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West Virginia CDL Practice Test

Free, full West Virginia 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.

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

Sample West Virginia CDL general knowledge test questions

  1. What is the function of the relay valve in an air brake system?

    • A. To speed up apply and release of rear brakes
    • B. To prevent water from entering the brake system
    • C. To maintain constant air pressure
    • D. To warn of low air pressure
    Show answer

    A. To speed up apply and release of rear brakes — Relay valves speed up air delivery to the trailer brakes. Without them, there would be excessive brake lag.

  2. The 'No-Zone' refers to:

    • A. The large blind spots around a commercial truck where crashes are likely
    • B. A zone where CDLs are not required
    • C. A no-parking area at truck stops
    • D. The area inside a weigh station
    Show answer

    A. The large blind spots around a commercial truck where crashes are likely — The No-Zones are the blind spots in front, behind, and beside a large truck where other vehicles disappear from the driver's view.

  3. CDL safety scenario 50: When checking your CDL vehicle before a trip, which item must be secure before you move?

    • A. Cargo, doors, and emergency equipment
    • 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. Cargo, doors, and emergency equipment — Cargo, doors, and emergency equipment. 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.

  4. The biggest danger when hauling a liquid tanker is:

    • A. Running out of fuel
    • B. Tire blowouts
    • C. Surge and high center of gravity
    • D. Air brake failure
    Show answer

    C. Surge and high center of gravity — Liquid surge and high center of gravity make tankers prone to rollovers, especially in turns and when braking.

  5. A sign that one of your tires has failed is:

    • A. The radio cutting out
    • B. Brighter headlights
    • C. The air conditioning getting colder
    • D. A loud bang, vibration, or the vehicle thumping or pulling to one side
    Show answer

    D. A loud bang, vibration, or the vehicle thumping or pulling to one side — A bang, sudden vibration, or pulling to one side often signals a blowout, so be ready to hold the wheel and slow down safely.

  6. What is the proper way to use the clutch when starting from a stop on a hill (manual transmission)?

    • A. Pop the clutch quickly
    • B. Use the parking brake to hold, then release as you engage the clutch
    • C. Roll backward slightly before engaging
    • D. Rev the engine high before releasing the clutch
    Show answer

    B. Use the parking brake to hold, then release as you engage the clutch — On a hill start, use the parking brake to prevent rollback. Release it smoothly as the clutch engages and the vehicle begins to move.

  7. What is the proper way to make a right turn in a commercial vehicle?

    • A. Turn wide before the turn
    • B. Stay tight to the curb throughout
    • C. Turn wide as you complete the turn
    • D. Speed up through the turn
    Show answer

    C. Turn wide as you complete the turn — Keep your rear wheels close to the curb during initial turn, then complete the turn by swinging wide to accommodate off-tracking.

  8. You should check the power steering by:

    • A. Starting the engine and turning the wheel; it should move freely
    • B. Driving on the highway
    • C. Checking the tire pressure
    • D. Looking at the color of the fluid only
    Show answer

    A. Starting the engine and turning the wheel; it should move freely — With the engine running, turn the steering wheel. It should move smoothly and freely. Check for leaks and proper fluid level.

  9. Partially loaded liquid tankers are more dangerous than full ones because:

    • A. They are too light to stop
    • B. The liquid has more room to slosh, creating greater surge
    • C. The engine has to work harder
    • D. The tires wear faster
    Show answer

    B. The liquid has more room to slosh, creating greater surge — Partially loaded tanks have more room for liquid movement (surge), making the vehicle harder to control, especially in turns and during braking.

  10. What does CDL stand for?

    • A. Commercial Driver's License
    • B. Commercial Driving Law
    • C. Certified Driver's License
    • D. Commercial Delivery License
    Show answer

    A. Commercial Driver's License — CDL stands for Commercial Driver's License, required to operate large or heavy vehicles, vehicles carrying hazardous materials, or vehicles designed to transport 16 or more passengers.

Frequently asked questions

How many questions are on the West Virginia CDL general knowledge test?

The West Virginia 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 West Virginia 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 this West Virginia 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 West Virginia 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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