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Mississippi General Knowledge Test

We test you on every mile of I-55 from the Louisiana line to the Tennessee border.

140
Questions
80%
To Pass
60
Minutes

140 questions · 60 min time limit · 80% to pass

Opens in a practice window — choose your mode inside.

JM

Reviewed by Jack Mahana, CDL Instructor (13+ years)

Last verified: August 2026

All questions sourced from the official Mississippi CDL handbook and FMCSA regulations.

About the Mississippi General Knowledge Test

Mississippi's roads aren't like anywhere else. You'll drive I-55 through Jackson with traffic merging from US-49, then haul timber down Highway 49 through the Delta. Our practice test covers the exact topics you'll see at the DMV.

Mississippi weather throws curveballs. One minute it's sunny on the Gulf Coast, next you're in a fog bank over the Pearl River. Our questions test your knowledge of braking distances on wet pavement and how to handle crosswinds on long bridges like the Biloxi Bay Bridge.

The state's economy runs on agriculture, manufacturing, and shipping. You'll haul cotton bales, chicken feed, and auto parts through ports like Gulfport and Pascagoula. Knowing load securement rules for flatbeds and tanker endorsements matters here more than a passing score.

This isn't a generic test. Every question ties back to Mississippi's unique permits, restrictions, and driving conditions. Take it serious, and you'll walk into the DMV ready to pass on your first try.

Mississippi's commercial driving centers on I-55 (north-south) and I-20 (east-west), with I-10 along the Gulf Coast. The state is a major agricultural producer, with poultry, timber, and cotton generating significant freight. Our general knowledge practice test mirrors the official Mississippi DPS CDL written exam.

The Gulf Coast around Biloxi and Gulfport carries port-related freight, and the I-20/I-55 interchange in Jackson is a key freight crossroads. Severe weather — including tornadoes, thunderstorms, and hurricane remnants — is a constant hazard. The exam tests weather awareness, following distance, and defensive driving.

Topics Covered

✓Vehicle inspection – Mississippi troopers check your pre-trip checklist hard
✓Air brakes – stopping a loaded log truck on Highway 84 requires skill
✓Combination vehicles – hauling double trailers on I-10 near the coast
✓Cargo securement – tying down equipment for Mississippi's farms
✓Hours of service – staying legal while running routes through Hattiesburg
✓Hazardous materials – transporting chemicals along the Mississippi River corridor

Study Tips

Use the Mississippi CDL Handbook from the Mississippi Department of Public Safety. It's free online. Highlight sections on load securement and adverse driving conditions. Mississippi's weather changes fast – rain, fog, and high heat all affect your stopping distance.

Practice with our test daily. Set a timer for 60 minutes. Review every wrong answer. Most Mississippi drivers fail because they skip the air brake section. Don't be them. Know your brake adjustment procedures cold.

Get a study buddy. Test each other on hand signals and brake checks. It's more effective than reading alone. On test day, arrive early at the DMV location you chose – some Mississippi offices only do CDL testing on certain days.

Mississippi Specific Information

  • Mississippi's CDL tests happen at Highway Patrol stations and some DMV offices. You must schedule an appointment. Walk-ins don't work. Bring your current driver's license, social security card, and proof of Mississippi residency. The fee for the General Knowledge test is $40 (cash or card accepted at most locations).

    You can take the knowledge test in English or Spanish. No interpreter allowed. If you fail, you must wait one business day before retaking it. Use our practice test to avoid a second trip. The knowledge test has 50 questions – you need 40 correct to pass.

    After passing, you'll get a Commercial Learner Permit valid for 180 days. You can drive with a licensed CDL holder in the passenger seat. Mississippi requires a skills test within the permit's validity or you restart the process. Plan your practice.

  • The Mississippi Department of Public Safety (DPS) requires a knowledge test for all CDL classes; the general knowledge exam is the foundation for every commercial license.
  • The Port of Gulfport and the Mississippi State Port at Gulfport drive container and bulk traffic on I-10 and US-49.
  • Poultry, timber, and cotton haulers are heavy on rural two-lane highways; load securement is tested.
  • Severe thunderstorms, tornadoes, and hurricane remnants produce flash flooding and sudden crosswinds — the exam tests weather-related speed adjustment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do I need to bring to the Mississippi CDL knowledge test?
Your valid Mississippi driver's license, social security card, proof of residency, and the $40 test fee. Most offices accept cash and debit cards.
How many questions are on the Mississippi General Knowledge test?
Fifty questions. You need 40 correct to pass, which is 80%. Our practice test matches that exact format.
Can I take the CDL written test in Gulfport or Biloxi?
Yes, you can test at several Gulf Coast locations. Check the Mississippi DPS website for the nearest office and schedule an appointment.
What happens if I fail the knowledge test in Mississippi?
You can retake it the next business day. No waiting period beyond that. Study our practice test first to save time and money.
Does Mississippi require a separate air brake endorsement test?
Yes. If your vehicle has air brakes, you must pass a written air brake test. The General Knowledge test includes air brake questions, but the endorsement is a separate exam.
JM

Reviewed by Jack Mahana, CDL Instructor (13+ years)

Last verified: August 2026 · FMCSA-compliant content