AK CDL General Knowledge study guide
AK CDL General Knowledge · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
The Alaska Commercial Driver License (CDL) General Knowledge test is the core written exam that every applicant for a Class A, Class B, or Class C commercial license in Alaska must pass before moving on to endorsement tests and the skills (road) test. It is not a specialty exam - it checks whether you understand the rules, vehicle systems, and driving practices that apply to any large vehicle on any road, from the Seward Highway to a remote winter haul. The AK CDL General Knowledge study guide has 10 sections and about 3,010 words.
01Vehicle Inspection and Pre-Trip Procedures
A pre-trip inspection is a defect-detection procedure, not a ritual. You are hunting for anything that would make the vehicle unsafe or place it out of service: leaks, cracked belts, worn tires, loose lug nuts, dead lights, air leaks, and brake adjusters that are out of adjustment.
318 words, about 2 min02Basic Control, Shifting, and Backing
Use push-pull (shuffle) steering in normal driving so both hands stay on the wheel and you never cross your arms. Hand-over-hand is acceptable only at low speed for sharp turns; never let the wheel spin back through your hands.
299 words, about 1 min03Seeing and Communicating
Aim your eyes 12 to 15 seconds down the road - roughly a quarter mile at highway speed - not at the bumper of the truck ahead. Scan mirrors every 5 to 8 seconds, and check them before any lane change, turn, or grade change.
321 words, about 2 min04Speed and Space Management
Posted limits describe ideal conditions. Your safe speed depends on load, grade, curve, surface, and visibility.
310 words, about 2 min05Hazard Perception and Emergency Maneuvers
Hazard perception means asking "what if" constantly: what if that car pulls out, what if that load shifts, what if this hill has a stalled truck beyond the crest. Identify an escape route before you need one.
290 words, about 1 min06Skid Control and Winter Driving
A skid is a loss of traction caused by braking too hard, accelerating too hard, or turning too fast for the surface. Brake skids lock the wheels and remove steering; power skids spin the drive tires; cornering skids happen when speed beats available grip.
299 words, about 1 min07Vehicle Systems and Malfunctions
Know the air system cold. The compressor builds pressure, the governor cuts out near 120–125 psi and cuts back in near 100 psi, and the system should build from 85 to 100 psi within about 45 seconds at operating rpm.
283 words, about 1 min08Cargo Securement, Weight, and Load Limits
GVWR is the maximum loaded weight of the vehicle itself; GCWR covers the power unit plus trailer. Federal limits are 80,000 pounds gross, 20,000 on a single axle, and 34,000 on a tandem, with the bridge formula governing axle spacing.
309 words, about 2 min09Hours of Service and Driver Qualifications
Know the limits cold: 11 hours of driving after 10 consecutive hours off duty; a 14-hour on-duty window that does not pause for breaks; and 60 hours in 7 days or 70 in 8. A 30-minute interruption is required after 8 cumulative hours of driving.
270 words, about 1 min10Alaska-Specific Rules and Operating Conditions
Alaska highways are long and lightly served. Fuel, repairs, and cell coverage can be many miles apart, so plan fuel stops before you need them and carry winter gear year-round.
311 words, about 2 min