Free CDL practice test

The general-knowledge questions behind the CDL permit (CLP) test, drawn from the standard CDL manual, with a plain-English explanation after every answer. No account, no paywall — just practice until it sticks.

CDL General Knowledge Question 1 of 10

You are about to pass a pedestrian or a bicyclist. How do you let them know you are there?

How the CDL general knowledge test works

To earn a commercial driver's license you first pass written knowledge tests at your state DMV, then a skills test in the class of vehicle you intend to drive. Every driver takes the general knowledge test — it is the test behind the commercial learner's permit (CLP), and the practice exam above draws its questions and answers from the same topics. Depending on the vehicle and cargo, you may also need endorsement tests for air brakes, combination vehicles, tankers, or hazardous materials.

The passing bar is typically around 80%. The questions here reshuffle on every attempt, so retake the test until you are scoring above that consistently. When you're planning the rest of the process, see what a CDL costs and the pre-trip inspection checklist for the skills test.

Endorsement practice tests

Each endorsement has its own knowledge test with its own question pool. Practice the ones your job needs — every test below is free with the same instant explanations.

H HazMat practice test Hazardous MaterialsL Air Brakes practice test Air BrakesA Combination Vehicles practice test Combination VehiclesN Tanker practice test Tank VehiclesP Passenger practice test Passenger VehiclesT Doubles/Triples practice test Doubles and TriplesS School Bus practice test School BusPT Pre-Trip Inspection practice test Vehicle inspection (skills test, part 1) A Class A practice test Tractor-trailers & combinations B Class B practice test Straight trucks, dump trucks & buses

Practice by state

California CDLFlorida CDLGeorgia CDLIllinois CDLIndiana CDLMichigan CDLMinnesota CDLMissouri CDLNew Jersey CDLNew York CDLNorth Carolina CDLOhio CDLOregon CDLPennsylvania CDLTennessee CDLTexas CDLVirginia CDLWashington CDLWisconsin CDL

Frequently asked

How many questions are on the real CDL general knowledge test?
Most states ask 50 general-knowledge questions and require about 80% correct to pass. The exact number and passing score vary by state.
Is this the official CDL test?
No. This is free study material built from the standard CDL manual topics. Use it to prepare, then take the official test at your state DMV.
Is the CDL permit test the same as the CDL test?
The commercial learner’s permit (CLP) is earned by passing this same general knowledge test, plus air brakes and any endorsement tests you need. The permit lets you practice with a CDL holder; the skills test comes later and turns the permit into the license.
How long do I have to hold the permit?
Federal rules require the CLP to be held at least 14 days before you can take the skills test. Some states set longer hold times — check your state page below.
Which permit tests does Class A need?
General knowledge plus combination vehicles — that pairing is what makes it Class A. Nearly everyone also takes air brakes to avoid the L restriction.
What endorsements do I need to study separately?
Beyond general knowledge, you may need air brakes, combination vehicles, hazardous materials (HazMat), tanker, doubles/triples, or passenger endorsements depending on what you will drive.