10 exam-style questions with answers and explanations, straight from our 1,030-question bank. Tap an answer to check yourself. When you're ready, take the scored version in the free practice test.
These 10 free PA-CDL questions are organized by exam domain, so you can see how each part of the Pennsylvania CDL Permit Test blueprint is tested. Reveal the answer and explanation under each question.
A contractor uses a power unit with a GVWR of 18,000 pounds to tow a trailer with a GVWR of 12,000 pounds. The combination has a GCWR of 30,000 pounds, and no passengers or hazardous materials are involved. Which CDL class is required?
Correct answer: C - Class A, based on the 30,000-pound GCWR and 12,000-pound trailer rating
During a pre-trip inspection, a five-leaf spring pack has one broken leaf. The broken leaf is the main leaf, and the remaining four leaves are intact. What should the driver conclude?
Correct answer: A - The suspension is unsafe because a broken main leaf is a serious defect
A 70-foot tractor-trailer is traveling at 55 mph on a dry road with an 8.5-second following interval. A steady rain begins. How should the driver judge the gap?
Correct answer: D - It exceeds the dry-road minimum, but rain calls for still more space
A driver selects 35 mph as a safe speed before a long downgrade and enters in the proper low gear. When the vehicle reaches 36 mph, which braking pattern is correct?
Correct answer: B - Apply firm snubs to about 30 mph, release, and repeat near 35 mph
The left front tire blows at highway speed. The vehicle pulls left, but the lane ahead is open. What should the driver do first?
Correct answer: A - Grip the wheel firmly and avoid braking while stabilizing
At startup, the tractor's ABS lamp comes on but does not go out. A low-speed service-brake check is otherwise normal. What does this finding mean?
Correct answer: C - Regular brakes may work, but anti-lock protection may be lost
A 12,000-pound crated load is secured by tiedowns with an aggregate working load limit of 5,000 pounds. Which statement correctly identifies the securement shortfall?
Correct answer: B - The system is 1,000 pounds short of the required 6,000-pound minimum
After coupling a semitrailer, the tug test holds. The driver then sees a small gap between the trailer apron and fifth wheel; the jaws appear closed around the kingpin head rather than the shank. What is the correct decision?
Correct answer: D - Uncouple and recouple before moving
With trailer air supplied, the trailer emergency brakes release normally. During a slow-roll test, applying the trailer hand valve produces no trailer braking. Which fault best fits both findings?
Correct answer: C - The blue service/control line is disconnected, blocked, or crossed
During an applied leakage test on a secured combination vehicle, the engine is off, the parking brakes are released, the service brake is held, and pressure is allowed to stabilize. The gauges then lose 3.5 psi in one minute. How should the result be interpreted?
Correct answer: A - It passes the 4 psi applied-loss limit; continue the inspection
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