California Road Test for Commercial
Driver License (CDL) Questions And
Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus
Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant
Download Pdf
1. During the pre-trip inspection, you should check the oil level using:
A. The engine light
B. The engine oil dipstick
C. The coolant level indicator
D. The transmission fluid stick
The dipstick allows you to accurately measure the engine oil level
before starting the vehicle.
2. What is the proper hand position on the steering wheel during
driving?
A. One hand on top, one at the bottom
B. 3 and 6 o'clock
C. 9 and 3 o'clock or 10 and 2 o'clock
D. Both hands low at 5 and 7 o'clock
These positions provide maximum control and leverage for safe
maneuvering.
,3. When making a lane change, you must:
A. Signal only
B. Signal, check mirrors, and check blind spots
C. Honk your horn
D. Speed up to avoid traffic
Proper lane changes require multiple checks to ensure it is safe.
4. What is the minimum following distance you should maintain behind
another vehicle?
A. 1 second per 10 feet of vehicle
B. 1 second per 10 feet of vehicle, plus 1 extra second over 40 mph
C. 5 seconds always
D. 2 seconds
This rule accounts for the increased stopping distance needed for
large vehicles.
5. When stopping at a railroad crossing, stop:
A. Right on the tracks
B. No closer than 15 feet and no farther than 50 feet from the tracks
C. 5 feet before the track
D. Wherever the road sign indicates
This range ensures safety while allowing enough clearance from the
tracks.
6. When driving a combination vehicle, you must ensure:
A. Trailer brakes are disconnected
B. The cab windows are open
C. The glad hands are securely connected and not leaking
D. The trailer doors are locked shut
Glad hands connect the air brake systems and must be secure and
leak-free.
, 7. Before descending a steep grade, you should:
A. Use the brakes heavily
B. Downshift to a lower gear
C. Coast in neutral
D. Speed up
Downshifting helps control speed using engine braking, reducing
brake wear.
8. What is the purpose of the air governor in an air brake system?
A. Measures pressure
B. Controls when the compressor pumps air
C. Acts as a warning buzzer
D. Applies emergency brakes
The air governor regulates compressor cycles to maintain air
pressure.
9. During the road test, examiners are observing:
A. Your sense of direction
B. Control of the vehicle and adherence to traffic laws
C. How fast you can drive
D. Your reaction time only
The examiner evaluates safe and lawful vehicle operation.
10. If the low air pressure warning activates:
A. Keep driving to the nearest station
B. Stop immediately and check the system
C. Shift to a higher gear
D. Honk the horn
Loss of air pressure may lead to brake failure. Immediate action is
required.
11. When backing, you should:
A. Use mirrors only
Driver License (CDL) Questions And
Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus
Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant
Download Pdf
1. During the pre-trip inspection, you should check the oil level using:
A. The engine light
B. The engine oil dipstick
C. The coolant level indicator
D. The transmission fluid stick
The dipstick allows you to accurately measure the engine oil level
before starting the vehicle.
2. What is the proper hand position on the steering wheel during
driving?
A. One hand on top, one at the bottom
B. 3 and 6 o'clock
C. 9 and 3 o'clock or 10 and 2 o'clock
D. Both hands low at 5 and 7 o'clock
These positions provide maximum control and leverage for safe
maneuvering.
,3. When making a lane change, you must:
A. Signal only
B. Signal, check mirrors, and check blind spots
C. Honk your horn
D. Speed up to avoid traffic
Proper lane changes require multiple checks to ensure it is safe.
4. What is the minimum following distance you should maintain behind
another vehicle?
A. 1 second per 10 feet of vehicle
B. 1 second per 10 feet of vehicle, plus 1 extra second over 40 mph
C. 5 seconds always
D. 2 seconds
This rule accounts for the increased stopping distance needed for
large vehicles.
5. When stopping at a railroad crossing, stop:
A. Right on the tracks
B. No closer than 15 feet and no farther than 50 feet from the tracks
C. 5 feet before the track
D. Wherever the road sign indicates
This range ensures safety while allowing enough clearance from the
tracks.
6. When driving a combination vehicle, you must ensure:
A. Trailer brakes are disconnected
B. The cab windows are open
C. The glad hands are securely connected and not leaking
D. The trailer doors are locked shut
Glad hands connect the air brake systems and must be secure and
leak-free.
, 7. Before descending a steep grade, you should:
A. Use the brakes heavily
B. Downshift to a lower gear
C. Coast in neutral
D. Speed up
Downshifting helps control speed using engine braking, reducing
brake wear.
8. What is the purpose of the air governor in an air brake system?
A. Measures pressure
B. Controls when the compressor pumps air
C. Acts as a warning buzzer
D. Applies emergency brakes
The air governor regulates compressor cycles to maintain air
pressure.
9. During the road test, examiners are observing:
A. Your sense of direction
B. Control of the vehicle and adherence to traffic laws
C. How fast you can drive
D. Your reaction time only
The examiner evaluates safe and lawful vehicle operation.
10. If the low air pressure warning activates:
A. Keep driving to the nearest station
B. Stop immediately and check the system
C. Shift to a higher gear
D. Honk the horn
Loss of air pressure may lead to brake failure. Immediate action is
required.
11. When backing, you should:
A. Use mirrors only
