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Free North Dakota CDL Permit Practice Test: General Knowledge 2025

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

The great state of North Dakota can offer tremendous economic opportunities to commercial drivers because of its high rate of job creation, its high rate of personal income growth, and the strength of its agriculture and energy sectors.

North Dakota produces most of America’s canola and flax seed and is the nation’s largest producer of barley, durum wheat, and other cereal grains. These products require trucks and an extensive transportation infrastructure to get to market. Another sector heavily reliant on trucking is the energy sector. Although the North Dakota oil boom peaked in 2012 and demand for oil dipped again during the COVID pandemic, oil production remains a major economic player. This has created a demand for truck drivers to transport oil and equipment to and from oil fields like the Bakken oil field in western North Dakota. Tourism is North Dakota’s third largest industry, creating a demand for bus drivers to transport tourists around the state.

Finally, note that North Dakota is still sparsely populated; you can drive for miles and miles through prairies and past farmland. If commercial driving appeals to you because you crave the freedom and solitude of the open road, North Dakota is the state for you.

One of the first important steps toward becoming a commercial driver in North Dakota is to pass the official knowledge test for a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP). You’ll need a CLP to practice commercial driving before you may apply for a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). Have you been studying the official North Dakota Commercial Driver License Manual (North Dakota CDL Handbook 2025)? You certainly should because the official knowledge test is based on it. However, you’re probably here because you want to get a little more help to pass the knowledge test than you’re getting from the manual. We can help, just as we’ve helped thousands of other aspiring drivers.

This free North Dakota CDL permit practice test, which you’re about to take, is based on the official state manual, just like the official knowledge test. It’s up to date as of January, 2025. There are 50 multiple-choice questions on such topics as driving techniques, emergency preparedness, road rules, and handling special conditions. Unlike the official knowledge test, each question on this practice test comes with an available hint and an explanation of the correct answer. What this practice test doesn’t have is 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.

4.36 out of 5 • 53 votes.

Perfect for

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

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