Arkansas CDL practice test

Getting a commercial driver's licence in Arkansas starts with the CDL knowledge tests. The content is federal: every state, Arkansas included, writes its tests from the FMCSA CDL manual, so the general knowledge test has 50 questions, the endorsement tests have 20 to 30, and the passing score is 80% on each. The Arkansas driver licensing agency administers the test; the rules behind it are published by the FMCSA. Try the free Arkansas CDL practice questions below, then pick a full test.

50general knowledge questions
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Free Arkansas CDL practice questions

Five questions from the general knowledge, air brakes and combination vehicles banks, the three tests most Arkansas Class A applicants take first. Show the answer to read the explanation.

After stopping on a two-lane road, where should you place your warning triangles?
- All three directly behind the vehicle
- One within 10 feet behind, one about 100 feet behind, and one about 100 feet ahead
- One 50 feet behind and two 50 feet ahead
- One at the front bumper and two at 200 feet behind
Show answer
Answer: B. One within 10 feet behind, one about 100 feet behind, and one about 100 feet ahead
On a two-way road, traffic comes from both directions, so one triangle goes about 100 feet ahead and two behind (within 10 feet, and about 100 feet). On a one-way or divided highway they go 10, 100 and 200 feet behind. Place them within 10 minutes of stopping.
Source: FMCSA CDL Manual, Section 2.5 (Communicating: When Parked on the Side of the Road)
A CDL holder found driving a commercial vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.04% or more will:
- Receive a warning for a first offense
- Be placed out of service for 24 hours only
- Lose the CDL for at least one year for a first offense
- Be fined but keep the license
Show answer
Answer: C. Lose the CDL for at least one year for a first offense
The CDL limit is 0.04%, half the limit for car drivers. A first conviction at or above it means losing the CDL for at least one year. Any detectable alcohol at all puts you out of service for 24 hours.
Source: FMCSA CDL Manual, Section 1.3 and 2.21 (Alcohol and Driving)
How far ahead should you be looking while driving?
- 3 to 5 seconds
- 12 to 15 seconds
- 30 seconds
- Only as far as the vehicle in front
Show answer
Answer: B. 12 to 15 seconds
Look 12 to 15 seconds ahead: about a block in the city, about a quarter mile at highway speed. That is enough warning to slow or change lanes smoothly instead of braking hard.
Source: FMCSA CDL Manual, Section 2.4 (Seeing Ahead)
If a front tire blows out, you should:
- Brake hard immediately
- Hold the steering wheel firmly, stay off the brake until the vehicle has slowed, then brake gently
- Steer sharply toward the shoulder
- Shift to neutral and coast
Show answer
Answer: B. Hold the steering wheel firmly, stay off the brake until the vehicle has slowed, then brake gently
A blowout pulls the vehicle hard to one side. Grip the wheel with both hands, keep it straight, and let the vehicle slow on its own before braking gently. Braking right away can throw the vehicle out of control.
Source: FMCSA CDL Manual, Section 2.17 (Tire Failure)
If the engine overheats on the road, you should:
- Remove the radiator cap right away to let the pressure out
- Keep driving to the next town so the fan can cool it
- Stop safely, let the engine cool, and never open the radiator cap while it is hot
- Pour cold water over the engine block
Show answer
Answer: C. Stop safely, let the engine cool, and never open the radiator cap while it is hot
A hot cooling system is under pressure; opening the cap releases scalding steam and coolant. Stop, let the engine cool, then check the level only when the cap is cool enough to touch with a bare hand.
Source: FMCSA CDL Manual, Section 2.14 and 2.1 (Engine Cooling System)

Every CDL test for Arkansas drivers

Each page has ten free sample questions, the real question count, the 80% pass mark and what the test covers.

How the Arkansas CDL knowledge test works

You take the general knowledge test first; it is required for every CDL class. Class A drivers add the combination vehicles test. Almost everyone takes the air brakes test, because skipping it puts an air brake restriction on the licence. Endorsements (hazmat, tanker, doubles/triples, passenger, school bus) each have their own knowledge test. Pass the tests and you hold a commercial learner's permit; the skills test in a truck comes later.

Fees, appointment rules and test centre locations are set by Arkansas and change over time, so check the state driver licensing agency before you go. What does not change is the content, and that is what PassRig drills.

Arkansas CDL test questions

How many questions are on the Arkansas CDL test?

The Arkansas CDL general knowledge test follows the federal model: 50 questions, 40 correct to pass. Endorsement tests are shorter: air brakes 25, hazmat 30, and combination vehicles, tanker, doubles/triples, passenger and school bus 20 each.

What is the passing score on the Arkansas CDL permit test?

80% on every knowledge test, the same pass mark used across the United States.

Where do I take the CDL knowledge test in Arkansas?

At the Arkansas state driver licensing agency (the DMV, DOT or equivalent). Check its website for locations, appointments and current fees; the test content itself comes from the FMCSA CDL manual.

Does PassRig have Arkansas CDL practice questions?

Yes. Pick Arkansas in the app and you get practice sets and mock exams built from the knowledge test content your state uses, with the real counts and the 80% line.