Page 1 of 147
Texas CDL, Texas CDL General Knowledge
EXAM TESTBANK 2026|ACTUAL 700+
EXAM PREP QUESTIONS AND VERIFIED
ANSWERS|+GRADE ASSURED
1. Before operating a commercial motor vehicle (CMV), the
driver must perform a pre-trip inspection. The minimum
required items to inspect include:
A) Engine oil level, tire pressure, and brake system.
B) Only lights and tires.
C) Fuel level and wiper blades.
D) Cargo only.
Answer: A – The pre-trip must include checking engine oil, tires,
brakes, lights, steering, suspension, and safety equipment.
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Rationale: Texas adopts federal CDL regulations requiring a
systematic pre-trip inspection of safety-critical components.
2. You are performing a pre-trip inspection and find that the
brake pedal goes nearly to the floor when you apply firm
pressure. You should:
A) Continue driving because the brakes still work.
B) Adjust the brakes before driving.
C) Mark the defect on the inspection report and refuse to drive
the vehicle.
D) Add brake fluid and proceed.
Answer: C – A brake pedal that goes to the floor indicates a
serious brake system defect (e.g., low fluid, air in system, worn
linings). The vehicle is unsafe and must not be driven.
Rationale: The pre-trip inspection is intended to identify defects
that would make the CMV unsafe to operate.
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3. Which of the following is NOT a required item to check
during a pre-trip inspection?
A) Tire tread depth.
B) Windshield wiper blades.
C) CB radio operation.
D) Emergency reflectors and fire extinguisher.
Answer: C – CB radios are not safety-critical equipment
required by FMCSA regulations.
Rationale: Required items include tires, brakes, lights, coupling
devices, windshield wipers, emergency equipment, and mirrors.
4. When checking tires during a pre-trip inspection, you should
look for:
A) Matching tread depths across all positions.
B) Tread depth of at least 4/32 inch on front tires and 2/32 inch
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on drive tires.
C) All tires must be identical in brand.
D) No cracks or bulges, and proper inflation.
Answer: D – Tires must be properly inflated, free of cuts, bulges,
or uneven wear. Tread depth minimum: front tires 4/32″; drive
and trailer tires 2/32″.
Rationale: Under-inflated or damaged tires can cause blowouts,
especially on hot Texas roads.
5. The emergency equipment that must be carried in a CMV
includes:
A) A first-aid kit and a flash light.
B) Three reflective triangles, a fire extinguisher, and a spare fuse
(if fuses are used).
C) A spare tire and jack.
D) A CB radio and cell phone.
Texas CDL, Texas CDL General Knowledge
EXAM TESTBANK 2026|ACTUAL 700+
EXAM PREP QUESTIONS AND VERIFIED
ANSWERS|+GRADE ASSURED
1. Before operating a commercial motor vehicle (CMV), the
driver must perform a pre-trip inspection. The minimum
required items to inspect include:
A) Engine oil level, tire pressure, and brake system.
B) Only lights and tires.
C) Fuel level and wiper blades.
D) Cargo only.
Answer: A – The pre-trip must include checking engine oil, tires,
brakes, lights, steering, suspension, and safety equipment.
,Page 2 of 147
Rationale: Texas adopts federal CDL regulations requiring a
systematic pre-trip inspection of safety-critical components.
2. You are performing a pre-trip inspection and find that the
brake pedal goes nearly to the floor when you apply firm
pressure. You should:
A) Continue driving because the brakes still work.
B) Adjust the brakes before driving.
C) Mark the defect on the inspection report and refuse to drive
the vehicle.
D) Add brake fluid and proceed.
Answer: C – A brake pedal that goes to the floor indicates a
serious brake system defect (e.g., low fluid, air in system, worn
linings). The vehicle is unsafe and must not be driven.
Rationale: The pre-trip inspection is intended to identify defects
that would make the CMV unsafe to operate.
,Page 3 of 147
3. Which of the following is NOT a required item to check
during a pre-trip inspection?
A) Tire tread depth.
B) Windshield wiper blades.
C) CB radio operation.
D) Emergency reflectors and fire extinguisher.
Answer: C – CB radios are not safety-critical equipment
required by FMCSA regulations.
Rationale: Required items include tires, brakes, lights, coupling
devices, windshield wipers, emergency equipment, and mirrors.
4. When checking tires during a pre-trip inspection, you should
look for:
A) Matching tread depths across all positions.
B) Tread depth of at least 4/32 inch on front tires and 2/32 inch
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on drive tires.
C) All tires must be identical in brand.
D) No cracks or bulges, and proper inflation.
Answer: D – Tires must be properly inflated, free of cuts, bulges,
or uneven wear. Tread depth minimum: front tires 4/32″; drive
and trailer tires 2/32″.
Rationale: Under-inflated or damaged tires can cause blowouts,
especially on hot Texas roads.
5. The emergency equipment that must be carried in a CMV
includes:
A) A first-aid kit and a flash light.
B) Three reflective triangles, a fire extinguisher, and a spare fuse
(if fuses are used).
C) A spare tire and jack.
D) A CB radio and cell phone.
