Montana CDL General Knowledge study guide
Montana CDL General Knowledge · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
The Montana CDL General Knowledge test is the core written knowledge exam that anyone applying for a Montana commercial driver license - Class A, Class B, or Class C - must pass before moving on to endorsement tests and the skills (road) test. It is administered as a multiple-choice, closed-book, computer-based test at a Montana Motor Vehicle Division driver exam station, delivered in English. The Montana CDL General Knowledge study guide has 12 sections and about 2,943 words.
01Vehicle Inspection and Basic Control
This domain asks whether you can inspect a commercial vehicle before driving and control it from the first move. Expect questions on inspection order, tire and brake criteria, air-pressure checks, and a safe start-up sequence.
268 words, about 1 min02Shifting, Backing, and Turning
This section checks whether you can shift without damaging the drivetrain, back a large vehicle safely, and turn without hitting curbs, signs, or adjacent traffic. The exam favors procedure and space judgment over speed.
283 words, about 1 min03Seeing and Communicating
This domain covers visual search and signaling: how far ahead you look, how often you scan mirrors, and how you tell other drivers what you intend to do. Questions often test blind-spot awareness and proper signal timing.
253 words, about 1 min04Speed and Space Management
This domain tests whether you can choose a safe speed and keep enough space around a heavy vehicle. It includes following distance, stopping distance, and adjustment for weather, load, and traffic.
256 words, about 1 min05Hazard Perception, Emergencies, and Skid Control
This domain asks how you spot hazards early and respond to emergencies without making them worse. It covers brake failure, tire blowouts, fires, and skid recovery.
244 words, about 1 min06Cargo, Weight, and Securement
This domain checks cargo securement rules and weight distribution. Expect questions on tie-down counts, working load limits, axle weights, and re-checking cargo.
235 words, about 1 min07Vehicle Systems, Brakes, and Pre-Trip Fundamentals
This domain tests basic system knowledge and brake checks. It includes air-brake warning systems, spring brakes, cooling and electrical checks, and when a vehicle must be placed out of service.
226 words, about 1 min08Driver Fitness, Hours of Service, and Fatigue
This domain covers the hours-of-service limits for property-carrying CMV drivers and the fitness issues that cause fatigue. Questions focus on the 11-hour and 14-hour rules, the 30-minute break, and reset periods.
228 words, about 1 min09Alcohol, Drugs, and Personal Safety
This domain covers the stricter alcohol limit for CMV drivers, drug prohibitions, reporting duties, and personal safety practices. It tests both regulatory limits and judgment.
220 words, about 1 min10Railroad Crossings, School Buses, and Special Situations
This domain covers high-risk special situations: railroad crossings, school-bus stops, work zones, fog, and mountain driving. The exam tests when you must stop and when passing is prohibited.
250 words, about 1 min11Vehicle Size and Weight Limits
This domain asks about legal size and weight limits and how they interact. It covers gross weight, axle weight, bridge formula, width, height, and permit loads.
237 words, about 1 min12Montana-Specific Rules
This domain covers Montana rules and conditions that affect commercial driving. It includes speed selection, mountain-pass chain requirements, studded-tire dates, move-over rules, and open-range hazards.
243 words, about 1 min