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New Jersey CDL Practice Test

Free, full New Jersey 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 MVC knowledge exam.

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

Sample New Jersey CDL general knowledge test questions

  1. When pulling doubles or triples, the crack-the-whip effect means:

    • A. The lead trailer sways the most
    • B. The last trailer is most likely to turn over because rearward motion is amplified
    • C. All trailers move together evenly
    • D. The tractor lifts off the ground
    Show answer

    B. The last trailer is most likely to turn over because rearward motion is amplified — Steering motions amplify toward the rear, so the last trailer can flip in a quick move; drive smoothly and slow down to prevent it.

  2. After stopping on the shoulder of a two-lane road, you should place a warning triangle:

    • A. Only directly behind the vehicle
    • B. On the roof of the cab
    • C. 500 feet ahead only
    • D. About 10 feet behind, 100 feet behind, and 100 feet ahead of the vehicle
    Show answer

    D. About 10 feet behind, 100 feet behind, and 100 feet ahead of the vehicle — On a two-lane road, place triangles roughly 10 and 100 feet behind and 100 feet ahead so traffic from both directions is warned.

  3. After unloading passengers at a destination, what must a bus driver do before driving away?

    • A. Complete the logbook entry
    • B. Scan all mirrors and check around the bus to ensure no passengers remain near the vehicle
    • C. Announce the destination over the PA system
    • D. Count seats to ensure capacity was not exceeded
    Show answer

    B. Scan all mirrors and check around the bus to ensure no passengers remain near the vehicle — Before pulling away after unloading, the driver must check all mirrors and look around the bus to confirm no passengers (especially children) are in a danger zone around the vehicle.

  4. When loading or unloading explosives or flammable materials, smoking is prohibited within:

    • A. 5 feet
    • B. 25 feet
    • C. 100 feet
    • D. 10 feet
    Show answer

    B. 25 feet — No one may smoke or carry a lighted smoking item within 25 feet of a vehicle that contains explosives, oxidizers, or flammables.

  5. You should check cargo and securing devices after driving how many miles?

    • A. 100 miles only
    • B. 50 miles only
    • C. 25 miles, then every 150 miles or 3 hours
    • D. Only at your destination
    Show answer

    C. 25 miles, then every 150 miles or 3 hours — Check cargo within the first 25 miles, then every 150 miles or every 3 hours of driving, whichever comes first.

  6. If a trailer's wheels lock up and it begins to swing out (trailer jackknife), you should:

    • A. Accelerate hard
    • B. Apply more trailer brake
    • C. Release the brakes to let the trailer wheels roll and regain traction
    • D. Turn the steering wheel sharply
    Show answer

    C. Release the brakes to let the trailer wheels roll and regain traction — Releasing the brakes lets the locked trailer wheels start rolling again, which restores traction and helps the trailer fall back in line.

  7. Property-carrying drivers must take a 30-minute break after how many hours of driving time?

    • A. 4 hours
    • B. 6 hours
    • C. 8 hours
    • D. 10 hours
    Show answer

    C. 8 hours — A 30-minute break is required after 8 cumulative hours of driving time, satisfied by any non-driving period of at least 30 minutes.

  8. CDL safety scenario 4: Before backing a tractor-trailer, what is the safest first step?

    • A. Increase speed to finish the route sooner
    • B. Ignore it until the next terminal
    • C. Get out and inspect the path for hazards
    • D. Ask traffic behind you to go around
    Show answer

    C. Get out and inspect the path for hazards — Get out and inspect the path for hazards. 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.

  9. CDL safety scenario 42: Why does liquid surge make tanker driving harder?

    • A. The moving liquid can push the vehicle after you brake or turn
    • B. Ignore it until the next terminal
    • C. Increase speed to finish the route sooner
    • D. Ask traffic behind you to go around
    Show answer

    A. The moving liquid can push the vehicle after you brake or turn — The moving liquid can push the vehicle after you brake or turn. 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.

  10. The adverse driving conditions exception generally allows a driver to:

    • A. Drive 20 hours straight
    • B. Skip all rest breaks
    • C. Extend the maximum driving window by up to 2 hours when unexpected bad weather or conditions arise
    • D. Ignore the 70-hour limit
    Show answer

    C. Extend the maximum driving window by up to 2 hours when unexpected bad weather or conditions arise — When unforeseen weather or traffic conditions occur, a driver may extend driving and the window by up to 2 hours to reach a safe stop.

Frequently asked questions

How many questions are on the New Jersey CDL general knowledge test?

The New Jersey 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 New Jersey 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 New Jersey CDL general knowledge test taken at the DMV?

In New Jersey, driver licensing is handled by the Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC), so you'll often see the exam called the MVC CDL general knowledge test. The practice tests on this page match the official MVC knowledge exam format.

Is this New Jersey 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 New Jersey 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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