Alabama CDL General Knowledge Test (AL) 5

5 out of 5 (53 votes)
80% Passing score
50 Questions
10 Mistakes allowed
Welcome to your fifth Alabama CDL General Knowledge Practice Test, the perfect place to sharpen your skills and knowledge. Crafted with care, this CDL practice test features 50 well-thought-out questions, ensuring you're well-prepared for the real deal. The goal here is simple: answer at least 40 questions correctly. And don't worry about variety - the same set of questions will greet you each time, allowing you to really focus on mastering the content. One of the beauties of our practice tests is the no-pressure environment they provide. We understand the stress that comes with the actual Alabama DMV CDL test, and that's why we've created a space where you can learn at your own pace, free from the anxiety of pass-or-fail stakes. It's all about building confidence and competence in a calm setting. But it's not just about answering questions. Our Alabama CDL practice test is a learning tool, thanks to the immediate feedback and detailed explanations provided for each question. This feature is invaluable for understanding both the right and wrong answers, deepening your grasp of the material in a practical, interactive way. What truly sets our CDL practice test apart is the expertise behind it. Our questions aren't just randomly picked; they're meticulously written and reviewed by professional driving instructors. These aren't just any instructors, but seasoned professionals who've dedicated decades to teaching and have helped thousands of drivers successfully obtain their licenses. This depth of experience ensures that the questions are relevant, accurate, and effective in preparing you for the Alabama CDL general knowledge test. So, take a deep breath and dive into this fifth DMV practice test. It's more than just a set of questions; it's a step towards your success, backed by professional insight and a supportive learning environment.
FREE CDL Practice Test App
Pass your Alabama CDL General Knowledge test with the NextDoorDriving app. Real questions and answers—100% free and ad-free.
Download on the App Store

Sample Alabama CDL Test Questions - General Knowledge

Question 1

What minimum tread depth is required in the major tread grooves of a truck's front tires?

  1. A 4/32 inch
  2. B 2/32 inch
  3. C 7/16 inch
  4. D 3/8 inch

Correct answer: A – 4/32 inch

Federal regulations require at least 4/32 inch of tread depth in a major tread groove on each front tire of a bus, truck, or truck tractor. Measurements are not taken at tie bars, humps, or fillets. Other tires generally must have at least 2/32 inch of tread depth in a major groove.

Source: Alabama Commercial Driver License Manual — § 2.1.3, “What to Look For”, 49 CFR § 393.75(b)–(c) – Tires

Question 2

When preparing to back a vehicle with a trailer, how should you position the combination whenever possible?

  1. A So the trailer can be backed in a straight line
  2. B So any curved backing is toward the passenger side
  3. C So the mirrors will not be needed
  4. D At an angle that requires immediate sharp steering

Correct answer: A – So the trailer can be backed in a straight line

Position the vehicle so the trailer can be backed in a straight line whenever possible. Straight-line backing is easier to control and requires fewer steering corrections. If a curved path is unavoidable, back toward the driver's side so you can see the trailer's path more clearly.

Source: Alabama Commercial Driver License Manual — § 6.1.7, “Backing with a Trailer”

Question 3

When fighting an engine-compartment fire, you should fully open the hood before applying the extinguisher.

  1. A True
  2. B False

Correct answer: B – False

Turn off the engine as soon as possible, but avoid opening the hood if you can. The CDL manual instructs drivers to direct foam through the louvers or radiator or from underneath the vehicle. Fully lifting the hood is not the recommended method for reaching an engine fire.

Source: Alabama Commercial Driver License Manual — § 2.21.3, “Fire Fighting”

Question 4

What is the recommended way to grip a commercial vehicle's steering wheel?

  1. A Firmly with both hands on opposite sides
  2. B Firmly with the dominant hand only
  3. C Loosely with both hands near the bottom
  4. D Loosely with one hand

Correct answer: A – Firmly with both hands on opposite sides

The Alabama CDL manual instructs drivers to hold the steering wheel firmly with both hands on opposite sides. A curb strike or pothole can cause the wheel to jerk suddenly. Maintaining a firm two-handed grip helps keep the wheel from being pulled away from the driver.

Source: Alabama Commercial Driver License Manual — § 2.2.2, “Steering”

Question 5

Which statement about tire pressure and temperature is correct?

  1. A Air should be released whenever a tire becomes warm
  2. B Tire pressure does not need to be checked during vehicle inspection
  3. C Tire pressure increases as temperature rises
  4. D All of these statements are correct

Correct answer: C – Tire pressure increases as temperature rises

Tire air pressure rises as temperature increases. Drivers should check tire mounting and pressure during vehicle inspections, but they should not release air merely because a tire is hot. Doing that can leave the tire underinflated when it cools, increasing the risk of tire damage and failure.

Source: Alabama Commercial Driver License Manual — § 2.14.1, “Vehicle Checks”

Question 6

Which statement correctly describes a steering or exhaust condition checked during a pre-trip inspection?

  1. A Steering-wheel play over 10 degrees can make the vehicle difficult to steer
  2. B An exhaust leak is harmless when located outside the cab
  3. C A small power-steering fluid leak is considered normal
  4. D Opening a window makes it safe to drive with an exhaust leak

Correct answer: A – Steering-wheel play over 10 degrees can make the vehicle difficult to steer

The Alabama CDL manual warns that more than 10 degrees of steering-wheel play—about two inches at the rim of a 20-inch wheel—can make steering difficult. The inspection must also check power-steering components for leaks. Exhaust leaks or broken components are hazards because poisonous fumes can enter the cab or sleeper berth.

Source: Alabama Commercial Driver License Manual — § 2.1.3, “What to Look For”

More Alabama CDL Practice Tests
Other CDL Endorsements