Free, full Vermont 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.
You can move weight off the steer axle by moving cargo:
A. To the rear of the trailer — Moving cargo toward the rear of the trailer shifts weight off the steer axle. But don't put too much weight on the rear — balance is key.
If your brakes fail on a downgrade, you should:
C. Look for an escape ramp or another way to safely slow the vehicle — Use an escape ramp if available. If not, find an open field, side road, or something soft to slow you. Downshift to use engine braking.
The most important reason to do a vehicle inspection is:
D. Safety for yourself and other road users — Inspections find problems that could cause a breakdown or crash, protecting the driver and everyone sharing the road.
What does 'controlled braking' mean?
B. Applying brake pressure as hard as possible without causing wheel lockup to maintain steering control while stopping — Controlled braking (also called threshold braking on non-ABS vehicles) means applying the maximum brake force that does not cause wheel lockup. This allows the driver to maintain steering control while achieving the shortest possible stop.
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.
Which of these will result in a lifetime CDL disqualification?
C. Using a CMV to commit a felony involving controlled substances — Using a CMV to commit a felony involving controlled substances results in a lifetime CDL disqualification with no possibility of reinstatement.
What does a four-digit number on a placard or orange panel identify?
B. The UN/NA identification number for the hazardous material — The four-digit UN/NA identification number on a placard or orange panel identifies the specific hazardous material being transported.
The maximum allowable BAC for a CDL holder driving a non-commercial vehicle is:
B. 0.08% — When driving a non-commercial vehicle, the standard BAC limit of 0.08% applies. The 0.04% limit only applies when operating a CMV.
What does the 'tug test' check when coupling?
C. That the fifth wheel jaws are locked around the kingpin — The tug test (applying the trailer brakes with the hand valve and gently moving the tractor forward) verifies that the fifth wheel is fully locked around the kingpin and will not separate during travel.
What is the purpose of the 'trailer emergency brakes' (spring brakes) in a combination vehicle?
B. To automatically apply the trailer brakes if air pressure is lost, preventing a runaway trailer — Trailer spring brakes are held off by air pressure. If air pressure is lost (from a broken line or severe leak), the spring brakes automatically apply, preventing the trailer from rolling away uncontrolled.
The Vermont 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.
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.