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Indiana CDL Practice Test

Free, full Indiana CDL general knowledge test practice right here in your browser — real exam format (50 questions, 80% to pass), diagnostic and adaptive modes, spaced-repetition review, and a readiness dashboard. No signup, no paywall — your progress is saved automatically on this device. Matched to the official BMV knowledge exam.

50
Real exam questions
80%
Passing score
750+
CDL questions

Sample Indiana CDL general knowledge test questions

  1. Which of the following hazardous materials classes uses POISON or TOXIC placards?

    • A. Class 2.1
    • B. Class 6
    • C. Class 4.1
    • D. Class 8
    Show answer

    B. Class 6 — Class 6 hazardous materials (poisonous/toxic substances) require POISON or TOXIC placards when transported in reportable quantities.

  2. Falsifying a logbook or ELD record is:

    • A. Only a minor infraction
    • B. A federal violation that can result in disqualification of the CDL
    • C. Permitted to stay within delivery schedules
    • D. Only illegal if the driver exceeds the speed limit
    Show answer

    B. A federal violation that can result in disqualification of the CDL — Falsifying records of duty status is a federal violation under FMCSA regulations. Penalties include significant fines and CDL disqualification. Carriers who require or allow falsification also face penalties.

  3. When driving doubles or triples, you should look farther ahead than usual because:

    • A. You have better visibility
    • B. You can drive faster
    • C. Stopping distance is much longer
    • D. The trailers are lighter
    Show answer

    C. Stopping distance is much longer — Doubles and triples need significantly more stopping distance. Look farther ahead to anticipate stops and slow-downs.

  4. What is a 'CVSA Level I inspection'?

    • A. An inspection of only the vehicle's exterior
    • B. The most thorough roadside inspection, covering both the driver (credentials, hours, medical certificate) and the vehicle (all accessible components)
    • C. An inspection done only at weigh stations
    • D. An annual inspection done only by the motor carrier
    Show answer

    B. The most thorough roadside inspection, covering both the driver (credentials, hours, medical certificate) and the vehicle (all accessible components) — CVSA Level I (North American Standard Inspection) is the most comprehensive roadside inspection. It covers both driver qualifications and vehicle mechanical components, including brakes, coupling, tires, lights, and cargo securement.

  5. Under FMCSA Hours of Service rules, a property-carrying driver may drive a maximum of how many hours after 10 consecutive off-duty hours?

    • A. 11 hours
    • B. 10 hours
    • C. 12 hours
    • D. 8 hours
    Show answer

    A. 11 hours — Property-carrying drivers may drive a maximum of 11 hours after taking 10 or more consecutive off-duty hours. This is the 11-Hour Driving Limit under FMCSA regulations.

  6. The steering play (lash) acceptable limit for a power-steering vehicle is:

    • A. No play at all is required
    • B. Up to 30 degrees
    • C. As much as needed for comfortable steering
    • D. No more than 10 degrees (about 2 inches of play on a 20-inch wheel)
    Show answer

    D. No more than 10 degrees (about 2 inches of play on a 20-inch wheel) — For power steering vehicles, steering wheel play should not exceed 10 degrees. For a 20-inch wheel, that is about 2 inches of free play at the rim. Excessive play indicates worn steering components.

  7. Baggage and freight on a bus should be secured so that they:

    • A. Are stacked in front of the driver
    • B. Block the rear emergency exit
    • C. Do not block the aisle, doors, or the driver's view, and cannot fall on passengers
    • D. Lean against the windshield
    Show answer

    C. Do not block the aisle, doors, or the driver's view, and cannot fall on passengers — Securing baggage clear of aisles, exits, and the driver's view keeps passengers safe and allows quick evacuation in an emergency.

  8. To prevent cargo from shifting, you should use:

    • A. Just the trailer walls to hold it
    • B. Proper bracing, blocking, and tie-downs
    • C. Extra speed to keep momentum
    • D. Open trailer doors for ventilation
    Show answer

    B. Proper bracing, blocking, and tie-downs — Use bracing, blocking, and tie-downs to secure cargo. Relying on trailer walls alone is unsafe.

  9. How should you check that the converter dolly fifth wheel is properly locked after coupling?

    • A. Pull forward with full throttle to test tension
    • B. Try to pull the combination apart by moving forward slowly and check for separation
    • C. Push and pull the converter dolly by hand
    • D. Check that the safety chains are hooked correctly
    Show answer

    B. Try to pull the combination apart by moving forward slowly and check for separation — After coupling, check the fifth wheel lock by slowly moving forward to put tension on the coupling, then stop and verify no separation occurred between the dolly and the trailer.

  10. A tank vehicle (N) endorsement is required to haul liquids or gases in a permanently mounted tank with a capacity of:

    • A. Any amount of water
    • B. More than 100 gallons total
    • C. 1,000 gallons or more, or individual containers of 119 gallons or more totaling 1,000 gallons
    • D. Less than 50 gallons
    Show answer

    C. 1,000 gallons or more, or individual containers of 119 gallons or more totaling 1,000 gallons — The tank endorsement applies to tanks rated 1,000 gallons or more, or aggregated portable tanks meeting that threshold of liquid or gas.

Frequently asked questions

How many questions are on the Indiana CDL general knowledge test?

The Indiana CDL general knowledge test has 50 questions, and you need 80% to pass — at least 40 correct answers. The practice tests on this page use the same format. The 80% passing score is a federal FMCSA standard used by every state.

What score do I need to pass the Indiana CDL general knowledge test?

80%. You can miss at most 10 of the 50 questions. The readiness dashboard on this page tracks whether you're consistently scoring above that bar.

Is the Indiana CDL general knowledge test taken at the DMV?

In Indiana, driver licensing is handled by the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV), so you'll often see the exam called the BMV CDL general knowledge test. The practice tests on this page match the official BMV knowledge exam format.

Is this Indiana CDL general knowledge test practice really free?

Yes. Every practice test on this page and everything in the DMVPrep iPhone app is free — no ads, no paywall, no account.

Where do these CDL general knowledge test questions come from?

Federal motor carrier safety regulations (FMCSA) — the same rules every state's CDL exam is drawn from. Every question in the DMVPrep app cites the regulation or handbook section it comes from.

Can I study for the Indiana CDL general knowledge test in Spanish?

Yes — the DMVPrep app includes all 3,745+ questions in Spanish, and the whole app works in Spanish.

Prefer the iPhone app? Get offline mode, iCloud sync across devices, and an on-device AI coach that explains every mistake. Download DMVPrep

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