Free CDL Practice Test
Practice every CDL permit knowledge test, from General Knowledge to the Hazmat endorsement. Each question has three answer choices like the real test and an explanation from the CDL manual.
General Knowledge and every endorsement test at the length states use, three answer choices per question, scored at the real 80% pass mark with an explanation from the CDL manual for every answer.
Or start with a free 10-question drillYou are making a right turn in a large truck. When should you cancel your turn signal?
Which CDL knowledge tests do you need?
Everyone takes General Knowledge. Add Air Brakes for a vehicle with air brakes, Combination Vehicles for Class A, and one test for each endorsement. You need 80% on each test, and every test is scored on its own.
| Test | Who takes it | Endorsement | Manual | Practice |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Knowledge | Everyone applying for a commercial learner’s permit, Class A, B or C. | — | Sections 1, 2 and 3 | Free drill |
| Air Brakes | Anyone who will drive a commercial vehicle with air brakes, including air over hydraulic brakes. Without it your license carries an air brake restriction. | — | Section 5 | Free drill |
| Combination Vehicles | Class A applicants: anyone who will drive a tractor-trailer or another combination over 26,000 pounds. | — | Section 6 | Free drill |
| Hazardous Materials | Drivers who will haul hazardous materials in placarded amounts. The H endorsement also needs a TSA security threat assessment. | H | Section 9 | Free drill |
| Tank Vehicles | Drivers of tanks with an individual rated capacity over 119 gallons and 1,000 gallons or more in total. | N | Section 8 | Free drill |
| Doubles and Triples | Class A drivers who will pull double or triple trailers. | T | Section 7 | Free drill |
| Passenger Transport | Drivers of vehicles designed to carry 16 or more people, including the driver. | P | Section 4 | Free drill |
| School Bus | Drivers who will drive a school bus. You also need the Passenger endorsement. | S | Section 10 (with Section 4) | Free drill |
Practice the full test before the DMV
General Knowledge and every endorsement test at the length states use, three answer choices per question, scored at the real 80% pass mark with an explanation from the CDL manual for every answer.
Or start with a free 10-question drillCDL knowledge test rules
- Passing score
- 80% on every knowledge test
- Answer choices
- Three per question
- Retakes
- A different version of the test each time
- Permit (CLP)
- Valid up to one year; hold it 14 days before the skills test
- Endorsements on a permit
- Passenger (P), School Bus (S) and Tank (N) only
- Hazmat background check
- TSA threat assessment, $88.25, valid five years
CDL classes
- Class A: Combination of vehicles with a GCWR of 26,001 pounds or more, towing more than 10,000 pounds GVWR (tractor-trailers).
- Class B: Single vehicle of 26,001 pounds or more GVWR, or one towing 10,000 pounds or less (straight trucks, most buses).
- Class C: Smaller vehicles designed to carry 16 or more people including the driver, or carrying placarded hazardous materials.
CDL permit test by state
States use the same federal question pool and manual but set their own test lengths, fees and test sites. These pages list the official numbers for each state.
Free CDL practice drills
Ten questions from one test, with the explanation after each answer. Create a free account to save your results; each drill’s first attempt is free.
Common questions
How many questions are on the CDL permit test?
Your state sets the length of each test from the federal question pool. The General Knowledge test is usually 50 questions, and endorsement tests are shorter. Every test needs 80% correct to pass.
What tests do I take for a CDL permit?
General Knowledge for everyone, plus Air Brakes if your vehicle has air brakes, Combination Vehicles for Class A, and the test for each endorsement you want: Hazmat (H), Tanker (N), Doubles and Triples (T), Passenger (P) and School Bus (S).
What score do I need to pass the CDL knowledge tests?
At least 80% on each test, a federal rule (49 CFR 383.135). You must pass each test on its own.
How many answer choices does a CDL test question have?
Three. Federal test rules for the CDL knowledge tests shuffle the three possible responses between versions, and our practice questions use three choices too.
If I fail a CDL knowledge test, will I see the same questions?
No. Federal rules require a different version of the test when you retake one you failed (49 CFR 383.133).
How long is a CDL permit (CLP) valid?
No more than one year from the day it is first issued; some states issue it for 180 days and renew it once. You must hold it at least 14 days before you can take the skills test (49 CFR 383.25).
Do I need training before the CDL tests?
Since February 7, 2022, first-time applicants for a Class A or B CDL, or a Passenger or School Bus endorsement, complete entry-level driver training before the skills test. For the Hazmat endorsement, the training comes before the knowledge test (49 CFR 383.71).
Ready for the DMV?
General Knowledge and every endorsement test at the length states use, three answer choices per question, scored at the real 80% pass mark with an explanation from the CDL manual for every answer.
Or start with a free 10-question drillCDL practice tests by test
Questions are written from the model CDL manual that states publish as their commercial driver handbook. Rules are from the federal regulations and TSA, checked October 2026: Texas Commercial Motor Vehicle Drivers Handbook (DL-7C, AAMVA model CDL manual, revised March 2026) · 49 CFR 383.25 Commercial learner’s permit · 49 CFR 383.71 Driver application and certification procedures · 49 CFR 383.91 Commercial motor vehicle groups · 49 CFR 383.93 Endorsements · 49 CFR 383.133 Test methods · 49 CFR 383.135 Passing knowledge and skills tests · TSA Hazmat Endorsement Threat Assessment Program.
Original independent practice. Not affiliated with or endorsed by FMCSA, AAMVA or any state licensing agency.