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Free Utah CDL Permit Practice Test: General Knowledge 2024

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

In the United States, there are three main classes of Commercial Driver Licenses (CDLs). A Class A CDL allows you to operate a combination of vehicles with a gross combination weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 pounds or more, provided the towed vehicle(s) has a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of more than 10,000 pounds. This class of CDL is generally for operating semi-trucks and tractor-trailers. A Class B CDL allows you to operate a single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more or a combination of vehicles where the towed vehicle has a GVWR of 10,000 pounds or less. This class of CDL is generally for large buses and straight trucks, including box trucks and most dump trucks. A Class C CDL is for other kinds of commercial vehicles that transport hazardous materials or at least 16 occupants (including the driver). This class of CDL is generally for small buses (including shuttle buses) or small trucks carrying hazardous materials.

No matter which class of CDL you plan to get, you must meet a series of requirements. Notably, you must pass an official skills test, which includes basic vehicle maneuvers, a pre-trip inspection test, and a road test. To be sure of passing this test, you must practice commercial driving under supervision until you’re proficient. And for that, you’ll need a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP).

To obtain a CLP, you must meet certain requirements too, including passing the official General Knowledge test on the basic theory of commercial driving. The questions on this test are based on the official Utah Commercial Driver’s License Manual (Utah CDL Handbook 2024). If you’ve found absorbing the material in this manual to be tough going, perhaps you need a little more help.

This free Utah CDL permit practice test, which you’re about to take, is based on the official CDL manual, just like the official knowledge test. It’s up to date as of December, 2024. There are 50 multiple-choice practice questions on such topics as basic maneuvers, following distance, driving emergencies, and vehicle components. If you get stuck on a question, use the available hint. If you still miss a question, read the explanation of the correct answer carefully so you won’t make that same mistake again. You can also ask our automated assistant for even more help. With us, there’s no time limit; take all the time you need to learn and master the material covered by this practice test.

Be sure to try our other CDL General Knowledge practice tests too.

4.38 out of 5 • 79 votes.

Perfect for

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

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