Texas CDL Practice Test

Correct answer: The Texas Commercial Rules exam

Texas administers the CDL knowledge exams in a fixed order: Texas Commercial Rules first, then General Knowledge, then Combination, Air Brakes, and any endorsement exams you need.

Correct answer: 180 days — or until your base license or lawful presence expires, whichever comes first

A Texas CLP is valid for 180 days, or until your base Texas driver license or period of lawful presence expires, whichever is earliest. You must still hold it at least 14 days before taking the skills test.

Correct answer: One time, beginning 30 days before it expires

A Texas CLP is eligible to be renewed one time, starting 30 days prior to its expiration. After that, you must start over with a new permit.

Correct answer: A qualified driver age 21 or older who holds a CDL of the same class sits next to you

A CLP authorizes practice only with a qualified CDL holder — age 21 or older, licensed for the same class of vehicle you are driving — sitting next to you. The CLP is not valid without your base Texas driver license.

Correct answer: After 90 days or three failed attempts, whichever comes first

If all required tests are not passed within the 90-day window — or after three failed attempts, whichever comes first — the application is void. Re-applying means a new application, new fees, and retesting.

Correct answer: 24 or more, including the driver

Texas assigns vehicles designed for 24 or more passengers (including the driver) to Class B. A vehicle designed for 16 to 23 passengers that is not Class A or B by weight falls under Class C.

Correct answer: Put out the proper flares, flags, or reflectors

Texas law makes warning other traffic the first priority: the driver of a disabled vehicle must first put out the proper flares, flags, or reflectors.

Correct answer: At least three flares, three red electric lanterns, or three portable red emergency reflectors

From a half hour after sunset to a half hour before sunrise, the vehicle must carry at least three flares, three red electric lanterns, or three portable red reflectors (two red flags serve in daylight). Vehicles hauling explosives, flammable liquids, or compressed-gas fuel must never use flame-producing signals.

Correct answer: Turn on the hazard warning lights (simultaneous flashers)

The driver must immediately actuate the electric hazard warning signal lights — lights that flash simultaneously. The exception is a vehicle legally parked inside city limits or stopped to load or unload passengers.

Correct answer: The empty weight of the vehicle and how much it is registered to haul

All commercial motor vehicles, truck tractors, trailers, and semitrailers must carry registration papers showing the vehicle’s empty weight and how much it is registered to haul.

Correct answer: At least two tiedowns

No matter how small the cargo, it should have at least two tiedowns. The tiedowns must be of the proper type and strength and be attached to the vehicle correctly.

Correct answer: Two — one for each 10 feet of cargo

Cargo needs at least one tiedown per 10 feet, so a 20-foot load requires at least two tiedowns — which also meets the "at least two, no matter how small" minimum.

Correct answer: It protects you from your cargo in case of a crash or emergency stop by blocking cargo from moving forward

Front-end header boards ("headache racks") protect you from your cargo in a crash or emergency stop. Make sure the front-end structure is in good condition and can block the forward movement of any cargo you carry.

Correct answer: To protect people from spilled cargo, and to protect the cargo from weather

There are two basic reasons for covering cargo: to protect people from spilled cargo and to protect the cargo from weather. Spill protection is a safety requirement in many states.

Correct answer: To keep cargo from sliding or moving during transport

Blocking is used in front of, behind, and/or beside cargo to keep it from sliding, and is shaped to fit snugly against the cargo. Bracing goes from the upper part of the cargo to the floor and/or walls to prevent movement.

Correct answer: A flapping cover can tear loose, uncovering the cargo and possibly blocking your view or someone else’s

Look at your cargo covers in the mirrors from time to time while driving. A flapping cover can tear loose, uncover the cargo, and possibly block your view or another driver’s view.

Correct answer: They have a high center of gravity and the load can shift, so you must be slow and careful on curves and turns

Dry bulk tanks require special care because they have a high center of gravity and the load can shift. Be extremely cautious — slow and careful — going around curves and making sharp turns.

Correct answer: A very unstable load with a high center of gravity — take particular caution on sharp curves such as ramps, and go slowly

Hanging meat can be a very unstable load with a high center of gravity. Particular caution is needed on sharp curves such as off-ramps and on-ramps — go slowly.

Correct answer: Use false bulkheads to keep the livestock bunched together

Livestock can move around in a trailer, causing unsafe handling. With less than a full load, use false bulkheads to keep the livestock bunched together.

Correct answer: They can lean on curves, shifting the center of gravity and making a rollover more likely

Even when bunched, special care is necessary because livestock can lean on curves. This shifts the center of gravity and makes a rollover more likely.