General Knowledge Overview

General Knowledge covers the core rules, safe driving practices, vehicle inspection steps, and cargo basics every commercial driver must know before getting behind the wheel.

Who should get the General Knowledge

Anyone applying for a CDL for the first time, and drivers who need a refresher before adding a class or endorsement.

Topics Covered for General Knowledge

Safe Driving Rules

CDL General Knowledge covers the rules of the road specific to commercial vehicles: following distance, speed limits, lane changes, and right-of-way. These questions appear on every CDL written test regardless of class or endorsement.

Cargo Handling Basics

Drivers must understand how to properly secure, distribute, and inspect cargo before moving. Overloaded or unsecured loads are a leading cause of CDL violations and roadside out-of-service orders.

Vehicle Inspection

Federal law requires CDL holders to complete a pre-trip inspection and certify the vehicle is safe before moving. The test covers specific inspection steps in the correct sequence as examiners expect to see them performed.

Emergency Procedures

Knowing how to respond to brake failures, tire blowouts, skids, and accident situations is tested on the General Knowledge exam. Proper emergency response can prevent a minor mechanical issue from becoming a serious crash.

Space Management

Commercial vehicles need significantly more space to stop, turn, and maneuver than passenger vehicles. Understanding following distance, clearance heights, and sight lines is critical for both the written test and safe operation.

General Knowledge

$19.95

Study Material Access Duration

120, 180, 365 days of access · No subscription

No subscription, no auto-renewal: 120 days of access included, or extend to 180 or 365 days at checkout.

Failing your CDL exam costs more than preparing.

Included in these study material sets

Get General Knowledge plus more, for less than buying separately.

Best value: every test, every endorsement
General Knowledge · Air Brakes · Combination Vehicles · Passenger · Skills Test · Tank Vehicles · Hazardous Materials · School Bus · Doubles and Triples
Save $35.55 vs separate
General Knowledge · Passenger
Save $9.90 vs separate
General Knowledge · Air Brakes · Skills Test
Save $15.85 vs separate
General Knowledge · Hazardous Materials
Save $11.90 vs separate
General Knowledge · Passenger · School Bus
Save $10.85 vs separate
General Knowledge · Air Brakes · Combination Vehicles · Skills Test
Save $18.80 vs separate