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Louisiana CDL Practice Test

Free, full Louisiana 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 OMV knowledge exam.

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

Sample Louisiana CDL general knowledge test questions

  1. What is the correct order of steps when uncoupling a tractor-semitrailer?

    • A. Disconnect air lines → lower landing gear → pull out from under trailer → lock trailer
    • B. Park on level ground → lower landing gear → disconnect air lines → pull tractor away → chock trailer wheels
    • C. Chock wheels → pull tractor out → lower landing gear → disconnect air lines
    • D. Lower landing gear → chock wheels → pull out from under trailer
    Show answer

    B. Park on level ground → lower landing gear → disconnect air lines → pull tractor away → chock trailer wheels — Correct uncoupling order: (1) Park on level surface, (2) Secure trailer with parking brake, (3) Lower landing gear until trailer is supported, (4) Disconnect air lines and electrical, (5) Unlock fifth wheel, (6) Pull tractor forward carefully, (7) Chock trailer wheels.

  2. When checking the front brake hoses and lines during a pre-trip, you are looking for:

    • A. Rust on the fittings only
    • B. Chafing, wear, leaks, and improper securement that could cause brake failure
    • C. Color of the brake fluid
    • D. Temperature of the brake drums
    Show answer

    B. Chafing, wear, leaks, and improper securement that could cause brake failure — Inspect brake hoses for chafing (wearing from contact), soft spots, leaks, cracks, and improper routing. Damaged hoses can fail under pressure and cause complete brake system loss.

  3. Which of the following HazMat classes requires 'any quantity' placarding regardless of the amount carried?

    • A. Class 3 (flammable liquids)
    • B. Class 9 (miscellaneous)
    • C. Division 2.3 (poison gas) and Division 6.1 (poison inhalation hazard)
    • D. Class 8 (corrosive)
    Show answer

    C. Division 2.3 (poison gas) and Division 6.1 (poison inhalation hazard) — Certain HazMat classes require placarding in ANY quantity: Division 1.1, 1.2, 1.3 (explosives), Division 2.3 (poison gas), Class 7 (radioactive), and Division 6.1 (poison inhalation hazard). Most others require placards only at 1,001 lbs or more.

  4. Which hazmat placard is used for flammable gases?

    • A. Class 1
    • B. Class 2
    • C. Class 3
    • D. Class 4
    Show answer

    B. Class 2 — Class 2 is for gases: Division 2.1 (flammable gas), 2.2 (non-flammable/non-toxic), and 2.3 (poison gas).

  5. Before backing this tractor-trailer into the dock, the safest first step is to:

    • A. Rely only on the mirrors
    • B. Back quickly while the area is clear
    • C. Have a bystander stand behind the trailer
    • D. Get out and walk around to check behind and around the vehicle
    Show answer

    D. Get out and walk around to check behind and around the vehicle — Always do a walk-around (Get Out And Look) before backing, since mirrors leave blind spots and conditions can change.

  6. Before backing under the trailer, make sure the:

    • A. Trailer brakes are released
    • B. Trailer is empty
    • C. Trailer brakes are locked and/or wheels are chocked
    • D. Fifth wheel is unlocked
    Show answer

    C. Trailer brakes are locked and/or wheels are chocked — The trailer brakes should be locked (or wheels chocked) to prevent the trailer from moving when backing under.

  7. Hazardous materials shipping papers must describe materials in what order?

    • A. Weight, quantity, description, UN number
    • B. Proper shipping name, hazard class/division, UN/NA identification number, packing group (where applicable)
    • C. Company name, origin, destination, weight
    • D. Placard type, emergency contact, quantity, destination
    Show answer

    B. Proper shipping name, hazard class/division, UN/NA identification number, packing group (where applicable) — 49 CFR requires that HazMat shipping paper entries appear in the order: proper shipping name, hazard class/division, UN or NA identification number, and packing group (where required).

  8. What is the minimum tread depth required on drive tires during a pre-trip inspection?

    • A. 1/16 inch
    • B. 2/32 inch (4/32 inch on front tires)
    • C. 4/32 inch on all tires
    • D. 1/4 inch on all tires
    Show answer

    B. 2/32 inch (4/32 inch on front tires) — Federal regulations require a minimum of 4/32-inch tread depth on front (steer) tires and at least 2/32-inch on drive and trailer tires. Using a tread depth gauge during inspection verifies compliance.

  9. When uncoupling a trailer, what should you do before pulling the fifth wheel release handle?

    • A. Lower the landing gear
    • B. Remove the air lines
    • C. Disconnect the electrical cord
    • D. All of the above
    Show answer

    A. Lower the landing gear — Lower the landing gear first to support the trailer before releasing the fifth wheel. Then disconnect air and electrical lines.

  10. Cargo that is not properly secured in a trailer can affect vehicle handling by:

    • A. Reducing the overall weight of the vehicle
    • B. Shifting during transport, changing the vehicle's weight distribution and potentially causing loss of control
    • C. Increasing fuel efficiency due to reduced rolling resistance
    • D. Reducing wear on the trailer axle
    Show answer

    B. Shifting during transport, changing the vehicle's weight distribution and potentially causing loss of control — Improperly secured cargo can shift during acceleration, braking, or cornering, dramatically altering axle weight distribution. This can cause understeer, oversteer, or rollover.

Frequently asked questions

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

The Louisiana 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 Louisiana 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 Louisiana CDL general knowledge test taken at the DMV?

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

Is this Louisiana 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 Louisiana CDL general knowledge test in Spanish?

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

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