Wyoming General Knowledge practice test
50 questions · 80% to pass · Required for every CDL applicant.
How to use this practice test
Read each question, click an answer, and the correct choice is highlighted with a short explanation referencing the underlying CDL Manual concept. Your live score appears at the top of the page. Refresh to reset.
This test runs entirely in your browser. Nothing is uploaded; no account is required. Pages refresh to a new randomized cut from the bank.
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1. Hours-of-service property-carrying drivers may drive a maximum of how many hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty?
Explanation. The federal HOS rule allows up to 11 hours of driving after 10 consecutive hours off duty.
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2. Controlled braking means:
Explanation. Controlled braking is firm pressure that does not lock the wheels, allowing you to continue steering.
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3. Which of these is NOT a sign of a tired driver?
Explanation. A "second wind" is a brief, deceptive boost. All of the others, including the second wind, are warning signs of fatigue.
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4. According to the FMCSA CDL Manual, most pre-trip inspections begin with which step?
Explanation. The CDL Manual lists "review last inspection report" as the first step in the seven-step pre-trip inspection. (Reinforcement variant — same underlying CDL Manual concept.)
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5. When operating a CMV in interstate commerce, empty trucks need:
Explanation. Empty trucks have less traction and brakes designed for the loaded weight, so they can actually take longer to stop and lock up more easily. (Reinforcement variant — same underlying CDL Manual concept.)
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6. Most state DMV CDL handbooks state that you should signal continuously when turning because:
Explanation. Continuous signaling keeps other drivers informed and prevents the signal from cancelling before the turn is complete. (Reinforcement variant — same underlying CDL Manual concept.)
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7. In real-world commercial driving, you should NOT drive when taking which of these?
Explanation. Drowsiness-causing medications, even legal ones, can disqualify you from driving. (Reinforcement variant — same underlying CDL Manual concept.)
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8. Experienced commercial drivers know that you must use low beams within how many feet of an oncoming vehicle?
Explanation. Switch to low beams within 500 feet of an oncoming vehicle to avoid blinding the other driver. (Reinforcement variant — same underlying CDL Manual concept.)
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9. Experienced commercial drivers know that what is the standard color of a placard for a Class 2 (gases) hazardous material?
Explanation. Class 2 placards are red for flammable gas, green for non-flammable, and yellow/white for poison/oxygen subdivisions. (Reinforcement variant — same underlying CDL Manual concept.)
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10. Per federal regulations, you should signal continuously when turning because:
Explanation. Continuous signaling keeps other drivers informed and prevents the signal from cancelling before the turn is complete. (Reinforcement variant — same underlying CDL Manual concept.)
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11. When taking the CDL knowledge exam, when driving down a long, steep grade, you should:
Explanation. Always select a low gear before descending so engine compression helps hold speed and brakes do not overheat. (Reinforcement variant — same underlying CDL Manual concept.)
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12. When operating a CMV in interstate commerce, which is the best way to handle a tire failure?
Explanation. Hard braking after a tire failure can cause loss of control. Hold the wheel firmly, ease off the throttle, and brake gently after slowing. (Reinforcement variant — same underlying CDL Manual concept.)
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13. The 14-hour rule means a driver may not drive after the:
Explanation. After 14 consecutive hours on duty following 10 hours off, no further driving is allowed even if some of those 14 hours were not driving.
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14. When taking the CDL knowledge exam, controlled braking means:
Explanation. Controlled braking is firm pressure that does not lock the wheels, allowing you to continue steering. (Reinforcement variant — same underlying CDL Manual concept.)
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15. When operating a CMV in interstate commerce, what does the term "perception distance" mean?
Explanation. Perception distance is the distance traveled while your brain identifies a hazard, typically about 1.5 seconds at highway speed. (Reinforcement variant — same underlying CDL Manual concept.)
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16. Aggressive driving by other motorists is best handled by:
Explanation. The safest response is to disengage and report when safe; never engage an aggressive driver.
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17. When taking the CDL knowledge exam, carbon monoxide poisoning may be a hazard if:
Explanation. A cracked exhaust manifold or rusted-through pipe can leak CO into the cab, causing drowsiness or death. (Reinforcement variant — same underlying CDL Manual concept.)
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18. Convex (curved) mirrors:
Explanation. Convex mirrors widen the view but make objects appear smaller and farther away than they actually are.
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19. When operating a CMV in interstate commerce, when checking lights during the pre-trip, you should turn the key on and:
Explanation. Have someone else watch, or turn lights on and off and walk around to verify each lamp is working. (Reinforcement variant — same underlying CDL Manual concept.)
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20. When you double your speed, your stopping distance:
Explanation. Stopping distance increases roughly with the square of speed, so doubling speed nearly quadruples the distance.
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21. Brake fade is caused by:
Explanation. Brakes lose effectiveness when overheated; this is why low gears are essential on grades.
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22. When making a right turn in a large vehicle, you should:
Explanation. Stay in the right lane and watch the trailer; swinging left first invites a same-direction driver to squeeze in on your right.
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23. Most state DMV CDL handbooks state that you should check your mirrors:
Explanation. Frequent mirror checks (every 5-8 seconds) are part of safe scanning. (Reinforcement variant — same underlying CDL Manual concept.)
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24. In real-world commercial driving, a driver who is convicted of DUI in any vehicle while holding a CDL faces:
Explanation. A first DUI conviction in any vehicle disqualifies a CDL for at least one year. (Reinforcement variant — same underlying CDL Manual concept.)
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25. What is the standard color of a placard for a Class 2 (gases) hazardous material?
Explanation. Class 2 placards are red for flammable gas, green for non-flammable, and yellow/white for poison/oxygen subdivisions.
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26. What does the term "perception distance" mean?
Explanation. Perception distance is the distance traveled while your brain identifies a hazard, typically about 1.5 seconds at highway speed.
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27. According to the FMCSA CDL Manual, stab braking is used:
Explanation. Stab braking is an emergency technique for non-ABS vehicles: brake hard until wheels lock, release, brake again. (Reinforcement variant — same underlying CDL Manual concept.)
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28. Most state DMV CDL handbooks state that you must use low beams within how many feet of an oncoming vehicle?
Explanation. Switch to low beams within 500 feet of an oncoming vehicle to avoid blinding the other driver. (Reinforcement variant — same underlying CDL Manual concept.)
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29. A driver who is convicted of DUI in any vehicle while holding a CDL faces:
Explanation. A first DUI conviction in any vehicle disqualifies a CDL for at least one year.
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30. Per federal regulations, controlled braking means:
Explanation. Controlled braking is firm pressure that does not lock the wheels, allowing you to continue steering. (Reinforcement variant — same underlying CDL Manual concept.)
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31. Experienced commercial drivers know that aggressive driving by other motorists is best handled by:
Explanation. The safest response is to disengage and report when safe; never engage an aggressive driver. (Reinforcement variant — same underlying CDL Manual concept.)
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32. Experienced commercial drivers know that empty trucks need:
Explanation. Empty trucks have less traction and brakes designed for the loaded weight, so they can actually take longer to stop and lock up more easily. (Reinforcement variant — same underlying CDL Manual concept.)
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33. When operating a CMV in interstate commerce, most pre-trip inspections begin with which step?
Explanation. The CDL Manual lists "review last inspection report" as the first step in the seven-step pre-trip inspection. (Reinforcement variant — same underlying CDL Manual concept.)
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34. In real-world commercial driving, total stopping distance equals:
Explanation. Total stopping distance is perception + reaction + braking distance combined. (Reinforcement variant — same underlying CDL Manual concept.)
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35. According to the FMCSA CDL Manual, a driver who is convicted of DUI in any vehicle while holding a CDL faces:
Explanation. A first DUI conviction in any vehicle disqualifies a CDL for at least one year. (Reinforcement variant — same underlying CDL Manual concept.)
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36. When taking the CDL knowledge exam, convex (curved) mirrors:
Explanation. Convex mirrors widen the view but make objects appear smaller and farther away than they actually are. (Reinforcement variant — same underlying CDL Manual concept.)
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37. When driving in fog, you should:
Explanation. High beams reflect off fog and reduce vision; low beams and slower speed are correct.
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38. When taking the CDL knowledge exam, cargo should be inspected:
Explanation. You must inspect cargo within the first 50 miles, then every 150 miles or 3 hours, whichever is sooner. (Reinforcement variant — same underlying CDL Manual concept.)
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39. Experienced commercial drivers know that you should check your mirrors:
Explanation. Frequent mirror checks (every 5-8 seconds) are part of safe scanning. (Reinforcement variant — same underlying CDL Manual concept.)
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40. Per federal regulations, when making a right turn in a large vehicle, you should:
Explanation. Stay in the right lane and watch the trailer; swinging left first invites a same-direction driver to squeeze in on your right. (Reinforcement variant — same underlying CDL Manual concept.)
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41. During a pre-trip inspection, what is the standard color of a placard for a Class 2 (gases) hazardous material?
Explanation. Class 2 placards are red for flammable gas, green for non-flammable, and yellow/white for poison/oxygen subdivisions. (Reinforcement variant — same underlying CDL Manual concept.)
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42. Experienced commercial drivers know that the eye-lead time recommended for highway driving is at least:
Explanation. Look 12-15 seconds ahead so you can identify hazards in time to react smoothly. (Reinforcement variant — same underlying CDL Manual concept.)
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43. Most state DMV CDL handbooks state that when backing a commercial vehicle, you should:
Explanation. Backing toward the driver side gives the driver a direct line of sight, which is much safer than blind-side backing. (Reinforcement variant — same underlying CDL Manual concept.)
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44. You should signal continuously when turning because:
Explanation. Continuous signaling keeps other drivers informed and prevents the signal from cancelling before the turn is complete.
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45. A driver may use a hand-held mobile phone while driving a CMV:
Explanation. Federal rules prohibit hand-held mobile phone use by CMV drivers except in emergencies.
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46. You should NOT drive when taking which of these?
Explanation. Drowsiness-causing medications, even legal ones, can disqualify you from driving.
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47. According to the FMCSA CDL Manual, total stopping distance equals:
Explanation. Total stopping distance is perception + reaction + braking distance combined. (Reinforcement variant — same underlying CDL Manual concept.)
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48. Experienced commercial drivers know that a driver may use a hand-held mobile phone while driving a CMV:
Explanation. Federal rules prohibit hand-held mobile phone use by CMV drivers except in emergencies. (Reinforcement variant — same underlying CDL Manual concept.)
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49. When taking the CDL knowledge exam, black ice is dangerous because:
Explanation. Black ice is a thin layer of ice clear enough that the road below shows through, making it look merely wet. (Reinforcement variant — same underlying CDL Manual concept.)
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50. During a pre-trip inspection, communicating presence with the horn is appropriate when:
Explanation. Use the horn only to warn others of your presence when there is a real risk they have not seen you. (Reinforcement variant — same underlying CDL Manual concept.)
About the General Knowledge exam
The General Knowledge exam is required for every Class A, B, and C CDL applicant. It covers vehicle inspection, basic control, shifting, backing, communicating with other drivers, distracted driving, fatigue, hazard perception, emergency maneuvers, skid control, accident procedures, hazardous materials awareness, and federal hours-of-service rules.
This Wyoming-specific edition uses the same federal source material every U.S. state adopts. The Wyoming DOT administers the actual exam at its service centers. Bring your CDL handbook for any last-minute reference; it’s free at every Wyoming DOT office.
Once you’re consistently scoring above 90% on this practice set, you’re well above the 80% required to pass the official Wyoming exam. Drill the questions you miss most often, then take the test cold once a day for a week leading up to your appointment.
Tips that actually work
- Read every answer choice before clicking. CDL questions are famous for "best answer" wording where two choices look right.
- Don’t memorize question text — learn the underlying rule. The DMV reshuffles wording constantly.
- Keep a list of the questions you miss. Re-drill them in isolation until you can’t miss them.
- Practice in short, frequent sessions. Two 20-minute sessions per day beats one two-hour cram.
What happens after I pass?
Passing the knowledge test earns you a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP). You must hold the CLP for at least 14 days before you can take the road skills test, and you must drive with a CDL-holding instructor in the cab during that period. Once you pass the road skills test, your CDL is issued.