Arkansas CDL General Knowledge Test study plan

Read the Driving Safely domain material end to end and write a one-page summary of the seven key safe-driving skills

Define the terms total stopping distance, perception distance, reaction distance, and brake lag distance in your own words

List at least ten causes of driver distraction and match each to a concrete habit that prevents it

Explain in writing how alcohol, fatigue, and illness each degrade driving ability and what the correct response is for each

Describe the correct procedures for driving in rain, fog, snow, and high wind, including speed and following-distance adjustments

Identify the warning signs of a tire failure, brake failure, and steering failure and state the first action to take for each

Explain how to handle a fire in the cab, in the cargo area, and in a tire, including when to fight it and when to evacuate

Distinguish when to use hazard warning flashers and when to place reflective triangles, and state the placement rules for each road type

Trace the air path from compressor through governor, tanks, and valves and label it on a diagram you draw yourself

Explain the purpose of the low-air warning device and the spring-brake emergency system and the air pressure at which each activates

Perform and describe the three air-brake tests: static leak, applied leak, and low-pressure warning

List the steps of the tractor-trailer coupling and uncoupling procedures in correct order

Explain how to check the fifth wheel, kingpin, air lines, and electrical cord before moving a combination vehicle

Explain how cargo weight distribution affects steering, braking, and rollover risk, and state the consequences of overloading an axle

Describe how to secure cargo with tiedowns and state the general rule for how many tiedowns are required

Explain why the center of gravity matters for tall loads and list three actions that reduce rollover risk

Describe the correct procedures for starting, warming up, and stopping a vehicle, including proper use of the parking brake

Explain how to bring a vehicle out of a skid and how to steer to avoid a collision

Recite the seven-step vehicle inspection in order and state what to check at each step

List the items checked during the engine compartment, walk-around, and in-cab portions of the inspection

Explain the correct technique for upshifting and downshifting, including when to skip gears

Describe the procedures for backing straight, backing to the left, and backing to the right, including the use of spotters and mirrors

Explain why you should not back when you can avoid it and what to do when backing is unavoidable

Explain the proper adjustment of mirrors and the correct use of the four-way flashers and turn signals to communicate intent

Describe the blind spots around a large vehicle and state how to compensate for them

Explain how to judge following distance using the seconds method and state the minimum following distance for a loaded vehicle

Describe how to manage space to the front, sides, and rear, and how to handle a tailgater

Explain how speed affects stopping distance and how to select a safe speed for curves, downgrades, and poor visibility

List at least eight common driving hazards and state the correct response to each

Explain how to recognize and respond to a distracted or aggressive driver

Describe the procedures for a breakdown, a crash, and a fire, including when to move the vehicle and when to leave it

Re-read the Driving Safely material and write down every fact you got wrong on earlier quizzes

Take a full-length practice test under timed conditions and score at least 85 percent

Review every missed question and write the correct fact for each

Re-take the practice test and confirm improvement over the first attempt

Recite the seven-step inspection and the coupling and uncoupling procedures from memory one final time