General Knowledge · Question 23

If you double your speed (e.g., from 20 to 40 mph), your braking distance:

  • A Halves
  • B Doubles
  • C Increases roughly four times Correct answer
  • D Stays the same

Why this is the correct answer

Braking distance increases with the square of speed. Double the speed produces roughly four times the braking distance.

How this topic appears on the test

The General Knowledge CDL exam covers Speed management as a recurring theme. Test-writers favor questions that probe whether the applicant has internalized the safe operating procedure, not merely memorized the rule. When you encounter a question on this topic, slow down and verify that the answer you've chosen describes what a careful, defensive driver would actually do — not what is technically permissible.

If you missed this question, that's exactly the right outcome of a practice session: the goal is to surface gaps before the actual test. Open your state CDL manual to the Speed management section and re-read the relevant subchapter. Then come back and run through the rest of the General Knowledge practice exam.

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