← CDL General Knowledge: Shifting & Backing

Free CDL General Knowledge: Shifting & Backing Practice Test (2026)

50 questions · 60 min · 80% to pass

50 Questions · 60 Minutes · 80% to Pass

Question 1 of 5

Sample Questions

Question 1

What is the primary method of shifting gears used in most commercial vehicles with manual transmissions?

Answer: Double clutching is the primary method, which involves releasing the clutch after moving out of the current gear, then engaging and releasing it again before selecting the next gear.

Question 2

When double clutching to upshift, what should you do after pushing the clutch in and moving the gearshift to neutral?

Answer: Release the clutch pedal, let the engine speed drop to match the road speed for the next gear, then push the clutch in again and move into the higher gear.

Question 3

What is the purpose of rev matching when double clutching to downshift?

Answer: When downshifting, you must rev the engine up while in neutral to match the higher RPM needed for the lower gear, preventing a jerky shift and protecting the drivetrain.

Question 4

What two factors should you primarily use to know when to shift to a higher gear?

Answer: You should use engine speed (RPM) and road speed (mph) together to determine when to upshift, following the manufacturer's recommended shift points.

Question 5

When should you downshift before or after entering a curve?

Answer: You should downshift before entering a curve, not during or after it, to maintain better control and prevent skidding.