

   Source: Tennessee CDL Manual — Section 3: Transporting Cargo Safely (Securing Cargo)

6. 6. Which of these counts as a serious traffic violation for a CDL holder?

   Correct answer: Speeding 15 mph or more over the posted limit

   Serious traffic violations include excessive speeding of 15 mph or more over the limit, reckless driving, and following too closely.

   Source: Tennessee CDL Manual — Section 1: Introduction (Serious Traffic Violations)

7. 7. Within how many miles of starting a trip must you first re-inspect the securement of your cargo?

   Correct answer: Within the first 50 miles

   You must inspect the cargo's securement within the first 50 miles of the trip and adjust it as needed.

   Source: Tennessee CDL Manual — Section 3: Transporting Cargo Safely (Securing Cargo)

8. 8. How many red reflective warning triangles satisfy the emergency-device requirement?

   Correct answer: Three reflective triangles

   Three red reflective triangles satisfy the rule; the alternatives are 6 or more fusees or 3 flares that burn liquid fuel.

   Source: Tennessee CDL Manual — Section 2: Driving Safely (Vehicle Inspection)

9. 9. How long are you disqualified for a first out-of-service order violation?

   Correct answer: At least 90 days

   A first out-of-service order violation results in loss of the CDL for at least 90 days.

   Source: Tennessee CDL Manual — Section 1: Introduction (Out-of-Service Orders)

10. 10. Which three kinds of emergency equipment must a commercial vehicle carry?

    Correct answer: A fire extinguisher, spare fuses, and warning devices like reflective triangles

    You must carry a fire extinguisher, spare electrical fuses (unless the vehicle has circuit breakers), and warning devices such as three reflective triangles.

    Source: Tennessee CDL Manual — Section 2: Driving Safely (Vehicle Inspection)

11. 11. What is the minimum tread depth for tires other than the front steering tires?

    Correct answer: 2/32 inch

    Tires other than the front ones must have at least 2/32 inch of tread depth in every major groove.

    Source: Tennessee CDL Manual — Section 2: Driving Safely (Vehicle Inspection)

12. 12. What is the minimum tread depth required on the front (steering) tires of a commercial vehicle?

    Correct answer: 4/32 inch

    Front tires must have at least 4/32 inch of tread depth in every major groove.

    Source: Tennessee CDL Manual — Section 2: Driving Safely (Vehicle Inspection)