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North Dakota CDL Practice Test

Free, full North Dakota 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 NDDOT knowledge exam.

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

Sample North Dakota CDL general knowledge test questions

  1. The minimum tread depth required for the front (steering) tires of a commercial vehicle is:

    • A. 4/32 inch
    • B. 2/32 inch
    • C. 1/32 inch
    • D. 8/32 inch
    Show answer

    A. 4/32 inch — Steering tires must have at least 4/32 inch of tread, while other tires need at least 2/32 inch, to maintain grip and control.

  2. CDL safety scenario 55: When driving a bus, when should riders be counted?

    • A. Ignore it until the next terminal
    • B. After each stop where passengers board or leave
    • C. Increase speed to finish the route sooner
    • D. Ask traffic behind you to go around
    Show answer

    B. After each stop where passengers board or leave — After each stop where passengers board or leave. 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.

  3. What is a 'walk-around inspection' and when is it required?

    • A. An inspection done only at the terminal once a week
    • B. A systematic exterior inspection of the entire vehicle performed before each trip, checking all major components
    • C. An inspection done only after an accident or breakdown
    • D. An optional inspection encouraged but not required by FMCSA
    Show answer

    B. A systematic exterior inspection of the entire vehicle performed before each trip, checking all major components — A walk-around pre-trip inspection is a systematic exterior examination of the vehicle before each trip. It is required by 49 CFR 392.7 and must be completed before driving to ensure the vehicle is safe to operate.

  4. 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.

  5. The shaded areas around this tractor-trailer represent the 'No-Zones.' As another driver, you should:

    • A. Pass on the right through the blind spot
    • B. Avoid lingering in these blind spots where the trucker cannot see you
    • C. Tailgate to stay visible
    • D. Drive in them since the trucker will move over
    Show answer

    B. Avoid lingering in these blind spots where the trucker cannot see you — The No-Zones are large blind spots where the truck driver cannot see you, so avoid lingering there and pass on the left promptly.

  6. If a front tire suddenly blows out at highway speed, you should:

    • A. Accelerate to regain control
    • B. Brake hard immediately
    • C. Hold the steering wheel firmly, stay off the brake, and let the vehicle slow before easing off the road
    • D. Steer sharply toward the shoulder
    Show answer

    C. Hold the steering wheel firmly, stay off the brake, and let the vehicle slow before easing off the road — A firm grip and gradual slowing keep a front blowout under control; hard braking could pull the vehicle sharply toward the flat tire.

  7. Regular, brief glances at your mirrors while driving help you:

    • A. Fix your hair
    • B. Increase your speed
    • C. Avoid looking ahead
    • D. Track traffic around you and spot problems with your tires or cargo
    Show answer

    D. Track traffic around you and spot problems with your tires or cargo — Frequent mirror checks let you monitor surrounding traffic and catch tire, cargo, or trailer problems before they become emergencies.

  8. CDL safety scenario 75: 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.

  9. What is the minimum air pressure required before driving a CMV with air brakes?

    • A. 80 psi
    • B. 60 psi
    • C. 100 psi
    • D. 120 psi
    Show answer

    C. 100 psi — Before driving, air pressure should be at least 100 psi (some sources say 90 psi minimum before releasing the parking brakes). Normal operating range is typically 100–125 psi.

  10. When checking belts in the engine compartment, a belt with more than about 3/4 inch of play:

    • A. Is properly adjusted
    • B. Is too loose and should be reported and adjusted
    • C. Should be cut off
    • D. Is normal for any engine
    Show answer

    B. Is too loose and should be reported and adjusted — A belt that deflects more than about 3/4 inch is too loose and may slip, so it should be tightened or replaced before driving.

Frequently asked questions

How many questions are on the North Dakota CDL general knowledge test?

The North Dakota 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 North Dakota 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 North Dakota CDL general knowledge test taken at the DMV?

In North Dakota, driver licensing is handled by the North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT), so you'll often see the exam called the NDDOT CDL general knowledge test. The practice tests on this page match the official NDDOT knowledge exam format.

Is this North Dakota 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 North Dakota 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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