Texas CDL Combination Test (TX) 2026

4.9 out of 5 (206 votes)
80% Passing score
20 Questions
4 Mistakes allowed
If you're gearing up to get your Commercial Driver's License (CDL) combination vehicles endorsement in Texas, you're in the right place. Our first CDL combination practice test is designed to help you ace the test with confidence. Featuring a diverse set of multiple-choice questions, this Texas permit practice test covers all the critical areas you need to master, including coupling and uncoupling, pre-trip inspections, driving techniques, backing and maneuvering, and air brake systems. Each of the 20 questions has been carefully crafted and reviewed by professional driving instructors with decades of experience, ensuring you get the most reliable and relevant preparation possible. With a passing score requirement of 16 out of 20, our Texas drivers permit practice test is a realistic simulation of the actual CDL combination test. One of the crucial topics you'll encounter is the increased stopping distances needed for combination vehicles due to their significant weight. This understanding is vital for maintaining safety on the road and handling the unique challenges that come with driving these larger, heavier vehicles. To maximize your chances of passing, it's wise to supplement this Texas combination CDL practice test with additional study materials. Dive into the drivers handbook, enroll in a state-certified Texas drivers ed course, and utilize flashcards and road sign charts. These resources will help you cover all areas of the drivers license test comprehensively. Convenience is key, and our Texas DMV practice test is available online 24/7. This means you can prepare at a time that suits you best, fitting your study schedule around your life, not the other way around. Whether you're an early bird or a night owl, our drivers license practice test is here to help you whenever you're ready. Don't leave your success to chance. Take advantage of this expertly crafted Texas CDL combination practice test, designed to help you understand and retain essential information, so you can hit the road safely and confidently in 2026. Get started now and take the first step towards becoming a skilled and knowledgeable CDL driver in Texas.
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Sample Texas Combination Test Questions

Question 1

Compared with an empty rig, a fully loaded rig is about how many times more likely to roll over in a crash?

  1. A Two times
  2. B Three times
  3. C Five times
  4. D Ten times

Correct answer: D – Ten times

The Texas handbook states that fully loaded rigs are ten times more likely to roll over in a crash than empty rigs. Piling cargo higher raises the center of gravity and makes the vehicle easier to overturn. Cargo should be kept low and centered, and turns should be taken slowly to reduce rollover risk.

Source: Texas Commercial Motor Vehicle Drivers Handbook — § 6.1.1, “Rollover Risks”

Question 2

Before backing the tractor beneath a semitrailer during coupling, which condition should you establish?

  1. A The tractor protection control is in the normal position
  2. B The trailer service brakes are released
  3. C The trailer landing gear is fully raised
  4. D The trailer brakes are locked

Correct answer: D – The trailer brakes are locked

After supplying air and checking that the trailer brakes work, lock the trailer brakes before backing under the trailer. This is done by pulling out the trailer air-supply knob or placing the tractor protection valve control in the emergency position. The tractor should then be backed slowly and directly beneath the trailer.

Source: Texas Commercial Motor Vehicle Drivers Handbook — § 6.4.1, “Coupling Tractor-Semitrailers”

Question 3

Rearward amplification makes the last trailer more likely to roll over during a sudden steering maneuver. True or false?

  1. A TRUE
  2. B FALSE

Correct answer: A – TRUE

Rearward amplification causes the crack-the-whip effect in combination vehicles. During a quick lane change or other sudden steering movement, lateral motion becomes more severe toward the rear, making the last trailer the most likely to overturn. Drivers should steer gently and smoothly and reduce speed before entering turns.

Source: Texas Commercial Motor Vehicle Drivers Handbook — § 6.1.2, “Steer Gently”

Question 4

During a pre-trip inspection, which condition must you verify at the glad-hand connections?

  1. A The couplers can move freely after they are connected
  2. B The connectors are undamaged, seated, sealed, and locked in place
  3. C Any damaged seal has been covered with tape
  4. D Only the emergency-line connection is secured

Correct answer: B – The connectors are undamaged, seated, sealed, and locked in place

The Texas inspection procedure requires the air connectors on both the power unit and trailer to be seated, sealed, undamaged, and locked in place. The driver must also inspect the air hoses for cuts, cracks, chafing, or wear and listen for air leaks. Both connections are necessary for proper trailer brake operation.

Source: Texas Commercial Motor Vehicle Drivers Handbook — § 11.6.1, “Air and Electric Lines / Connectors”

Question 5

After coupling, the fifth-wheel locking jaws must close around which part of the kingpin?

  1. A The shank
  2. B The head
  3. C The base of the trailer apron
  4. D The entire kingpin and apron

Correct answer: A – The shank

The fifth-wheel jaws must close completely around the shank of the kingpin, not its head. During the coupling inspection, look into the back of the fifth wheel to verify the jaw position. Also check for no space between the upper and lower fifth wheel and confirm that the locking lever and safety latch are properly positioned.

Source: Texas Commercial Motor Vehicle Drivers Handbook — § 6.4.1, “Coupling Tractor-Semitrailers”

Question 6

Before backing beneath a semitrailer, the trailer is at the correct height when:

  1. A The fifth wheel will pass below the kingpin without contact
  2. B The kingpin is more than an inch above the fifth wheel
  3. C The bottom of the kingpin is level with the fifth-wheel plate
  4. D The tractor will raise the trailer slightly as it backs underneath

Correct answer: D – The tractor will raise the trailer slightly as it backs underneath

The trailer should be low enough that the tractor raises it slightly while backing underneath. If the trailer is too low, the tractor may strike and damage the trailer nose. If it is too high, the kingpin may not couple correctly with the fifth wheel. Adjust the landing gear as necessary before backing under.

Source: Texas Commercial Motor Vehicle Drivers Handbook — § 6.4.1, “Coupling Tractor-Semitrailers”

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