Free Rhode Island CDL Practice Test 2022

Ace your RI CDL test easily on the first try using our popular CDL course. Select general knowledge and/or all necessary endorsement tests below:

Not your state?

General Knowledge Practice Test

Official test facts

Passing score: 80 %
Number of questions: 50
Correct answers needed to pass: 40
Length: 60 min

Hazardous Materials Practice Test

Official test facts

Passing score: 80 %
Number of questions: 30
Correct answers needed to pass: 24

Double and Triple Trailers Practice Test

Official test facts

Passing score: 80 %
Number of questions: 20
Correct answers needed to pass: 16

Tanker Vehicles Practice Test

Official test facts

Passing score: 80 %
Number of questions: 20
Correct answers needed to pass: 16

Air Brakes Practice Test

Official test facts

Passing score: 80 %
Number of questions: 25
Correct answers needed to pass: 20

Combination Vehicles Practice Test

Official test facts

Passing score: 80 %
Number of questions: 20
Correct answers needed to pass: 16

Passenger Vehicles Practice Test

Official test facts

Passing score: 80 %
Number of questions: 20
Correct answers needed to pass: 16

School Bus Practice Test

Official test facts

Passing score: 80 %
Number of questions: 20
Correct answers needed to pass: 16

Pre-Trip Inspection Practice Test

There are several steps to earning your commercial driver’s license in any state, and that includes taking and passing the CDL general knowledge exam and the necessary endorsement exams. Zutobi is your study guide for all things CDL-related.

While the Rhode Island CDL manual in theory contains all you need for your test, statistics show that reading the manual alone is not enough to pass. It is overwhelming, dense, and written like a legislative text. The information can be hard to understand and eventually hard to remember because too much material is presented at one time, and you have to decide which details are the most important to memorize in order to pass your test.

That’s why you need a study guide like Zutobi to pass your Rhode Island CDL test. We help you understand what’s important with questions that are based on the official CDL handbook and tests. Each question comes with a detailed explanation so you’ll always understand why an answer is correct.

We’ll not only help you pass your CDL general knowledge test on your first try - our goal is also to have you out on the road as soon as possible with all the information and endorsements you need to excel at your job.

Pass Your Rhode Island CDL Test With Zutobi

Zutobi is an engaging, efficient way to learn everything you need to know in order to earn a passing score on your Rhode Island CDL general knowledge test. Here’s what we provide:

Up-to-date Rhode Island CDL practice tests that are designed to mimic the real written exam. You’ll be fully prepared for the real thing because you’ll have seen it before.
Detailed statistics will let you quickly identify your weak areas and the exact topics you need to improve on.
Conveniently study for the general knowledge test and all endorsements in one place.
Each practice multiple-choice question comes with an answer and a detailed explanation that allows you to learn from your mistakes.
Our smart system helps you understand and retain the information from your Rhode Island CDL handbook so you won’t have to waste days or weeks sifting through the many dull pages.

Learn what you need to know to pass your CDL permit test and stay safe as you do your job.
Bite-sized lessons are used so you can study for just a few minutes at a time and still make great progress.
Use our app or website to study anytime, anywhere, and on any device.
Perhaps most importantly - we’ll help you get your CDL on time. Delaying as little as a week or month can result in a big hit to your earnings.

Is the Rhode Island CDL Test Hard?

Like any other exam, that depends on how well you’ve prepared. If you’ve just tried to memorize the manual, the Rhode Island CDL general knowledge and endorsement tests may be harder than they need to be.

With Zutobi, you can learn test-relevant material in a way that’s easy to understand and, therefore, easy to remember. With our state-specific CDL practice tests, you can walk in on test day with full confidence because you will have already seen all of the questions they could throw at you.

Questions

Air Brakes

In a dual air brake system, each system typically operates:

ABoth the front and rear wheels

Either the front or rear wheels

A dual air brake system has 2 separate air braking systems that both work on the same set of brake controls. By using 2 separate systems, failure in one system will not lead to total brake failure. Each system has its own air tanks, hoses etc. and typically operate on either the front or rear wheels. The system that operates the brakes on the rear wheels is called the "primary" system and the system that operates on the front wheels is called the "secondary" system.

What can happen if there is a buildup of moisture or oil in the air tanks?

AThe brakes will work more effectively

You may experience brake failure

You must drain the air tanks completely at the end of each working day to avoid buildup of moisture and oil. If enough moisture is collected, the water can freeze and cause brake failure.

There are two types: manual and automatic air tank drains. If your vehicle has automatic air tank drains, the water and oil will be automatically expelled. If you vehicle has manual air tank drains, you have to drain the tank using the manual draining valve located in the bottom of the tank.

Which is the most common foundation brake type?

ADisc brake

BC-cam

S-cam

The S-cam drum brake is the most common brake type. It is shaped like an "S", hence the name, and works by forcing the brake shoes away from each other and against the inside of the brake drum - causing friction and brake power. Once air pressure is lost, the S-cam will rotate back and the brake shoes will be pulled back from the drum.

When the low air-pressure warning light turns off:

AYou have reached a safe air pressure in the system

You may still not have reached a safe air pressure in the system

The low air pressure warning light will turn off at about 55-75 psi, depending on the system, but does not indicate you have reached a safe level of air pressure in the system. To understand what is a safe air pressure, follow the manufacturer's instructions for your vehicle.

What is the function of the tractor protection valve?

It provides an air supply to the air braking system

BIt provides air to the truck cockpit

CIt provides an air supply to the tires

The tractor protection valve protects the function of the air brakes by providing air. It will automatically close if the air supply drops too low when driving or if the parking brakes are applied.

Combination Vehicles

What color is the service line?

ARed

Blue

CGreen

DBlack

To keep the service line apart from the emergency line, they use different colors (and may have the word "service" or "emergency" on the glad hands). The service line is blue and the emergency line red.

Trailers built after ____ are required to have ABS-brakes.

A1990-03-01 00:00:00

B1997-12-31 00:00:00

C1995-03-01 00:00:00

1998-03-01 00:00:00

All trailers and converter dollies that were built before March 1, 1998, do not necessarily need to be equipped with ABS-brakes, but many older vehicles have been equipped with them regardless. To check if a vehicle manufactured before this date is equipped with ABS-brakes, look for the malfunction lamp shown on the vehicle. The ABS malfunction lamp should be placed on the left side of the trailer at the front or rear. If there is no lamp, you can look to see if there are wheel speed sensors and ECU originating from the back of the brakes.

After connecting the air lines, you supply air to the trailer by:

AUsing the trailer hand valve

BPulling out the red trailer air supply knob

Pushing in the red trailer air supply knob

By pushing in the trailer air supply knob you will supply air to the emergency lines. The knob is usually red and 8-sided. After you have pushed the knob you need to check that air flows to all the trailers. To do this, go to the rear of the last trailer and open the emergency line shut-off valve. You should then hear air escaping.

The emergency line is also known as the:

Supply line

BService line

CControl line

Another name for the emergency line is the supply line. The emergency line typically uses the color red and the service line the color blue to keep them apart during the coupling process.

Which of the following is NOT true for the trailer air tanks?

AThey are filled by the emergency line (which originates from the tractor)

BAir pressure is sent to the brakes through relay valves

CThe air pressure in the service lines indicated the pressure the relay valves should send to the brakes

The air pressure of the service line is the same as within the air tanks

The trailer air tanks are filled by the emergency line and used to send air pressure to the brakes through the relay valves. To control the braking power, the service lines are used to regulate the air pressure that is sent from the trailer air tanks by the relay valves to the brakes. The pressure of the air tanks does not have to be the same as within the service line.

To keep the brakes working, you shouldn't let water or oil build up in the air tanks. Drain the trailer air tanks using the drain valve every day.

Double/Triple Trailers

What should you check for when inspecting the air and electric lines?

AThat the lines are very tight with little-to-no slack

BThat the lines have very much slack

That the lines are safely supported

The air and electric lines are necessary for your trailer to function. They must be firmly plugged in and secured and free from any damage. The air lines should have enough slack for turns after they have been properly connected to the glad hands to not be crushed as the trailer moves.

As you disconnect the air lines and electrical cables, you will want to secure the cables and lines securely and anything coming into the system(s). The electrical cables must be hung up with the plug facing down to avoid moisture building up in the cables. The air line glad hands should be coupled together or connected to dummy couplers.

AFTER making a visual check of the coupling of the converter dolly to the rear trailer but BEFORE raising the landing gear:

AClose the service and emergency shut-offs and the converter dolly air tank petcock at the rear of the second trailer

BOpen the converter dolly air tank petcock at the rear of the first trailer

CConnect the air and electric lines

All of the above

These steps must all be done AFTER making a visual check of the coupling but BEFORE you raise the landing gear.

If you want to connect the converter hook to the front trailer:

AReverse the first semitrailer into place in front of the dolly tongue

BHook the dolly to the front trailer

CLock the pintle hook and secure the converter gear support in the raised position

All of the above

To connect the converter hook to the front trailer, you first need to position the first semitrailer into a position in front of the dolly trailer. Then, you'll hook the dolly to the front trailer by locking the pintle hook and securing the converter gear support (should be in a raised position).

As you inspect the coupling system areas, you notice there is a lot of grease on the fifth-wheel slide. This is:

ANot good as dust may assemble, it should be cleaned off

Good, as it needs to be properly greased to slide correctly

The fifth-wheel must be greased to avoid steering problems because of friction between the tractor and the trailer.

When you connect the converter dolly to the rear trailer, the trailer height should be:

ASlightly higher than the center of the fifth-wheel

Slightly lower than the center of the fifth-wheel

CMuch lower than the center of the fifth-wheel

DMuch higher than the center of the fifth-wheel

The trailer should be raised slightly as the dolly is pushed under it, which can be accomplished by having the trailer height slightly lower than the center of the fifth wheel.

General Knowledge

Everything appears _____ in the convex "bugeye/fisheye" mirrors used by many large vehicles.

Smaller

BLarger

CThe same size

The curved mirrors of large vehicles are convex, which means everything appears smaller than it would if you were looking at it directly. This means things may appear to be further away than they really are.

If you spot a cargo fire in a van or box trailer:

AOpen the van doors

Keep the doors shut

CFight the fire, especially if a HazMat fire

Drivers can make a fire worse by not following the proper procedures in case of fire. If there is an isolated fire within a van or box trailer, pull off the road and notify emergency services. As the fire is isolated, you don't want to open the van doors and let oxygen in (more oxygen will cause the fire to burn faster). Instead, keep the fire from spreading beyond the van or box trailer and wait for the emergency services to arrive.

Some fires, such as HazMat fires, require special fire extinguishers capable of extinguishing that particular class of fire. Read the label on the fire extinguisher before using it.

You're taking a medicine that causes drowsiness. You start feeling better, but you still need to take the medicine. Should you drive?

AOnly if necessary

BOnly on quiet roads

COnly if accompanied by someone

If taking medicine that makes you drowsy, you aren't fit to drive. Check with your doctor if unsure. Never put other road users, your passengers or yourself at risk.

Which of the following is NOT a positive example of communicating your presence when you are about to pass?

AFlashing your lights from low beam to high beam and back

Using the horn continuously for at least 5 seconds

CGently using the horn

Anytime you are about to pass a vehicle, pedestrian or bicyclist you should assume they are not aware of your presence. To communicate your presence, you can use a number of strategies such as at night flashing your lights from low beam to high beam and back, or a tap on the horn. Do not use your horn for any lengthy period of time as it may startle them instead.

When sick, your ability to drive may be impaired. As a consequence, always:

ATake smaller doses of your medicines

Make sure you're fit to drive

CTake all your medicines at once

Being sick can negatively affect you in many ways, e.g. falling asleep at the wheel. Only drive if you're fit to do so.

Hazardous Materials

What does Hazard Class 8 include?

AGases

BExplosives

Corrosives

DRadioactive materials

Class 8 contains Corrosives. An example of a hazardous material in this class is: Battery Fluid.

After loading a HazMat:

ADo not open any packages during transportation

BDo not transfer any content between one package and another during transportation

CDo not empty any vehicle, except a cargo tank, while it is on the vehicle

All of the above

HazMat vehicles must be properly secured during transportation. After having loaded a package, do not open it during transportation or transfer any content between packages. Packages should not be emptied while on the vehicle with the exception of a cargo tank.

When should you not accept a package with Class 1 materials?

When it shows dampness

BWhen it is heavier than 100 pounds

CWhen you are already transporting Class 5 packages

Do not accept a package with any Class 1 (explosives) if the package is damaged or shows any dampness or oily stain. In addition, Division 1.1 or 1.2 Explosives must not be transported in a vehicle combination containing a marked cargo tank OR if the other vehicle contains any packages of the following: Division 1.1.A (initiating explosives), Class 7 (radioactive) labeled "Yellow III", Division 2.3 (poisonous gas) or Division 6.1 (poisonous), or HazMat in any portable or 106A/110A tank.

What does Hazard Class 4 include?

AGases

BFlammable Liquids

Flammable Solids

DToxic Substances

Class 4 contains Flammable Solids divided into division 4.1-4.3. Division 4.1 is Flammable Solids, Division 4.2 is Spontaneously Combustible, Division 4.3 is Dangerous When Wet. Examples of hazardous materials in this class are: Ammonium Picrate, Wetted White Phosporous and Sodium.

Material is packaged to:

Make identification as easy as possible

BMake unpacking as easy as possible

CMake unloading as easy as possible

DAll of the above

Any load must be easily identifiable by persons not familiar with the load, such as emergency personnel and destination personnel. While it is convenient for material to be packaged to make unpacking or unloading easy, it is not a priority.

Passenger Vehicles

An open roof hatch leads to:

AAn increased risk of injury for riders on the bus

A higher top clearance for the bus

CAn increased risk of roll over in corners

It's common for buses to have a partially open roof hatch for fresh air. Just keep in mind that the open hatch will result in a higher clearance for the bus.

Which of the following should you NOT check during the pre-trip inspection of the passenger entry/lift?

AThat any step lights are working and the hand rails are secure

BThat the treads on the entry steps are not loose

CThat the entry door can operate smoothly and be securely closed from the inside

That each step is no more than 5 inches tall

You should not alter the height of the steps, and it does not have to be checked during the pre-trip inspection. In addition to the already mentioned items to check, you need to ensure that any lift, if equipped, is without leaks, damages, or missing parts. The lift should be fully retracted and securely latched with the lift control functions working properly. If there is a lift, you must be able to explain how the lift should be checked during the pre-trip inspection test.

Can you can expect other drivers to brake to give way to a bus moving off the curb?

AYes

You need to wait for a gap before leaving a stop. Do not assume that other drivers will brake to give way to you as you leave the bus stop - doing so the easiest way to get into an accident. To avoid unnecessary accidents with other vehicles, learn how to handle your bus, the size you need to enter a gap, and the time it takes to accelerate and merge into traffic.

In a curve, you are driving _____ if the bus leans toward the outside of the curve.

Too fast

BToo slow

CThe perfect speed

The posted safe speed in a curve is for cars, not for buses. If your bus leans toward the outside on a banked curve, you may just end up going off the road. Buses must drive slower than cars through curves as they are more likely to roll over or go off the road.

A CLP holder with a P or S endorsement:

Is prohibited from operating a CMV with passengers not part of the training

BIs permitted to transport up to 10 passengers at any time

CIs permitted to transport the accompanying CDL holder and up to 9 other passengers

A CLP is a Learner's Permit, not a CDL. With the permit, you are permitted to learn how to drive a passenger transportation vehicle under the supervision of a CDL holder, but you may not drive solo or carry regular passengers.

Pre-Trip Inspection

You are doing a hydraulic brake check on a vehicle with a hydraulic brake reserve system. How can you know if the brake reserve electric motor works?

AWith the engine on, listen and feel for vibrations in the brake pedal

With the key off, depress the brake pedal and listen for the sound of the back-up reserve system electric motor

If the vehicle's engine is on, you won't be able to hear the reserve system electric motor activate. Instead, do the following with the key off: depress teh brake pedal and listen for the sound of the reserve system electric motor.

How many red reflective triangles do you need to carry?

A2.0

3.0

C4.0

D5.0

You need to carry 3 red reflective triangles at all times. You also need to carry 6 fuses or 3 liquid burning flares.

What is the appropriate rate of air pressure buildup for dual air systems?

AThe pressure should rise from 85 to 100 in approximately 25 seconds

BThe pressure should rise from 50 to 100 in approximately 45 seconds

The pressure should rise from 85 to 100 in approximately 45 seconds

To perform a test to check the rate of air pressure buildup, the engine must be running at normal operating idle. Then look at the rate of air pressure buildup - the pressure should rise from 85 to 100 in approximately 45 seconds for dual air systems. For very old systems (pre 1975) with single air systems, the pressure should rise from 50 to 90 psi in approximately 3 minutes.

You are inspecting your vehicle. What should you check the condition of the windshield for?

ANo damage or major cracks only

BNo damage; windshield wipers can cover the entire windshield; windshield wipers are whole

No damage; proper spring tension in windshield wipers; condition of wiper blades

The windshield should have no damage. The windshield wipers must be in a good condition so they can remove water/dirt from the windshield if needed. Check this by inspecting the spring tension in the windshield wipers (so they will push against the windshield when in use) and the wiper blades for any damage or stiff rubber.

A steering wheel play of ______ will make steering difficult.

10 degrees

B15 degrees

C2 degrees

D25 degrees

When the steering wheel has play in it, you can turn the wheels up to 10 degrees before the wheels start rotating. Steering wheel play is usually caused by worn steering racks or tie rod ends. As the steering wheel is considered a critical safety aspect, you should correct any steering wheel play as soon as possible.

School Bus

At a multiple-track crossing:

AStop before each track

Stop only before the first tracks

Don't proceed across the tracks before you are completely sure no train is approaching. Once you have started to proceed, completely clear all the tracks. Do not stop until you are clear of all the tracks.

If you are unable to drive through the railroad gates or the bus stalls on the railroad tracks:

Move the students off the bus and from the railroad tracks at an angle toward the train

BMove the students off the bus and from the railroad tracks at an angle away from the train

CKeep the students in the bus and call the dispatch number on a pole next to the railroad tracks

If your bus stalls on the tracks and you are unable to get it started, immediately get the students off the bus. Move the students away from the tracks at an angle toward the train. That way, debris from a potential crash won't fly into the students.

If you get stuck on the tracks as the gates go down, immediately drive through the gates. Railroad gates are created to easily break in case a vehicle gets stuck on the tracks and needs to get out.

How can you tell if your bus is equipped with ABS?

AYou have to brake hard and see if the wheels lock up

You can look for a yellow ABS malfunction lamp on the instrument panel

CAll buses are equipped with ABS

The following vehicles must have ABS under the U.S. DOT: All air brake vehicles built on or after March 1, 1998; All hydraulic-braked trucks/buses with a GVWR of 10,000 lbs or more built on or after March 1, 1999.

If your school bus is older than that, you should know that many older buses and trucks have been voluntarily equipped with ABS. Look for a yellow ABS malfunction lamp on the instrument panel.

If there is a queue on the opposite side of a railroad crossing, how should you think?

AClear the railroad track right after the vehicle in front

Ensure the bus has enough room on the opposite side of the tracks to completely clear the railroad tracks.

CRemain stopped until you have at least 300 feet of clear road on the opposite side of the railroad tracks

Ensure the bus has enough room on the opposite side of the tracks to completely clear the railroad tracks. If should go without saying, but given the long length of the school bus you need a large area on the other side and a hefty safety margin to the railroad tracks before it is safe to cross. As a general rule, the school bus length plus another 15 feet or more is an adequate containment area.

What are so-called "active crossings"?

ARailroad crossings without any traffic control device

BRailroad crossing with a police officer directing traffic

Railroad crossing with a traffic control device

An active crossing is a railroad crossing with a traffic control device that regulates traffic. The traffic control device can be a gate or flashing red lights with or without bells.

School buses must come to a complete stop before all railroad crossings, including active crossings. Even when the traffic control devices indicate you may proceed, you must still look in both directions of the track and listen for an approaching train.

Tanker Vehicles

When should you use an unbaffled tank?

ATo transport acids

BTo transport hazmats

To transport certain food products

Baffles will make the tank harder to clean inside. Food products such as milk etc. must be transported in an unbaffled tank because of sanitation regulations.

What endorsements do you need to operate a tanker filled with HazMat?

You need both a Hazardous Materials (H) and a tanker (N) endorsement

BYou only need a Hazardous Materials (H) endorsement

CYou only need a tanker (N) endorsement

To load Hazardous Materials, you need the H endorsement. This is true if you want to transport HazMats in any CMV, including tanks.

Which of the following can cause your vehicle to skid?

AOversteering

BOveracceleration

COverbraking

All of the above

It's dangerous for a tank trailer to skid as a jackknife can lead to an accident that spills out the content of the tank(s). Take quick action to restore traction with the road if you begin to skid.

Why is it important to know if your tank is a "smooth bore" tank?

The forward-and-backward surge will be strong

BThe forward-and-backward surge will be weak

CSmooth bore tanks have baffles inside that slow down the flow of the liquid

DAll of the above

Smooth bore tanks is another name for an unbaffled tank. Unbaffled tanks have no baffles inside to slow down the flow of the liquid, which means the back-to-front surge will be very strong. When driving an unbaffled tank you must be very careful as you start or start as the surge is likely to be very strong.

Why do unbaffled tanks exist if the relative surge is much stronger compared to baffled tanks? It's because some regulations forbid the use of baffles because the baffles makes the tank harder to clean properly. Food products such as milk etc. must be transported in an unbaffled tank because of sanitation regulations.

How will baffles help to control the forward and backward surge?

The baffled tanks have bulkheads with holes to let the liquid flow through to control surge

BThe baffled tanks have bulkheads without holes to trap the liquid into smaller compartments

CThe baffled tanks are used to control sideways surge, not forward and backward surge

Baffled tanks are liquid tanks that are divided into several smaller tanks by the use of bulkheads with holes in them. The holes let the liquid flow through. This drastically reduces the back-to-front surge. However, baffles do not help with the the side-to-side surge.

Try Our FREE Rhode Island CDL Practice Test Today

Ace your RI CDL test easily on the first try using our popular CDL course. Select general knowledge and/or all necessary endorsement tests below:

FAQ

How Do I Earn a Class A CDL in Rhode Island?

You will need a Class A CDL if you plan on driving any vehicle with a weight of over 26,000 pounds and a detachable trailer. This includes most tractor-trailers and semi-trucks. In addition to passing the general knowledge test, you will also need to take the combinations vehicle endorsement test. You will also need to pass a road skills test in a Class A qualified vehicle.

How Do I Earn a Class B CDL in Rhode Island?

A Class B CDL is required if you are going to be driving any vehicle that weighs more than 26,000 pounds and the trailer is not detachable, like trash trucks and most dump trucks. Because the trailer cannot detach you will not need to pass the additional combination vehicle endorsement exam, however, if your vehicle has air brakes, you will need to pass that endorsement test. You will also need to perform and pass your road skills test in a qualified Class B vehicle.

How Do I Earn a Class C CDL in Rhode Island?

Requirements for a Class C CDL depend entirely upon which type of vehicle you will be driving. For example:

If you are driving a passenger bus, you will need to take the passenger transport endorsement test.
If you’re driving a school bus, you will need the passenger transport endorsement as well as the school bus endorsement.
There is also a separate endorsement for hazmat vehicles, and you will need to provide whichever vehicle you intend to drive for your road test.

What Else Do I Need to Know About the Rhode Island CDL Manual and Test?

The Rhode Island CDL manual is based on the same template and federal regulations from the FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) that is used by all states. The CDL manual, test, and regulations are near identical across the US with only minor differences.

Ace your DMV test, guaranteed

Free Rhode Island CDL Practice Test 2022

General Knowledge Practice Test

Official test facts

Hazardous Materials Practice Test

Official test facts

Double and Triple Trailers Practice Test

Official test facts

Tanker Vehicles Practice Test

Official test facts

Air Brakes Practice Test

Official test facts

Combination Vehicles Practice Test

Official test facts

Passenger Vehicles Practice Test

Official test facts

School Bus Practice Test

Official test facts

Pre-Trip Inspection Practice Test

Pass Your Rhode Island CDL Test With Zutobi

Is the Rhode Island CDL Test Hard?

Try Our FREE Rhode Island CDL Practice Test Today

FAQ

How Do I Earn a Class A CDL in Rhode Island?

How Do I Earn a Class B CDL in Rhode Island?

How Do I Earn a Class C CDL in Rhode Island?

What Else Do I Need to Know About the Rhode Island CDL Manual and Test?

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