Texas CDL Practice Test: General Knowledge (TX) 6

4.9 out of 5 (160 votes)
80% Passing score
50 Questions
10 Mistakes allowed
Howdy, folks! Get ready to rev up your knowledge for the Texas CDL General Knowledge Test. This here's your sixth CDL practice test on our site, and it's packed with everything you need to know to ace your CDL exam. With 50 Texas CDL test questions covering a wide range of topics from vehicle equipment, handling emergencies, accident protocols, to a bit about hazardous materials, it's a comprehensive tool for your learning. Remember, you gotta nail at least 40 questions to pass. These Texas CDL practice tests are an excellent addition to your Texas driver's education. While you're required to complete a state-certified ELDT course for your commercial license, these practice CDL questions offer an extra layer of preparation. They're like your trusty sidekick, filling in the gaps and reinforcing what you've learned in class. Think of them as a helping hand guiding you through the tricky parts. The DMV questions on this Texas permit practice test come straight from the official 2026 CDL driver's manual. That means what you're practicing here is what you'll face in the real deal. If it's in the manual, it might be on the DPS written test; if it's not, you won't find it on your exam day. Now, unlike the actual CDL permit test in 2026, our Texas practice permit test isn't timed. That's right, no watching the clock here. Take all the time you need to mosey through each sample question. This way, you're not just memorizing; you're learning. And when test day rolls around, you'll be calm, collected, and ready to show what you know. So, pull up a chair, grab a cup of coffee, and start testing your knowledge. You're not just preparing for a test; you're gearing up for the road ahead. Safe travels!
FREE CDL Practice Test App
Pass your Texas CDL General Knowledge test with the NextDoorDriving app. Real questions and answers—100% free and ad-free.
Download on the App Store

Sample Texas CDL Test Questions - General Knowledge

Question 1

An unblocked article is four feet long and weighs 1,500 pounds. At least how many tiedowns are 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 when an unblocked article is five feet or shorter but weighs more than 1,100 pounds. One tiedown is sufficient under this particular rule only when the article is five feet or shorter and weighs 1,100 pounds or less. The tiedowns must also satisfy all other applicable securement requirements.

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

Question 2

An article is exactly 10 feet long and is not blocked against forward movement. What is the minimum number of tiedowns?

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

Correct answer: B – 2

An unblocked article longer than five feet but no longer than ten feet requires at least two tiedowns, regardless of weight. The additional-tiedown formula for longer cargo applies only when the article exceeds ten feet. Blocking, bracing, or immobilizing the article against forward movement can place it under a different tiedown calculation.

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

Question 3

Which group includes items a driver should monitor or inspect during a trip?

  1. A Gauges, seat upholstery, paint, and mudflaps
  2. B Gauges, fuel receipts, permits, and sleeper bedding
  3. C Gauges, brakes, lights, cargo securement, and trailer coupling devices
  4. D Gauges, engine serial numbers, frame paint, and shock-absorber labels

Correct answer: C – Gauges, brakes, lights, cargo securement, and trailer coupling devices

While driving, watch the gauges and use sight, hearing, smell, and feel to detect trouble. When stopped, inspect critical items including brakes, lights and reflectors, cargo-securement devices, and trailer coupling devices. Tires, wheels, rims, and trailer brake and electrical connections should also be checked.

Source: Texas Commercial Motor Vehicle Drivers Handbook — § 2.1.2, “Types of Vehicle Inspection”

Question 4

What is an escape ramp?

  1. A An exit used when traffic prevents a lane change
  2. B Any exit located on a downgrade
  3. C A lane provided for passing slow vehicles
  4. D A facility designed to slow and stop a runaway vehicle

Correct answer: D – A facility designed to slow and stop a runaway vehicle

An escape ramp is designed to stop a runaway vehicle safely on a steep downgrade. The Texas handbook explains that some ramps use a long bed of loose, soft material to resist the vehicle’s movement, sometimes together with an uphill slope. Drivers should know the locations of escape ramps along their routes.

Source: Texas Commercial Motor Vehicle Drivers Handbook — § 2.16.4, “Proper Braking Technique”

Question 5

Which items are included in a proper pre-trip vehicle inspection?

  1. A Cargo securement
  2. B Required lights for cleanliness and proper operation
  3. C Both A and B
  4. D Neither A nor B

Correct answer: C – Both A and B

Before a trip, verify that the cargo is balanced and properly secured. Required lights must also be checked for proper operation, condition, color, and cleanliness. These inspections help identify conditions that could cause cargo movement, reduced visibility, a breakdown, or a crash before the vehicle enters traffic.

Source: Texas Commercial Motor Vehicle Drivers Handbook — § 2.1.5, “Seven-step Inspection Method”

Question 6

When a manufacturer has not specified a gross combination weight rating, which calculation does Texas law use?

  1. A The empty weight of the power unit alone
  2. B The total weight of the towed units without their loads
  3. C The power unit’s GVWR plus the total weight of the towed units and any load on them
  4. D The combined weight of the driver, passengers, and cargo only

Correct answer: C – The power unit’s GVWR plus the total weight of the towed units and any load on them

When the manufacturer has not specified a value, gross combination weight rating is the power unit’s gross vehicle weight rating plus the total weight of the towed unit or units and any load on them. When a manufacturer has specified the loaded weight of the combination or articulated vehicle, that specified value is used.

Source: Tex. Transp. Code § 522.003(17) — Definitions

More Texas CDL Practice Tests
Other CDL Endorsements