CDL Practice Tests
Getting on the road is more than just earning a Commercial Drivers License (CDL). Just as you have to get a learner’s permit before getting your regular driver's license, you need to earn a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) before you can earn your CDL. You’ll also need to pass a general knowledge test. The sooner you are able to both pass the test and earn your CLP, the sooner you will be able to earn your CDL and be on the road earning money.
To help you get on your way, we have made a few CDL practice tests that work a lot like DMV tests in content and format. These tests cover topics that are necessary to know, like general knowledge, air brakes, and combination vehicles.
The CDL and CLP practice tests we provide are completely free, and are available to you to use for review at any point. We want you to feel confident when you take the official DMV CLP and CDL permit tests, and if you use these quizzes you will be able to feel confident and comfortable when you are at the DMV.
To get started, study your CDL Manual and then choose from any of our free CDL practice quizzes, listed below.
Practice quizzes are made to give you a sample of what to expect on the CLP test. Each quiz gives you a random selection of 15-20 questions from a larger pool of questions. This makes it so that every time you take a quiz, you’ll get a different set of questions. The larger question pool varies from quiz to quiz as well for even more diversity of questions for you to practice on.
There is no time limit for our practice quizzes, so take your time and do not rush. You can use the time to go back through your CDL Manual to find the correct answer and learn more in preparation for your test at the DMV.
Correct and incorrect answers are shown instantly. To review answers and learn more from the explanations provided for some of the questions, use the “back” button before reaching the end of the quiz.
General Knowledge
Combination Vehicles
Air Brakes
Once you have practiced with the CDL Practice Quizzes above, it’s time for you to practice with something that’s a bit more like the real thing. The CDL practice tests are samples of the real tests that you will see at the DMV. Each test will provide you a random set of 25-50 questions from a large pool of questions. This will make it so that each time you take the test, you will be presented with a different group of questions in a different order. Correct and incorrect answers are shown instantly, but unlike the quizzes above, explanations are not offered.
General Knowledge
Combination Vehicles
Air Brakes
A CLP is a Commercial Learner’s Permit. It allows you to operate a commercial motor vehicle, while supervised by a valid CDL holder. It is valid for up to 180 days, but you are not permitted to take the driving skills test until at least 14 days after getting the CLP.
To get your CDL learner’s permit, or the Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP), you have to:
Be at least 21 years of age (or 18-20 to drive intrastate).
Submit your state’s CDL application and pay the appropriate fee.
Provide identity and social security number verification (make sure to check your state’s requirements for this).
Provide proof of state and US residency.
Submit a complete Medical Examination Report Form and Medical Examiner’s Certificate Form.
Pass a vision test.
Pass a knowledge exam.
Once you pass the knowledge exam, you will be issued your Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP).
If you have a CLP you must drive with a CDL holder.
Your Commercial Learner’s Permit will be valid for up to 180 days.
A Class A commercial driver’s license is required to operate any combination of vehicles with a gross combination weight of 26,001 or more pounds, provided the towed vehicle is heavier than 10,000 pounds.
With a Class A CDL and proper endorsements, you may drive:
Tractor-trailers
Truck and trailer combinations
Tank vehicles
Livestock carriers
Flatbeds
A class B commercial driver’s license is required to operate a single vehicle with a gross combination weight rating of 26,001 or more pounds, or a tow vehicle not heavier than 10,000 pounds.
With a Class B CDL and the appropriate endorsements you may drive:
Straight trucks
Large passenger buses
Segmented buses
Box trucks
Dump trucks with small trailers
Tractor-trailers
A class C commercial driver’s license is required to operate a vehicle that is designed to transport 16 or more occupants (including you, the driver) or transport hazardous materials, materials that are classified as hazardous under federal law.
With a Class C CDL and the appropriate endorsements you may drive:
Small HazMat vehicles
Passenger vans
Combination vehicles not covered by Classes A or B
The three areas that you will be tested on for your CDL are general knowledge, combination vehicles, and air brakes.
A CLP license is a Commercial Learner’s Permit license. It allows you to drive and practice for your skills test, with a CDL holder with you.