Indiana CDL General Knowledge study guide
Indiana CDL General Knowledge · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
The Indiana CDL General Knowledge test is the written knowledge exam that Indiana administers as part of its commercial driver licensing process. It is aimed at drivers who want to operate Class A, Class B, or Class C commercial motor vehicles on public roads, whether they are entering the industry, upgrading a license class, or adding endorsements. The Indiana CDL General Knowledge study guide has 14 sections and about 4,142 words.
01Vehicle Inspection
This domain tests whether you can perform and explain a pre-trip inspection, recognize out-of-service defects, and complete required brake checks. The exam asks for sequence, defect thresholds, and documentation-not just part names.
335 words, about 2 min02Basic Control of Your Vehicle
This domain tests starting, stopping, steering, backing, and turning a commercial vehicle smoothly and within its physical limits. The exam focuses on procedures that prevent collisions and off-tracking errors.
324 words, about 2 min03Shifting Gears
This domain tests safe gear selection for manual and automatic transmissions, especially on grades. The exam looks for progressive shifting, engine-speed control, and avoiding coasting or clutch abuse.
302 words, about 2 min04Seeing and Communicating
This domain tests how far ahead you look, how you judge following distance, how you use mirrors, and how you signal intentions. The exam rewards active scanning and early communication.
304 words, about 2 min05Space Management
This domain tests how you create and protect space around the vehicle-front, sides, rear, and overhead. The exam emphasizes escape routes and avoiding situations where you have no room to stop or maneuver.
305 words, about 2 min06Hazard Perception and Emergency Maneuvers
This domain tests whether you spot hazards early and choose a controlled response instead of a panic maneuver. The exam covers escape routes, brake technique, downgrades, hydroplaning, and tire failures.
302 words, about 2 min07Skid Control and Recovery
This domain tests recognition of skid causes and the correct recovery inputs. The exam focuses on releasing brakes, steering with the skid, and avoiding overcorrection.
284 words, about 1 min08Vehicle Systems and Malfunctions
This domain tests recognition of brake, air, cooling, electrical, and tire problems, and the correct immediate response. The exam emphasizes warning thresholds and safe shutdown decisions.
285 words, about 1 min09Cargo Securement and Load Limits
This domain tests cargo inspection, tiedown requirements, weight distribution, and legal load limits. The exam expects specific numbers for tiedowns and axle weights.
282 words, about 1 min10Transporting Passengers and Hazardous Materials Awareness
This domain tests passenger-bus safety rules and basic hazardous materials awareness. The exam asks about aisle clearance, fueling, railroad crossings, placards, and shipping papers.
286 words, about 1 min11Hours of Service and Fatigue Management
This domain tests the driving-time and on-duty limits for property-carrying commercial drivers, plus fatigue countermeasures. The exam focuses on the 11-hour and 14-hour rules, the 30-minute break, and the 60/70-hour limits.
295 words, about 1 min12Accident Procedures
This domain tests the actions required after a collision: stopping, protecting the scene, warning traffic, caring for the injured, exchanging information, and reporting. The exam emphasizes not leaving the scene and not creating secondary hazards.
280 words, about 1 min13Railroad Crossings
This domain tests crossing procedure, clearance judgment, and the special stop rule for buses and hazardous materials vehicles. The exam emphasizes never stopping on the tracks and never trying to beat a train.
303 words, about 2 min14Safety Regulations
This domain tests the regulatory rules that apply to commercial drivers: seat belts, distracted driving, impairment, out-of-service orders, inspections, and medical certification. The exam rewards precise thresholds.
255 words, about 1 min