Free, full Texas 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 DPS knowledge exam.
At an accident scene involving hazmat, you should:
A. Keep people far away and upwind — Keep people far away and upwind of any hazmat incident. Do not touch spilled materials. Warn others and call emergency services.
What should you do if you discover a coupling problem (e.g., a cracked fifth wheel plate) during a pre-trip inspection?
B. Do not drive — report the defect to your supervisor and do not operate the vehicle until repairs are made — A defective fifth wheel plate is a critical safety defect. You must not operate the vehicle with a defective coupling device. Report it immediately and wait for repairs before operating.
At 55 mph on dry pavement, the total stopping distance for a typical heavy truck is about:
B. the length of a football field plus the end zones (about 400 feet) — A loaded truck at 55 mph needs roughly 400 feet to stop — longer than a football field — once perception and reaction distance are added.
A partially filled liquid tank is especially dangerous because:
B. The liquid can surge strongly, pushing the vehicle when you brake or turn — With empty space, the liquid surges hard against the tank ends and sides, so braking and turning must be gradual to keep control.
Before backing under the trailer, make sure the:
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.
What action should you take if your steering suddenly becomes very difficult (power steering failure)?
B. Reduce speed gradually and keep both hands firmly on the wheel; pull safely off the road and do not drive until repaired — If power steering fails, the vehicle can still be steered but it will require significantly more effort. Reduce speed gradually, keep both hands on the wheel, and safely exit the road. Do not continue driving with a failed power steering system.
How often must a CMV receive a full periodic inspection under 49 CFR Part 396?
C. At least once every 12 months — Under 49 CFR 396.17, every commercial motor vehicle must undergo a complete periodic (annual) inspection at least once every 12 months.
What is the most common cause of large truck crashes according to FMCSA data?
B. Driver error, including inattention, fatigue, and following too closely — FMCSA studies consistently show that driver error is the most common factor in large truck crashes, with recognition errors (inattention), decision errors (speeding, following too close), and fatigue as leading causes.
What is the proper way to hold the steering wheel?
D. At 9 and 3 o'clock — Hold the steering wheel with both hands on opposite sides (9 and 3 o'clock) for maximum control.
When must you test your tanker's emergency valves?
C. At least once a year as required by inspection — Emergency shutoff valves on cargo tank motor vehicles must be inspected and tested at least once a year per 49 CFR 180.407.
The Texas 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 Texas, driver licensing is handled by the Department of Public Safety (DPS), so you'll often see the exam called the DPS CDL general knowledge test. The practice tests on this page match the official DPS 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.