Free, full Pennsylvania 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 PennDOT knowledge exam.
When checking the cab during pre-trip, verify that all mirrors are:
D. Clean, properly adjusted, and not cracked or broken — All mirrors must be clean, properly adjusted for the driver, and free of cracks or damage that would impair visibility.
The Federal Bridge Formula limits the weight on any set of axles to prevent:
C. Road and bridge damage from concentrated weight — The Federal Bridge Formula limits the weight per axle group to prevent roads and bridges from being damaged by concentrated loads. Violations can result in fines and out-of-service orders.
During inspection, a cracked or broken leaf spring is:
D. A serious defect that can affect handling and should be repaired — Broken springs can let the axle shift and affect handling, so cracked or missing leaves are a defect that must be fixed before driving.
To check the low pressure warning signal, you should:
C. Pump the brakes until the warning activates below 60 PSI — With engine off and parking brake released, pump the brake pedal. The warning should activate before pressure drops below 60 PSI.
CDL safety scenario 75: If the low air pressure warning activates while driving a commercial vehicle, what should you do?
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.
CDL safety scenario 57: During an en-route inspection, what should you check after the first 50 miles?
D. Cargo securement, tires, brakes, lights, and coupling devices — Cargo securement, tires, brakes, lights, and coupling devices. 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.
CDL safety scenario 47: When driving a long commercial vehicle, why should you make turns slowly?
B. Off-tracking can cause the rear wheels to cut across curbs or lanes — Off-tracking can cause the rear wheels to cut across curbs or lanes. 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.
What must a driver do when a HazMat incident occurs (leak or spill)?
C. Stop in a safe location away from public areas; stay upwind; warn others; call the emergency number on the shipping paper or 911; do not allow smoking or open flames — In a HazMat incident: stop safely away from buildings and public areas, stay upwind of any spill, warn other people away, do not allow smoking or open flames, and call 911 and the emergency contact number on the shipping paper.
A tanker endorsement is required when the tank capacity is:
D. 1,000 gallons or more — A tanker endorsement (N) is required for vehicles with permanently attached tanks rated at 1,000 gallons or more capacity.
What is the maximum number of passengers a transit bus may legally carry?
B. The seating capacity plus the number of standees up to the bus's rated capacity as marked on the bus — A bus may carry passengers up to its rated capacity, which includes both seated and standing passengers as allowed by the bus's certification. This capacity is typically marked on a placard inside the bus.
The Pennsylvania 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.
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.
In Pennsylvania, driver licensing is handled by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), so you'll often see the exam called the PennDOT CDL general knowledge test. The practice tests on this page match the official PennDOT knowledge exam format.
Yes. Every practice test on this page and everything in the DMVPrep iPhone app is free — no ads, no paywall, no account.
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.
Yes — the DMVPrep app includes all 3,745+ questions in Spanish, and the whole app works in Spanish.