Kentucky General Knowledge CDL Practice Test
Practice with real KY General Knowledge exam questions and detailed explanations. Rated 4.8 stars by 1,000+ drivers.
Written by CDL holders and exam prep experts ยท Updated April 2026
Free Questions
10
Passing Score
80%
Time Limit
Typically 60 minutes; varies by testing location
Prerequisites
Required foundation test for all CDL classes (A, B, C)
What is the General Knowledge Test?
The General Knowledge test is required for all CDL applicants. It covers basic commercial driving skills, vehicle inspection, safety procedures, and federal regulations. This is the foundation test that all CDL drivers must pass.
Required foundation test for all CDL applicants
Topic Breakdown
Vehicle Inspection
~12 questions
- Pre-trip inspection procedures
- In-cab inspection items
- Engine compartment checks
Basic Control Skills
~10 questions
- Backing and parking techniques
- Space management
- Speed and distance judgment
Safe Driving
~10 questions
- Following distance and speed management
- Night and weather driving
- Hazard awareness and response
Transporting Cargo
~8 questions
- Weight distribution and securing cargo
- Load limits and weight restrictions
- Cargo documentation
Vehicle Systems
~6 questions
- Engine systems and maintenance
- Electrical and lighting systems
- Suspension and steering systems
Regulations and Safety
~4 questions
- Hours of service regulations
- CDL requirements and restrictions
- Traffic laws and penalties
Free Practice Questions
10 questionsQuestion 1 of 10
Retarders:
Browse Kentucky General Knowledge Questions
- 1. Retarders:
- 2. The tread depth on front steering wheel tires should be:
- 3. When driving at night, you should:
- 4. You are driving a truck with a manual transmission. What gear will you probably have to use to take a long, steep downhill grade?
- 5. The BAC (Blood Alcohol Concentration) for commercial drivers to be considered intoxicated when driving a commercial vehicle is:
- 6. To prevent a load from shifting, there should be at least one tie down for every ____ feet of cargo.
- 7. Controlled braking:
- 8. You are driving on a straight, level highway at 50 mph. There are no vehicles in front of you. Suddenly a tire blew out of your vehicle, what should you do first?
- 9. How many hours may a CMV driver be on duty within a seven-day period?
- 10. A full stop is required at a railroad crossing when:
Study Tips for Kentucky
- 1Master the pre-trip inspection sequence thoroughly
- 2Study hours of service regulations and logbook requirements
- 3Practice weight and space management calculations
- 4Learn all vehicle systems and warning signs
- 5Review your state's commercial driver manual completely
Kentucky CDL Information
Age Requirements
Intrastate: 18+ ยท Interstate: 21+
CDL Renewal
Every 4 years
ELDT Required
Yes โ ELDT (Entry-Level Driver Training) from FMCSA-registered provider
Kentucky Transportation Cabinet
Official CDL Portal โCareer Opportunities
Frequently Asked Questions
The General Knowledge test is required for all CDL applicants. It covers basic commercial driving skills, vehicle inspection, safety procedures, and federal regulations.
General Knowledge Study Resources
Be Ready for Your Kentucky General Knowledge Test
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