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Free Hawaii CDL Permit Practice Test: General Knowledge 2025

Part of mandatory Entry-Level Driver Training Course Based on 2025 HI commercial driver's license manualAvailable in EN, ES
50questions
10mistakes allowed
80%passing score

The people of Hawaii may be separated by islands, but they all need certain products, from different islands and the mainland. That makes commercial drivers a necessity, which is why getting your CDL is a great choice. Today, you’ll be one step closer to that goal, once you practice for the real CDL written exam with our carefully crafted practice test. These 50 multiple-choice questions, based on the Hawaii Commercial Driver License Manual, cover the material the Hawaii Department of Transportation feels you must know to pass your exam, such as braking techniques, driving in special weather conditions, emergency preparedness, and more. Use the hints included with each question, and pay close attention to the questions’ explanations, as they will help you answer future questions about these topics. Good luck with your CDL exam, and remember to drive safely!

The questions and answers on our free, online Hawaii CDL General Knowledge and Endorsement permit practice tests and our other available resources are far superior to the PDF CDL manual alone. They will help prep you to pass the written tests for a Class A, B, or C Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) and all desired endorsements.

FAQs

How can you obtain yours?

To obtain a CDL license in Hawaii, first acquire a commercial learner’s permit (CLP) by passing knowledge tests. Hold the CLP for at least 14 days before taking the skills test. Complete CDL training (recommended) and pass the skills test. Ensure you meet all medical and legal requirements.

What can disqualify you from being eligible?

In Hawaii, disqualifications from obtaining a CDL include major traffic offenses such as DUIs, reckless driving, criminal convictions related to motor vehicle operation, and failing the required medical examination.

What is the associated cost?

The cost for a CDL in Hawaii includes application fees, which may vary by county. Additional costs include the skills test fee and CDL training program fees, if applicable.

What are the license types?

Hawaii offers different CDL classes: Class A for combination vehicles, Class B for heavy straight vehicles, and Class C for vehicles designed to transport 16 or more passengers or hazardous materials.

What is the minimum age required?

The minimum age to obtain a CDL in Hawaii is 21 for interstate driving and 18 for intrastate driving. Certain endorsements or vehicle types may have additional age requirements.

4.2 out of 5 • 41 votes.

Perfect for

  • First-time HI CDL and CLP applicants
  • CDL holders adding endorsements
  • HI CDL renewal applicants
HI commercial driver's license

What to expect on the actual exam

How many questions50
How many correct answers to pass40
Passing score80%
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List of questions (classic view)

  1. What is the minimum age to receive a CDL in the state of Hawaii?
  2. Which of the following statements about retarders is correct?
  3. If you double your speed, how much more distance will it take to stop?
  4. When backing, it is important to use a helper
  5. What is the gross vehicle weight (GVW)?
  6. You don't want to be a distracted driver, so you
  7. To transport cargo safely, which of these are you NOT responsible for?
  8. While driving at night, which lights should you use as often as you can?
  9. Total stopping distance equals
  10. Always try to back toward the driver's side because
  11. What might happen if you swing wide to the left before you turn right?
  12. Letting the air out of hot tires
  13. Which of these is NOT part of the basic method of shifting up?
  14. How can you start moving without rolling backward?
  15. An anti-lock braking system (ABS) will
  16. Which of the following is a key steering component?
  17. Which of the following should you NOT do if you experience a tire failure?
  18. Which of the following is NOT something you should check during a trip?
  19. What will help a drunk sober up?
  20. How many hours of sleep per night does the average person need to avoid accumulating sleep debt?
  21. If you are traveling at 55 mph in a 30-foot vehicle, you should leave ___ seconds of following distance.
  22. While you are on the road, how often must you stop to check your cargo?
  23. Where should you place your warning devices if you must stop on a one-way road or divided highway?
  24. You should put the starter switch key into your pocket while you perform the pre-trip inspection because
  25. Starting the engine and inspecting the cab involves each of these tasks, except
  26. If you are confronted by an aggressive driver, you should
  27. What is the best way to figure out how many seconds of following distance you have?
  28. If the engine is not overheated, is it completely safe to remove the radiator cap?
  29. You should inspect wheel bearing seals for
  30. How can you determine if your vehicle is equipped with an anti-lock braking system (ABS)?
  31. On which of the following types of fires should you NOT use a B:C fire extinguisher?
  32. Why should you cover cargo?
  33. Hazardous materials placards are
  34. For how long will you lose your CDL driving privileges if you are convicted of a second DUI offense?
  35. In which of the following two situations should you downshift?
  36. The minimum tread depth for front tires is
  37. Before transporting a sealed load, you must check
  38. Which of the following factors can influence the safe speed for going down a steep downgrade?
  39. Do empty trucks have the best braking?
  40. What can you do at an accident scene to help avoid another accident?
  41. It has just reached freezing. Which of the following areas may be slippery?
  42. What is the definition of a hazard?
  43. To help you stay alert and safe while driving, you should
  44. On wet roads, you should reduce your speed by
  45. During your pre-trip test, when examining hoses with the instructor, you need to look for
  46. How many tiedowns are required for a 20-foot load?
  47. What is the most important hand signal that you and a helper should agree on?
  48. Which is NOT one of the four skill areas that operating a commercial vehicle requires?
  49. How long does it take for a typical tractor-trailer to clear a double railroad track?
  50. Tire fires are commonly caused by

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