All tests
 
 
 
 
 

Did you know

Save questionQuestion savedSaveSaved
Close

Free Montana CDL Permit Practice Test: General Knowledge 2024

Part of mandatory Entry-Level Driver Training Course Based on 2024 MT commercial driver's license manualAvailable in EN, ES
50questions
10mistakes allowed
80%passing score

The great state of Montana derives much of its income from agriculture, such as the production of beef, wheat, and barley. Other key economic sectors include timber production and mining, especially the production of coal, oil, copper, and precious metals. All these sectors employ truck drivers to bring their products to market or distribution hubs. One of the state’s fastest-growing economic sectors is tourism, creating opportunities for bus drivers to transport visitors to Glacier National Park, Yellowstone National Park, and other tourist attractions and points of interest.

Major commercial routes include Interstate 15, an important route for tourism and trade with Canada, which runs from the Canadian border of Montana to southern California; Interstate 90, a major transcontinental route, which runs from Washington State to Massachusetts; Interstate 94, which runs from Montana to Michigan, where it has a direct connection to Ontario, Canada; U.S. Route 2, an important route for agricultural transport, which runs from Washington State through northern Montana and then on to Michigan; and U.S. Route 93, supporting regional trucking, which runs from the Canadian border of Montana through Idaho and Nevada and terminates in Arizona.

However, you have many steps to take and requirements to meet before you may drive on these or other roads as a licensed commercial driver.

You’re probably here because your immediate goal is to pass the official knowledge test for a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP), a vital credential along the way to obtaining a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). And because you could use more help to pass the knowledge test than you’ve gotten by reading the official Montana Commercial Driver License Manual (Montana CDL Handbook 2024) a few times.

This free Montana CDL permit practice test is based on the official state manual, just like the official knowledge test. It’s up to date as of December, 2024. There are 50 multiple-choice questions on such topics as basic vehicle maneuvers, cargo management, emergency preparedness, and pre-trip inspections. Our automated assistant stands ready to assist you during the practice test with a hint and an explanation of the correct answer. Read the explanation carefully if you missed the question so you won’t make the same mistake next time. This practice test does not have a time limit. Take your time, not only to improve your chances of passing the test but also to learn as much as you can from the experience. For example, if you stumble over a question, you may want to pause the test and look up the information in the official manual before you proceed further.

4.33 out of 5 • 24 votes.

Perfect for

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

What to expect on the actual exam

How many questions50
How many correct answers to pass40
Passing score80%
Unlock all 1,500+ exam-like questions for Montana. Pass Guarantee

Become a member to unlock our extensive library of 1,500+ exam-like questions and get your Montana ELDT certification online. Official FMCSA-approved national Entry-Level Driver Training provider.

Pass the first time, guaranteed Driving-Tests program displayed on a laptop

List of questions (classic view)

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

More resources

You may also like

MT CDL Handbook

View the most recent (2024) official MT CDL Handbook.

Open PDF
MT CDL Practice Test App

Download our free iOS or Android app and practice for your driving test offline or on the go.

CDL Genie app
10 Things You Should Do Before Your Driving Knowledge Exam (PDF)

Many people do their best but still get to the DMV overconfident and underprepared because they fail to do some of the simple...

Open PDF
10 Things You Should Do Before Your Driving Knowledge Exam (PDF)
Are you in another state?