KS CDL General Knowledge study plan

Read the full General Knowledge section once and write a one-line summary of each subarea (vehicle inspection, basic control, shifting, seeing, communicating, speed management, space management, night driving, extreme conditions, emergencies).

Memorize the pre-trip inspection sequence and recite the seven-step inspection method aloud from memory without notes.

Define stopping distance as perception distance plus reaction distance plus brake lag plus effective braking distance, and compute it for a 55 mph dry-road example.

List the posted and adjusted speed limits that apply to CMVs on rural interstates, urban interstates, and other roads, including the 15 mph reduction rule for posted limits of 55 mph or less.

Explain the consequences of a CDL conviction (disqualification periods, out-of-service rules, and the 0.04% BAC threshold for CMV drivers) in your own words.

Describe how to check mirrors, signal, and execute lane changes and turns for a tractor-trailer, including the pivot point and off-tracking.

Explain the rules for driving in fog, rain, snow, and ice, including when to slow down, when to stop, and how to use lights.

Identify the correct actions for brake failure, tire blowout, hydroplaning, and a fire, and state which actions are wrong.

State the hours-of-service limits for property-carrying drivers (11-hour driving, 14-hour window, 30-minute break, 60/70-hour limits) and the exceptions you are most likely to be asked about.

Distinguish between the types of CDL and the endorsements each requires, and list the disqualifying offenses.

Explain how air pressure builds, where it is stored, and what the low-air warning device must do (activate by 60 psi).

Describe the purpose and operation of the compressor, governor, safety valve, reservoir, drain valves, and alcohol evaporator.

State the spring brake and parking brake rules, including that spring brakes come on automatically between 20 and 45 psi.

Recite the air brake pre-trip inspection and the leakage test procedure: with the engine off and the system charged, pressure loss must be less than 2 psi in one minute for a single vehicle and less than 3 psi for a combination.

Explain the dual air brake system, why it exists, and what happens when one circuit fails.

Perform and document a full air brake inspection on a real or simulated vehicle, including the applied leakage test (less than 3 psi per minute with brakes applied) and the low-pressure warning check.

Explain how to use the parking brake, trailer protection valve, and tractor protection valve, and when each matters.

Describe normal braking technique, stab braking, and when to use engine braking, and state why you should not fan the brakes.

Diagnose common air brake symptoms: pressure won't build, pressure drops too fast, brakes drag, or the low-air warning fails to sound.

Explain how ABS works on air-braked vehicles and what the driver should do when the ABS light stays on.

Describe the coupling and uncoupling procedures step by step, including the tug test, checking the fifth-wheel jaws, and connecting the air lines and electrical cord.

Explain the purpose of the trailer hand valve, the tractor protection valve, and the relay valve, and how they interact during a trailer breakaway.

State the rules for checking trailer brakes, glad hands, and the converter dolly on double and triple trailers.

Explain off-tracking, rearward amplification, and the snap rollover risk when driving multiple trailers, and describe how to compensate.

Describe how to inspect and adjust the fifth wheel, sliding tandems, and landing gear.

Explain how to check the air lines and electrical connection after coupling, including the trailer air supply and the red and blue line functions.

Describe the correct procedure for backing a tractor-trailer, including the GOAL method and the use of spotters.

Explain how to handle a combination vehicle in a skid, on a curve, and during a lane change, citing the pivot point and the rearward amplification factor.

Describe how to check that the trailer is properly secured before driving, including the locking jaws, the apron, and the gap between the upper and lower fifth wheel.

Explain the inspection requirements for a combination vehicle, including the coupling system, the air lines, and the trailer brakes.

Classify hazardous materials by hazard class and identify the placarding requirements for each class and quantity.

Explain the shipping paper requirements, including the basic description order (proper shipping name, hazard class, UN number, packing group) and the emergency response information.

Describe the rules for loading and unloading hazardous materials, including segregation, securement, and the ban on smoking.

Explain the emergency response procedures for a spill, fire, or leak, including when to evacuate and how to use the Emergency Response Guidebook.

State the special rules for tunnels, bridges, railroad crossings, and parking for hazardous materials vehicles.

Take a full-length timed practice test covering all four domains and review every missed question.

Re-drill the weakest 20 facts identified by the practice test until each is recalled correctly three times in a row.

Recite the pre-trip inspection, air brake test, and coupling procedures from memory in one sitting.

Review the hazardous materials placarding table and shipping paper order one final time.

Confirm test-day logistics: appointment, identification documents, and required endorsements.