How many questions are on the Texas General Knowledge CDL test?

The Texas General Knowledge CDL test consists of 50 multiple-choice questions. You must answer at least 40 questions correctly (80%) to pass. The test is administered on a computer kiosk at the DPS office.

Is the Texas General Knowledge test the same as Section 14?

No. The 'General Knowledge' test covers federal safety rules applicable to all trucks. 'Section 14' (Texas Special Requirements) is a separate 20-question test specific to Texas state laws regarding lighting, height, and registration.

Texas General Knowledge CDL Test 2026: The Ultimate DPS Study Guide

Practice Tests Jan 12, 2026

Getting your Class A permit in Texas requires passing four distinct tests, but the Texas General Knowledge CDL test is the "Big Boss." It consists of 50 questions covering everything from engine mechanics to accident procedures.

Many students underestimate this exam because they focus too much on the unique "Section 14" test. However, if you fail General Knowledge, you leave the DPS empty-handed.

This 2026 guide dives deep into the specific topics the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) focuses on, ensuring you are ready for the Texas General Knowledge CDL test.

1. Deconstructing the 50 Questions

The test is not random. It follows a specific structure based on the Federal CDL Manual. Here is where the questions come from:

Vehicle Control (15-20 Questions): Braking, shifting, steering, and skid recovery.
See & Be Seen (10-15 Questions): Mirror usage, communicating with lights, and night driving.
Hazards (10 Questions): Mountain driving, winter driving, and aggressive drivers.
Emergency Procedures (5-10 Questions): Fires, accident reporting, and tire blowouts.

DPS Kiosk Strategy: On the Texas DPS computer, you have a "Skip" button. Use it! If you don't know an answer, skip it. It will move to the end. If you answer 40 questions correctly before you run out of skips, the test ends automatically with a PASS.

2. Critical Concept: "Implied Consent" in Texas

This is a huge focus area for the Texas General Knowledge CDL test. Texas has zero tolerance for alcohol in commercial vehicles.

The Law: By holding a Texas CDL and driving on Texas roads, you have deemed to have given your consent to chemical testing (breath, blood, or urine) for alcohol or drugs.
The Trap: You do not need to be convicted of a DWI to lose your license. Simply refusing the test results in an immediate 1-year disqualification of your CDL.
Personal Vehicle: If you refuse a test while driving your personal car, you still lose your CDL privileges for 1 year. The DPS does not distinguish between vehicles when it comes to refusal.

3. Braking Distance: The Texas Formulas

You cannot guess these numbers. The DPS expects you to know the math.

Perception + Reaction + Braking

Perception Distance: The distance your truck travels from the time your eyes see a hazard until your brain recognizes it. (1.75 seconds / 142 feet at 55 mph).
Reaction Distance: The distance traveled from the time your brain tells your foot to move until your foot hits the pedal. (0.75 seconds / 61 feet at 55 mph).
Braking Distance: The distance it takes for the brakes to actually stop the wheels.
Total: At 55 mph, it takes about 450 feet (longer than a football field) to stop a fully loaded tractor-trailer.

Exam Tip: If a question on the Texas General Knowledge CDL test asks about stopping distance on wet roads, the rule is to double it. On packed snow, multiply by 4? No, reduce speed by half. On ice, reduce to a crawl.

4. Cargo Securement Rules

Even if you aren't a flatbedder, you must know these rules to pass General Knowledge.

The "10-Foot" Rule: You need at least one tie-down for every 10 feet of cargo.
Minimums: No matter how small the item is, if it is not contained by the vehicle structure, it must have at least 2 tie-downs.
Header Boards: You must know that a header board (or headache rack) is designed to protect the driver from cargo shifting forward during a crash.

5. Texas General Knowledge Practice Questions

These questions simulate the difficulty of the actual DPS exam.

1. You are driving a 40-foot vehicle at 35 mph. The road is dry and visibility is good. What is the least amount of space you should keep in front of your vehicle?

A. 3 seconds.

B. 4 seconds.

C. 5 seconds.

Correct Answer: B (4 seconds).
Why? The formula for the Texas General Knowledge CDL test is: 1 second for every 10 feet of vehicle length. 40 ft / 10 = 4 seconds. Since you are under 40 mph, you do not add the extra second.

2. Which of these statements about "Double Clutching" is true?

A. You can use the tachometer to tell you when to shift.

B. Double clutching is only for downshifting.

C. You must disengage the clutch before and after the shift.

Correct Answer: A.
Why? While many modern trucks are automatic, the test still covers manuals. You use the tachometer (RPMs) and road speed to know when to shift. Double clutching involves pushing the clutch in to shift to neutral, releasing it to rev-match, and pushing it in again to enter the new gear.

3. If you are stopped at a roadside rest area and found to have a BAC (Blood Alcohol Concentration) of 0.02%, you will:

A. Be placed out-of-service for 24 hours.

B. Lose your CDL for one year.

C. Receive a warning ticket.

Correct Answer: A.
This is the "Zero Tolerance" safety rule. 0.04% is the limit for a DUI conviction, but any detectable amount (0.02%) warrants an immediate **24-hour Out-of-Service** order.

Did you answer these correctly?

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Conclusion

The Texas General Knowledge CDL test is a test of your memory and your understanding of physics. Do not rely on "common sense." Study the numbers, understand the legal limits for alcohol, and master the pre-trip concepts.