California CDL — General Knowledge: Penalties & Licensing Practice Test

Question 1

Under the federal hours-of-service rules, how many hours may a property-carrying driver drive after 10 hours off duty?

Accepted Answer

11 hours — After at least 10 consecutive hours off duty, a property-carrying driver may drive up to 11 hours. These limits are designed to reduce fatigue-related crashes.

Answer

8 hours

Answer

14 hours

Answer

16 hours

Question 2

If you are convicted of two serious traffic violations within three years, in separate incidents, how long is your CDL disqualified?

Accepted Answer

At least 60 days — Two serious traffic violations within three years lead to at least a 60-day disqualification; three within three years lead to at least 120 days. Serious violations include excessive speeding, reckless driving, and following too closely.

Answer

There is no disqualification for two violations

Answer

Exactly 10 days

Answer

A lifetime disqualification

Question 3

A CDL is also required to drive a vehicle designed, used, or maintained to carry how many people, including the driver?

Accepted Answer

More than 10 — The handbook's list of vehicles that require a CDL includes one designed, used, or maintained for more than 10 people, counting the driver. Drivers of these passenger vehicles also need a passenger (P) endorsement.

Answer

6 or more

Answer

40 or more

Answer

Passenger count does not matter

Question 4

How does the 14-hour rule limit a property-carrying driver?

Accepted Answer

You may not drive after the 14th hour since coming on duty — A driver may not drive after the 14th consecutive hour following the start of the work shift, even if they stop for breaks during that window. Off-duty time inside the window does not push back the 14-hour limit.

Answer

It sets the maximum speed at 14 mph in work zones

Answer

It requires a 14-minute break every hour

Answer

It allows 14 hours of driving with no breaks

Question 5

What do the 60- and 70-hour hours-of-service limits mean?

Accepted Answer

The most on-duty hours allowed over 7 or 8 consecutive days — A driver may not drive after being on duty 60 hours in 7 consecutive days or 70 hours in 8 consecutive days, depending on the carrier's schedule. A 34-hour off-duty restart can reset the weekly total.

Answer

The most hours you can drive in a single day

Answer

The minimum hours you must drive each week

Answer

The number of hours a load may sit before delivery

Question 6

What does it mean when a vehicle or driver is placed "out of service"?

Accepted Answer

The vehicle or driver may not operate until the problem is fixed — An out-of-service order means the vehicle or driver may not be operated until the safety problem or violation is corrected. Driving in violation of an out-of-service order brings heavy penalties.

Answer

The vehicle is due for a routine oil change

Answer

The driver may keep driving until the next stop

Answer

It applies only to the trailer, not the driver

Question 7

For a first conviction of driving a commercial vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.04 or higher, how long is your CDL disqualified?

Accepted Answer

At least 1 year — A first major offense, such as a 0.04 or higher BAC or refusing testing, disqualifies your CDL for at least one year. A second major offense results in a lifetime disqualification.

Answer

30 days

Answer

6 months

Answer

90 days

Question 8

What can happen to a commercial driver convicted of texting or using a handheld phone while driving?

Accepted Answer

Fines, and disqualification of the CDL for repeat convictions — These violations bring fines and count as serious traffic violations, so repeat convictions can disqualify your CDL. Employers who allow the practice can also be fined.

Answer

Nothing, because it is only a warning

Answer

A small parking ticket only

Answer

Loss of the vehicle's registration only

Question 9

How many driver's licenses may a CDL holder have?

Accepted Answer

Only one — You may hold only one driver's license. Having more than one license is illegal, and you must surrender any extra licenses.

Answer

As many as different states will issue

Answer

Two: one for cars and one for trucks

Answer

Three, one for each vehicle class

Question 10

Which of the following is a major offense that can disqualify your CDL?

Accepted Answer

Leaving the scene of a crash involving your CMV — Leaving the scene of a crash involving your commercial vehicle is a major offense, along with DUI, refusing a test, and using a CMV to commit a felony. A first major offense disqualifies you for at least one year.

Answer

A single burned-out marker light

Answer

Parking too far from the curb once

Answer

Going 5 mph under the speed limit

Question 11

A Commercial Driver License (CDL) is required to drive a single vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating of at least how much?

Accepted Answer

26,001 pounds — A CDL is required to drive a vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more. A CDL is also required for certain passenger vehicles and any vehicle carrying placarded hazardous materials.

Answer

10,000 pounds

Answer

16,000 pounds

Answer

There is no weight threshold

Question 12

How are most commercial drivers required to record their hours of service?

Accepted Answer

In a record of duty status, ready to show an officer on request — A driver's hours go in a record of duty status, which each driver and co-driver keeps in duplicate. It must be handed over right away when an authorized officer asks to inspect it.

Answer

From memory, with no written record

Answer

Only on a paper calendar kept at home

Answer

Records of hours are optional

California CDL — General Knowledge: Penalties & Licensing practice test

Study questions with answers

1. Under the federal hours-of-service rules, how many hours may a property-carrying driver drive after 10 hours off duty?

2. If you are convicted of two serious traffic violations within three years, in separate incidents, how long is your CDL disqualified?

3. A CDL is also required to drive a vehicle designed, used, or maintained to carry how many people, including the driver?

4. How does the 14-hour rule limit a property-carrying driver?

5. What do the 60- and 70-hour hours-of-service limits mean?

6. What does it mean when a vehicle or driver is placed "out of service"?

7. For a first conviction of driving a commercial vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.04 or higher, how long is your CDL disqualified?

8. What can happen to a commercial driver convicted of texting or using a handheld phone while driving?

9. How many driver's licenses may a CDL holder have?

10. Which of the following is a major offense that can disqualify your CDL?

11. A Commercial Driver License (CDL) is required to drive a single vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating of at least how much?

12. How are most commercial drivers required to record their hours of service?

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