Alaska Doubles / Triples CDL Practice Test
Below are 25 exam-style questions for the Alaska Doubles / Triples CDL knowledge test, modeled on the FMCSA-aligned content used by the Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles. Try to answer each question on your own before reading the answer key directly under it. The questions and answer choices are shuffled deterministically per state and endorsement, so the order will stay the same on repeat visits — that lets you genuinely measure your improvement.
- A Back without a spotter when possible
- B Skip the air-brake check
- C All of the above
- D Drive faster than conditions allow
- A Increase speed
- B Brake within the curve
- C Slow down before the curve to reduce rollover risk and trailer swing
- D Maintain speed
- A Plan the change well in advance, signal early, and change when there is ample space
- B Change quickly to fit in
- C Cut between cars
- D Skip the signal
- A No off-tracking occurs
- B Off-tracking is less than a single trailer
- C Off-tracking is more pronounced; swing wider than for a single trailer
- D Use the left lane
- A Is the same as a tractor fifth wheel
- B Includes a pintle hook on the front and a fifth wheel on the back
- C Is electrical only
- D Is a single hook
- A Replace before operating
- B Ignore the damage
- C Continue with damaged tires
- D Use the spare
- A A bus with two sections
- B Two tractors pulling one trailer
- C A trailer with two axles
- D Two trailers behind one tractor
- A Test the brakes
- B Connect a semitrailer to another trailer to form a combination
- C Move cargo within the trailer
- D Replace the fifth wheel on the tractor
- A Air lines only on the tractor
- B No air-brake system
- C Mechanical brakes only
- D Air lines from tractor to first trailer to dolly to second trailer
- A Reverse of coupling — disconnect rear trailer first, then dolly
- B Disconnect tractor first
- C Random order
- D No specific order
- A Only the first trailer brakes
- B All trailer service brakes simultaneously
- C Only the rear trailer brakes
- D Tractor and trailer brakes
- A All air lines and electrical lines should be connected and tested
- B Some lines may be optional
- C Test only one line
- D Skip the testing
- A Brake hard
- B Continue normally
- C Increase speed
- D Slow down and reduce steering input — rollover is imminent
- A Potential rollover at curves
- B Lane changes that swing the rear
- C Crosswind effects on the rear trailer
- D All of the above
- A Is more likely to roll than the first
- B Cannot roll
- C Has the same rollover risk
- D Is less likely to roll
- A Verify they are crossed under the pintle hook and not dragging
- B Skip the inspection
- C Allow them to drag
- D Tie them in knots
- A Random order
- B Tractor to second trailer first
- C Drop first trailer, hook converter dolly to first trailer, back tractor to second trailer, etc.
- D Trailers first, then tractor
- A Allow the dolly to roll
- B Set the parking brake or chock the wheels before disconnecting
- C Skip the parking brake
- D Disconnect at high speed
- A Drive as if it were a single trailer
- B Be aware of the increased complexity of the equipment and operate accordingly
- C Skip the pre-trip
- D Use the trailer hand valve as a parking brake
- A A short trailer commonly used in doubles and triples
- B A converter dolly
- C A trailer for transporting animals
- D A tractor only
- A Pintle hooks and safety chains
- B Dolly air-tank pressure
- C Glad hands and seals at every connection
- D All of the above
- A Couple at high speed
- B Verify the fifth wheel locks around the kingpin and test by tugging gently
- C Skip the lock verification
- D Trust visual inspection only
- A Any lane
- B The right lane on multilane highways when possible
- C The left lane
- D The shoulder
- A Steer sharply to correct
- B Reduce speed gradually and avoid sudden steering inputs
- C Accelerate
- D Brake hard
- A Avoid freeways
- B Take the shortest route regardless
- C Drive only at night
- D Avoid restricted roads and minimize sharp curves and steep grades
Study tips for the Alaska Doubles / Triples exam
The Doubles / Triples portion of the Alaska CDL exam is graded out of the bank of questions the Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles draws from each year. While the exact bank is not published, every question is sourced from the Doubles / Triples chapter of the Alaska CDL handbook, which itself is derived from the FMCSA Model Commercial Driver's License Manual. That means studying our practice tests, reading the corresponding handbook chapter, and re-reading the parts you got wrong is genuinely the most efficient route to a first-time pass.
Most successful applicants follow a simple cycle: take the practice test cold, write down every question you missed, open the matching chapter of the official Alaska handbook, re-read the section that contains the right answer, then re-take the practice test 24 to 48 hours later. The 24-hour delay matters — sleep is when your brain commits new information to long-term memory, and CDL knowledge questions reward that kind of consolidated learning rather than cramming.
Pay particular attention to questions that include qualifier words like always, never, only, primary, or most. CDL test writers love to flip the right answer with a single qualifier. When two answer choices look almost identical, pay attention to the verb (is it must, should, or may?) and to any numbers (14 days, 100 air miles, 8 hours, 70/8 split). On endorsement tests in particular, watch for trick framing where a true statement about a different endorsement is offered as the "correct" answer to a question that is actually about Doubles / Triples.
Test-day logistics matter too. Bring photo ID, your Social Security card or birth certificate, your medical examiner's certificate (DOT card), and proof of state residency if you haven't already submitted those documents. The Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles will not let you sit for the knowledge exam without your documentation, and most offices charge an additional fee for re-attempts. Arrive early — the wait at most CDL testing offices runs 30 to 60 minutes — and silence your phone before the exam begins.
Finally, keep your General Knowledge fundamentals sharp even when you're focused on the Doubles / Triples exam. Many states administer multiple knowledge tests in a single sitting, and questions on weight definitions (GVWR, GCWR, GAWR), stopping distance, and the pre-trip inspection routine show up across endorsements. If you're unsure on the basics, sit a fresh Alaska General Knowledge practice test before scheduling the real exam.
Next steps
Missed more than four questions? Re-read the Doubles / Triples study guide and the matching chapter in the official Alaska CDL handbook. Then come back and re-take the test. Once you can score 22 of 25 or higher on three runs in a row, you're in good shape to schedule the real exam at your local Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles office.
Already comfortable with this endorsement? Drill another: AK General Knowledge · AK Air Brakes · AK Combination Vehicles · AK Hazardous Materials · AK Passenger · AK School Bus · AK Tank Vehicle
New to the CDL process in Alaska? Read How to apply for a CDL in Alaska for the document checklist and step-by-step timeline.