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Texas CDL Practice Test — General Knowledge, Air Brakes & Endorsements (2026)

Texas Commercial Driver License (CDL) applicants must pass separate knowledge tests for different classes and endorsements (tank vehicles, hazmat, passenger vehicles, doubles/triples). The CDL knowledge exam is available in English and Spanish only. If you fail three times, you must wait 30 days before retesting. Federal regulations require commercial drivers to demonstrate English proficiency.

Sample Texas CDL Practice Test Questions & Official Manual Citations (2026)

Below are 4 real sample questions from our Texas cdl practice test bank. Every question in PassMyDMV cites the exact page and rule in the official Texas manual so you understand the law behind every answer:

Sample Question 1 · Emergency Definition Official Texas Manual · Chapter 10 · Page 61

What is a driving emergency, and what is the first action to take?

  • A. An unexpected situation where two vehicles are about to collide; immediately decide whether to steer or brake to avoid the crash Correct
  • B. Running out of fuel during a trip
  • C. Any situation where you feel uncomfortable driving
  • D. A breakdown on the highway requiring immediate roadside assistance
Why A. An unexpected situation where two vehicles are about to collide; immediately decide whether to steer or brake to avoid the crash is correct: A driving emergency is an imminent collision risk requiring immediate steering or braking action to avoid a crash. In an emergency, your best option is usually steering (if you have space) to avoid a collision, which is preferable to hard braking that may lose control. Discomfort, breakdowns, and fuel are separate issues. [Manual: Pages 61-66 — Driving Emergencies, p. 61]
Manual excerpt (Official Texas Manual · Chapter 10 · Page 61): “Traffic emergencies occur when two vehicles are about to collide. Following the safety practices in this manual can help prevent emergencies.”
Sample Question 2 · Recovery Technique Official Texas Manual · Chapter 10 · Page 62

When steering to avoid a crash, what should you do after avoiding the immediate hazard?

  • A. Swerve back into your original lane immediately
  • B. Accelerate to get away from the hazard area
  • C. Immediately stop the vehicle in the traffic lane
  • D. Recover control of the vehicle and continue cautiously, checking for other hazards Correct
Why D. Recover control of the vehicle and continue cautiously, checking for other hazards is correct: After avoiding an immediate hazard by steering, regain control of the vehicle calmly and continue at a safe speed while checking for other hazards (other vehicles, obstacles). Stopping in traffic, immediate lane return, and acceleration create new collision risks. [Manual: Pages 61-66 — Post-Emergency Recovery, p. 62]
Manual excerpt (Official Texas Manual · Chapter 10 · Page 62): “Steering to avoid a crash requires proper recovery technique”
Sample Question 3 · Jackknife Official Texas Manual · Chapter 10 · Page 61

What is a jackknife, and what causes it in a commercial vehicle?

  • A. When the engine stalls while accelerating uphill
  • B. When the trailer separates from the tractor
  • C. When the tractor and trailer angle sharply due to the rear wheels sliding sideways during braking Correct
  • D. When the steering wheel locks up during turning
Why C. When the tractor and trailer angle sharply due to the rear wheels sliding sideways during braking is correct: A jackknife occurs when the tractor and trailer form a sharp angle (up to 90 degrees), usually caused by hard braking when the trailer wheels lose traction and slide ahead of the tractor. This is prevented by avoiding hard braking and maintaining proper tire pressure. Engine stalls, separation, and steering locks are different problems. [Manual: Pages 61-66 — Jackknife, p. 61]
Manual excerpt (Official Texas Manual · Chapter 10 · Page 61): “If the tractor jackknifes, the tractor and trailer are at an angle. The tractor can be a load sliding sideways”
Sample Question 4 · Jackknife Prevention Official Texas Manual · Chapter 10 · Page 62

How can a driver prevent a jackknife in a tractor-trailer?

  • A. Drive as fast as possible to maintain momentum
  • B. Disconnect the trailer before braking
  • C. Avoid hard braking, maintain proper tire pressure, and use smooth braking techniques Correct
  • D. Brake hard when you suspect a jackknife is starting
Why C. Avoid hard braking, maintain proper tire pressure, and use smooth braking techniques is correct: Jackknife prevention includes smooth braking (not hard), maintaining correct tire pressure and tread depth, and proper brake adjustment. Fast speeds, hard braking during a jackknife, and trailer disconnection don't prevent jackknife. [Manual: Pages 61-66 — Jackknife Prevention, p. 62]
Manual excerpt (Official Texas Manual · Chapter 10 · Page 62): “Proper braking technique prevents jackknife”

Most-Tested Texas CDL Practice Test Topics in Our 654-Question Bank

Our Texas cdl practice test bank contains 654 active multiple-choice questions written directly from the official Texas handbook. Here is how those questions break down across the core exam topics:

Official Manual Topic Area PassMyDMV Question Coverage
Compliance And Safety22 manual-cited questions
Backing Procedures6 manual-cited questions
Following Distance4 manual-cited questions
High Wind Handling4 manual-cited questions
Reverse Offset4 manual-cited questions
Railroad Crossing4 manual-cited questions
Vehicle Dimensions4 manual-cited questions
Accident Prevention3 manual-cited questions

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