Montana CDL Combination Practice Test (MT) 2

5 out of 5 (36 votes)
80% Passing score
20 Questions
4 Mistakes allowed
As a Montanan, you know that driving in our state comes with its own set of challenges, from navigating snowy mountain passes to handling long stretches of open highway. That's why preparing for your Commercial Driver's License (CDL) is crucial, and our Montana CDL combination practice test is designed to give you the edge you need. With 20 multiple-choice questions that mirror the real permit test, this Montana practice permit test covers essential topics such as inspection procedures, safe driving practices, air brake systems, and more. To pass, you'll need to answer at least 16 questions correctly. Our CDL combination practice test is not just any DMV practice test; it's tailored specifically for Montana. This means you'll encounter state-specific regulations and road signs that you'll need to be familiar with. Understanding the unique driving conditions in various parts of Montana, from the winding roads of the Bitterroot Valley to the icy conditions often found in Glacier National Park, will help you become a more knowledgeable and safer driver. One of the key areas covered in the Montana CDL combination test is the risk of jackknifing, where the trailer swings out of alignment with the tractor. Learning to avoid this dangerous situation through smooth braking and careful handling is vital for safe driving. By practicing these scenarios in our MT driver's license practice test, you'll build the confidence needed to handle a combination vehicle safely on any road, under any condition. What sets our driving test practice apart is that it's completely free. While many practice tests out there come with a hefty price tag, our combination vehicle test offers just as many features and study opportunities at no cost to you. This ensures that you have access to high-quality preparation material without the financial burden. Prepare for your CDL combination permit test with our Montana practice permit test and gain the skills and knowledge necessary to drive safely and confidently across the diverse landscapes of Montana. Whether you're navigating the urban streets of Billings or the rural highways near Great Falls, our Montana combination CDL practice test will ensure you're ready for the real thing.
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Sample Montana Combination Test Questions

Question 1

What danger is increased by rearward amplification?

  1. A Reduced engine-braking power
  2. B Rollover of the rear trailer
  3. C Excessive fuel economy
  4. D Reduced tire wear

Correct answer: B – Rollover of the rear trailer

Rearward amplification makes a rapid steering movement more severe at the back of a combination vehicle. For example, a rearward-amplification value of 2.0 indicates that the rear trailer is twice as likely to roll over as the tractor. Steering gently and avoiding sudden lane changes reduce this rollover risk.

Source: Montana Commercial Driver License Manual 2026 — § 6.1.2, “Steer Gently”

Question 2

How should you check the trailer service brakes when the combination has a trailer hand control?

  1. A Move forward slowly and apply the trailer brakes with the hand control
  2. B Place the trailer air-supply control in emergency and pull forward
  3. C Turn off the engine and repeatedly press the foot brake
  4. D Release all brakes and allow the vehicle to roll freely

Correct answer: A – Move forward slowly and apply the trailer brakes with the hand control

With normal air pressure, release the parking brakes, move forward slowly, and apply the trailer brakes with the hand control. You should feel the trailer brakes engage, confirming that they are connected and operating. The hand control is used for this test; during normal driving, the foot pedal should control the service brakes on all wheels.

Source: Montana Commercial Driver License Manual 2026 — § 6.5.2, “Combination Vehicle Brake Check”

Question 3

During a coupling inspection, the fifth wheel jaws surround the kingpin but the locking lever is not locked. What should you do?

  1. A Release the parking brake and drive away
  2. B Replace the entire fifth wheel immediately
  3. C Correct the coupling before driving
  4. D Slide the fifth wheel to redistribute weight

Correct answer: C – Correct the coupling before driving

A secure coupling requires the jaws to close around the kingpin shank, the locking lever to be in the locked position, and the safety latch to be engaged. If the lever is not locked, the coupling is not correct even if the jaws appear closed. Do not drive the unit until the problem has been corrected.

Source: Montana Commercial Driver License Manual 2026 — § 6.4.1, “Coupling Tractor-Semitrailers”

Question 4

Why should the trailer hand valve not be used to correct a trailer jackknife?

  1. A The hand valve cannot operate the trailer brakes
  2. B Braking the trailer wheels caused the skid
  3. C The control cannot be reached during a skid
  4. D The hand valve is the correct way to recover

Correct answer: B – Braking the trailer wheels caused the skid

A trailer jackknife begins when the trailer wheels lock and the trailer swings sideways. The driver should release the brakes to allow the tires to regain traction. Using the trailer hand valve would continue braking the same trailer wheels that caused the skid; once those wheels grip the road again, the trailer can begin following the tractor.

Source: Montana Commercial Driver License Manual 2026 — § 6.1.5, “Prevent Trailer Skids”

Question 5

You should apply the trailer hand valve to straighten a jackknifing trailer.

  1. A True
  2. B False

Correct answer: B – False

The statement is false. The trailer hand valve applies the trailer brakes, but locked trailer wheels are what cause this type of jackknife. Release the brakes to restore traction; after the trailer tires grip the roadway again, the trailer will begin to follow the tractor and straighten out.

Source: Montana Commercial Driver License Manual 2026 — § 6.1.5, “Prevent Trailer Skids”

Question 6

A truck tractor operating in Montana while towing a semitrailer must have which rear-vision mirror arrangement?

  1. A An outside mirror on both the left and right sides
  2. B An outside mirror on the left side only
  3. C An outside mirror on the right side only
  4. D No outside mirrors if the trailer has reflective markings

Correct answer: A – An outside mirror on both the left and right sides

Federal commercial-vehicle equipment regulations require a truck tractor to have two rear-vision mirrors, one firmly attached to each outside side. They must be positioned to show the driver the highway to the rear along both sides of the vehicle. A trailer blocking the direct rear view does not eliminate this mirror requirement.

Source: 49 CFR § 393.80(a) — Rear-vision mirrors

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