Missouri CDL Practice Test (MO) 2026

4.7 out of 5 (124 votes)
80% Passing score
20 Questions
4 Mistakes allowed
If you're gearing up to obtain your Missouri Commercial Driver's License (CDL), our first practice test is an ideal starting point. With 20 carefully selected permit test questions, this Missouri CDL practice test is a comprehensive tool to prepare you for the DMV permit test in 2026, crucial for all Class A and Class B licenses, including various endorsements. Our 2026 Missouri CDL practice test is designed to mimic the real test environment, helping you gauge your readiness. You're required to correctly answer at least 16 out of the 20 questions to pass, mirroring the DMV's expectations. The permit practice test covers an extensive range of topics including pre-trip vehicle inspection, basic vehicle control, gear shifting techniques, navigating hills and downgrades, effective communication with fellow drivers, speed control, and crucial aspects of drug and alcohol awareness. The beauty of our Missouri CDL practice test lies in its diversity and randomness of sample permit test questions. Each time you attempt the DMV test, you'll encounter a different set of Missouri permit test questions and answers. This approach ensures that you're not just memorizing the sequence of questions but truly understanding and absorbing the material. This varied and randomized question set is an excellent way to prepare comprehensively for the DMV permit test. Upon completion of each CDL practice test, you'll receive a detailed summary of your performance. This summary will highlight the questions you answered incorrectly and provide the correct answers. This feature is invaluable for your learning process, as it helps you identify areas where you need further study and understanding. Preparing for your CDL permit test is a significant step in your professional driving career. Our Missouri CDL practice test is designed to give you a solid foundation, ensuring you're well-prepared and confident when you sit for the actual DMV general knowledge test in 2026!
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Sample Missouri CDL Test Questions - General Knowledge

Question 1

An article on a flatbed is longer than 5 feet but no longer than 10 feet and is not blocked against forward movement. What is the minimum number of tiedowns required?

  1. A 1
  2. B 2
  3. C 3
  4. D 4

Correct answer: B – 2

Federal cargo-securement rules require at least two tiedowns for an unblocked article that is longer than 5 feet but no longer than 10 feet, regardless of weight. Different minimums apply to shorter articles and to articles blocked against forward movement. Cargo type may also trigger additional securement requirements.

Source: 49 CFR § 393.110(b)(2)(ii) – Additional requirements for determining the minimum number of tiedowns

Question 2

Which two situations call for downshifting before reaching them?

  1. A Before stopping and after leaving a curve
  2. B Before starting and while climbing a hill
  3. C Before shutting off the engine and leaving the cab
  4. D Before starting down a hill and before entering a curve

Correct answer: D – Before starting down a hill and before entering a curve

The Missouri CDL manual identifies two special situations for early downshifting: before starting down a hill and before entering a curve. A low gear provides engine braking on a downgrade and helps prevent excessive brake use. Selecting the proper gear before a curve allows power to be applied smoothly while turning.

Source: Missouri Commercial Driver License Manual — § 2.3.1, “Manual Transmissions”

Question 3

When preparing to drive through a curve, when should you downshift?

  1. A While accelerating into the curve
  2. B After slowing and before entering the curve
  3. C At the midpoint of the curve
  4. D After leaving the curve

Correct answer: B – After slowing and before entering the curve

Reduce your speed and select the proper lower gear before entering the curve. This allows you to use some power through the turn, improving vehicle stability. Braking or shifting after entering the curve may interfere with smooth control of the vehicle.

Source: Missouri Commercial Driver License Manual — § 2.3.1, “Manual Transmissions”

Question 4

Which statement correctly describes when to select a lower gear?

  1. A Wait until speed builds on a downgrade
  2. B Wait until the vehicle is well inside a curve
  3. C Downshift only after the brakes begin to fade
  4. D Downshift before starting down a hill and before entering a curve

Correct answer: D – Downshift before starting down a hill and before entering a curve

The proper lower gear should be selected before beginning a downgrade and before entering a curve. Waiting until speed builds on a hill may make it impossible to engage the needed gear and can eliminate engine braking. Entering a curve in the correct gear also helps maintain stable, controlled power.

Source: Missouri Commercial Driver License Manual — § 2.3.1, “Manual Transmissions”, Missouri Commercial Driver License Manual — § 2.16.2, “Select the Right Gear Before Starting Down the Grade”

Question 5

Which activities can distract a commercial driver?

  1. A Talking with passengers
  2. B Adjusting audio or climate controls
  3. C Eating, drinking, or smoking
  4. D All of the above

Correct answer: D – All of the above

The Missouri CDL manual lists passenger conversations, adjustments to vehicle controls, and eating, drinking, or smoking as possible distractions. Distraction includes mental activities as well as actions that remove your eyes from the road or hands from the controls. Drivers should arrange controls and other items before beginning the trip whenever possible.

Source: Missouri Commercial Driver License Manual — § 2.9, “Distracted Driving”

Question 6

When inspecting the front of a trailer, which checks should be completed as applicable?

  1. A Verify that the header board is secure, undamaged, and strong enough to contain cargo
  2. B Verify that any canvas or tarp carrier is securely mounted and fastened
  3. C Check an enclosed trailer's front for cracks, bulges, or holes
  4. D All of the above

Correct answer: D – All of the above

Inspect every applicable component at the front of the trailer. If equipped, the header board must be secure, free of damage, and strong enough to contain cargo, while a tarp carrier must be firmly mounted and fastened. The front of an enclosed trailer must also be checked for cracks, bulges, holes, or similar damage.

Source: Missouri Commercial Driver License Manual — § 11.4.1, “Trailer Front”

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