Missouri General Knowledge Test
We know the ice on I-70 west of Columbia — this test pulls from the same manual the Missouri DMV uses.
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50 questions, 80% to pass, 60 minutes. Missouri DMV uses this exact format — start practicing now.
Key Topics
- •Vehicle inspection basics
- •Air brakes and braking distance
- •Speed, space, and hazard management
About the Missouri General Knowledge Test
Topics Covered
- ✓Vehicle inspection procedures — Missouri examiners expect you to know the pre-trip checklist cold because the skills test requires it.
- ✓Basic control and backing — tight loading docks at grain elevators and distribution centers in St. Louis demand precision backing.
- ✓Air brakes — Missouri's hilly terrain on I-44 through the Ozarks means you need to understand brake lag and fade.
- + 3 more topics
📘 Study Tips & State Info
Missouri DMV examiners emphasize the pre-trip inspection. They'll ask you the exact order: start at the front, go around the vehicle, check lights, tires, brakes, and coupling. Don't skip steps. The written test mirrors that sequence.
Focus on air brake questions. Missouri's manual has a whole chapter on dual air brake systems. Know the difference between the service, parking, and emergency brakes. Understand what happens when air pressure drops below 60 psi. That's a guaranteed question.
Load securement is another big one for Missouri. The state has a lot of flatbed trailers hauling lumber, steel, and hay. Know the tie-down rules: how many per load, minimum working load limit, and what to do when chains get loose. The manual has a table — memorize the basics.
Missouri CDL written tests are administered at local license offices. You don't need an appointment for the General Knowledge test at most locations, but call your local office to confirm hours. The fee is $10 for the written test. You'll need to provide proof of identity, Social Security card, and a valid Medical Examiner's Certificate.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol handles all CDL skills tests. You schedule those separately after passing the written tests. Skills tests cost $50 and are done at designated exam stations. The written test results are valid for one year from the date you pass.
Missouri requires a vision screening at the time of the written test. You need at least 20/40 vision with or without correction. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them. The DMV will also take your photo and issue your commercial learner's permit on the spot.
About the Missouri General Knowledge Test
The General Knowledge test is the first written test every Missouri CDL applicant takes — Class A, B, or C. It covers vehicle inspection, basic control, shifting, and the federal regulations you'll follow on Missouri highways like I-44 and I-55. You can't get your permit without passing this one.
Missouri follows federal CDL standards, but we've got our own flavor. The state DMV office in Jefferson City writes the test, and they pull questions straight from the Missouri Commercial Driver License Manual. Expect questions about load securement for the grain and livestock hauls common across the state.
The test is 50 multiple-choice questions. You need 40 correct to pass — that's 80%. You get 60 minutes. Most people finish in 30-40 minutes if they studied. The Missouri DMV offices in St. Louis and Kansas City administer the test on a computer at the license office. No appointment needed for the written test at many locations, but call ahead to confirm.
Missouri winters mean ice and snow on I-70 and I-29. The test includes questions about braking on slick roads and how to handle a trailer in crosswinds. If you're planning to haul farm equipment or livestock, pay extra attention to the combination vehicle and cargo sections. They show up more on Missouri tests than in some other states.
Topics Covered
Study Tips
Missouri DMV examiners emphasize the pre-trip inspection. They'll ask you the exact order: start at the front, go around the vehicle, check lights, tires, brakes, and coupling. Don't skip steps. The written test mirrors that sequence.
Focus on air brake questions. Missouri's manual has a whole chapter on dual air brake systems. Know the difference between the service, parking, and emergency brakes. Understand what happens when air pressure drops below 60 psi. That's a guaranteed question.
Load securement is another big one for Missouri. The state has a lot of flatbed trailers hauling lumber, steel, and hay. Know the tie-down rules: how many per load, minimum working load limit, and what to do when chains get loose. The manual has a table — memorize the basics.
Missouri Specific Information
Missouri CDL written tests are administered at local license offices. You don't need an appointment for the General Knowledge test at most locations, but call your local office to confirm hours. The fee is $10 for the written test. You'll need to provide proof of identity, Social Security card, and a valid Medical Examiner's Certificate.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol handles all CDL skills tests. You schedule those separately after passing the written tests. Skills tests cost $50 and are done at designated exam stations. The written test results are valid for one year from the date you pass.
Missouri requires a vision screening at the time of the written test. You need at least 20/40 vision with or without correction. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them. The DMV will also take your photo and issue your commercial learner's permit on the spot.