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  • Updated for December 2024
  • Based on 2024 WA commercial driver's license manual

Free Washington CDL Permit Practice Test: General Knowledge 2024

The great state of Washington can offer real economic opportunities to commercial drivers because of its rapidly growing and diverse economy.

Among key economic sectors in Washington requiring commercial drivers are aircraft manufacture, automotive manufacture, electronics, lumber and wood products, beverages, retail, agriculture, wine, and tourism. In addition, Washington receives a great deal of foreign cargo through its seaports. The Port of Seattle and the Port of Tacoma are two of the busiest seaports in the country. Truck drivers transport large volumes of all these cargoes. Note that seaports, like airports, are secure areas. You may need to obtain a Transport Workers Identification Credential (TWIC) card to pick up cargo at these seaports. Meanwhile, bus drivers transport tourists to destinations like the San Juan Islands, Olympic National Park, and Mount St. Helens.

Major commercial routes include Interstate 5 (heavily used by both trucks and buses), Interstate 82 (for transport of agricultural products from Yakima Valley), Interstate 90 (for cargo transport to logistics hubs), U.S. Route 97 (for agricultural and industrial freight to Oregon and British Columbia, Canada), and State Route 14 (for agricultural and industrial freight in southern Washington State).

Before you can obtain a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), you must obtain a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) so you can practice commercial driving under supervision. One important step toward obtaining a CLP is to pass the official General Knowledge test on commercial driving theory. You have probably been advised to read the official Washington Commercial Driver Guide (Washington CDL Handbook 2024)? We agree that you should read it because the official knowledge test is based on it. However, you’re probably here because you want to get some more help to pass the knowledge test than you’re getting by reading this commercial driving manual. If so, you’ve certainly come to the right place!

This free Washington CDL permit practice test, which you’re about to take, is based on the official state manual, just like the official knowledge test. It’s up to date as of December, 2024. There are 50 multiple-choice questions on such topics as basic driving techniques, cargo management, emergency preparedness, and pre-trip inspections. Unlike the official knowledge test, each question on this practice test comes with an available hint and an explanation of the correct answer. What this practice test doesn’t have is a time limit. Take your time and learn as much as you can from the experience.

Test-taking tip: On multiple-choice tests, some questions may contain at least one ridiculous or outlier answer choice intended to catch random guessers. Try to identify and eliminate any such answer choice(s) immediately. Then the correct answer must be among the remaining answer choices.

Commercial Driver's License
  • Perfect for first-time and renewal CDL/CLP applicants, and those adding endorsements
  • Triple-checked for accuracy

What you need to know

Available in EN and ES
Verified by Steven Litvintchouk, M.S., Chief Educational Researcher, Member of ACES. See our detailed commitment to accuracy and quality in our practice tests.
Ensuring the accuracy and quality of our program is paramount. Learn more about our rigorous standards in our Commitment to Accuracy article.

What to expect on the actual WA DOL exam

50

questions

40

correct answers to pass

80%

passing score

List of questions (classic view)

  1. Letting the air out of hot tires
  2. You should put the starter switch key into your pocket while you perform the pre-trip inspection because
  3. An antilock braking system (ABS) will
  4. How many tie-downs are required for a 20-foot load?
  5. Which of the following is NOT something you should check during a trip?
  6. How often must you stop to check your cargo while on the road?
  7. When you start to drive down a steep downgrade, which of the following should influence your choice of speed?
  8. To maintain alertness on your trips, you should
  9. Always try to back toward the driver's side because
  10. Which of the following statements about retarders are correct?
  11. Starting the engine and inspecting the cab involves each of the following tasks EXCEPT
  12. What is the definition of a hazard?
  13. What is the gross vehicle weight (GVW)?
  14. You should inspect wheel bearing seals for
  15. Which of the following is most likely to cause a vehicle fire?
  16. The minimum tire tread depth for front tires is
  17. How can you start moving without rolling backward?
  18. Which of these is NOT part of the basic method for shifting up?
  19. If you are confronted by an aggressive driver, what should you do?
  20. Which is NOT one of the four basic skills that operating a commercial motor vehicle requires?
  21. If you are traveling at 55 mph in a 30-foot vehicle, you should leave how many seconds of following distance?
  22. Total stopping distance equals
  23. On which of the following types of fires should you NOT use a B:C fire extinguisher?
  24. In very hot weather, you see tar "bleeding" through the pavement. What effect may this have?
  25. How can you determine if your vehicle is equipped with an antilock braking system (ABS)?
  26. What is the best way to figure out how many seconds of following distance you have?
  27. You don't want to be a distracted driver, so you
  28. While driving at night, which lights should you use as often as you can?
  29. Why is it important to use a helper when backing?
  30. It has just reached freezing. Which of the following areas may be slippery?
  31. Do empty trucks have the best braking?
  32. The most important hand signal that you and a helper should agree on is
  33. How long does it take a typical tractor-trailer to clear a double railroad track?
  34. During your pre-trip test, when examining hoses with the instructor, you need to look for
  35. Where should you place your warning devices if you must stop on a one-way road or divided highway?
  36. If you feel drowsy while driving, what should you do?
  37. Which of the following might get stuck at a raised railroad crossing?
  38. To transport cargo safely, which of the following are you NOT responsible for?
  39. Which of the following should you NOT do if you experience a tire failure?
  40. When you practice in preparation for the CDL skills test, do NOT
  41. Hazardous materials placards are
  42. In which of the following two situations should you downshift?
  43. What might happen if you swing wide to the left before you turn right?
  44. If you double your speed, how much more distance will it take to brake to a stop?
  45. How far ahead should you look while driving?
  46. What will help a drunk sober up?
  47. Which of the following is a key steering component?
  48. Why should you cover your cargo?
  49. If the engine is not overheated, is it completely safe to remove the radiator cap?
  50. Signs of distracted drivers include
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