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Massachusetts CDL Practice Test

Free, full Massachusetts 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 RMV knowledge exam.

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

Sample Massachusetts CDL general knowledge test questions

  1. When evacuating a bus in an emergency, where should passengers be moved?

    • A. To the front of the bus away from the emergency exit
    • B. At least 100 feet away from the bus, off the road and upwind if there is a fuel leak or fire risk
    • C. To the shoulder of the road directly beside the bus
    • D. Only 20 feet away to maintain control of the group
    Show answer

    B. At least 100 feet away from the bus, off the road and upwind if there is a fuel leak or fire risk — Passengers should be evacuated to a safe distance (at least 100 feet) from the bus, off the road, and upwind if there is any risk of fuel leak or fire, to protect them from additional hazards.

  2. How often should you check your mirrors while driving a commercial vehicle?

    • A. Every 30 seconds
    • B. Every minute
    • C. Every 5-8 seconds
    • D. Only when changing lanes
    Show answer

    C. Every 5-8 seconds — Check mirrors every 5-8 seconds to maintain awareness of your surroundings and traffic conditions.

  3. When uncoupling, after you pull the tractor partially clear of the trailer, you should:

    • A. Drive away immediately
    • B. Release the fifth wheel latch
    • C. Unhook the air lines
    • D. Lower the landing gear if not already down
    Show answer

    D. Lower the landing gear if not already down — Lower the landing gear (if not already down) before pulling completely clear to ensure there's enough clearance.

  4. The out-of-service BAC level for a CMV driver is:

    • A. 0.02% or above
    • B. 0.08% or above
    • C. Any detectable amount
    • D. 0.04% or above
    Show answer

    D. 0.04% or above — A CMV driver with a BAC of 0.04% or higher must be placed out of service. Even a BAC between 0.01% and 0.039% requires the driver to be taken out of service for 24 hours.

  5. CDL safety scenario 87: If the low air pressure warning activates while driving a commercial vehicle, what should you do?

    • A. Ignore it until the next terminal
    • B. Stop safely as soon as possible
    • C. Increase speed to finish the route sooner
    • D. Ask traffic behind you to go around
    Show answer

    B. Stop safely as soon as possible — Stop safely as soon as possible. Commercial drivers are expected to manage this situation before it becomes a crash risk. The CDL manual emphasizes controlling the vehicle, inspecting safety-critical systems, and correcting hazards promptly.

  6. What three things add up to total stopping distance?

    • A. Perception distance, reaction distance, braking distance
    • B. Speed, weight, road conditions
    • C. Eye lead time, following distance, space cushion
    • D. Tire tread, brake condition, vehicle weight
    Show answer

    A. Perception distance, reaction distance, braking distance — Total stopping distance = perception distance (time to see hazard) + reaction distance (time to hit brakes) + braking distance (time to stop).

  7. Air tanks should be drained of water and oil:

    • A. Once a month
    • B. At the end of each driving day
    • C. Only during annual inspection
    • D. Only when the warning buzzer sounds
    Show answer

    B. At the end of each driving day — Draining the tanks daily removes water and compressor oil that can freeze or reduce braking, keeping the system reliable.

  8. The 'No-Zone' refers to:

    • A. The large blind spots around a commercial truck where crashes are likely
    • B. A zone where CDLs are not required
    • C. A no-parking area at truck stops
    • D. The area inside a weigh station
    Show answer

    A. The large blind spots around a commercial truck where crashes are likely — The No-Zones are the blind spots in front, behind, and beside a large truck where other vehicles disappear from the driver's view.

  9. What should you check when inspecting the tractor's front axle area during a pre-trip?

    • A. Only the tire pressure with a gauge
    • B. Leaf springs or other spring mounts, shock absorbers, U-bolts, steering tie rod and drag link connections, and condition of the steer tires
    • C. Only the wheel lug nuts and hub caps
    • D. Only that the wheel covers are properly secured
    Show answer

    B. Leaf springs or other spring mounts, shock absorbers, U-bolts, steering tie rod and drag link connections, and condition of the steer tires — Front axle inspection includes: spring hangers and mounting bolts, shock absorbers, U-bolts, steering linkage (tie rod ends, drag links, steering arm), and steer tire condition (tread, inflation, sidewall, valve stems).

  10. Spring brakes will apply fully when air pressure drops below:

    • A. 10-15 PSI
    • B. 20-45 PSI
    • C. 50-60 PSI
    • D. 80-90 PSI
    Show answer

    B. 20-45 PSI — Spring brakes will apply fully when air pressure drops to 20-45 PSI range, bringing the vehicle to a stop.

Frequently asked questions

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

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

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

Is this Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts 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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