CDL Practice Test
Updated October 2026Facts verified Oct 24, 2026 against U.S. Department of Transportation – Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (49 CFR Part 383); TSA for the hazmat th
- To pass each CDL knowledge test, a driver applicant must correctly answer at least 80 percent of the questions.[1]
- The TSA security threat assessment fee for a new or renewing hazmat endorsement (HME) applicant is $88.25, effective January 1, 2025.[2]
- The TSA hazmat endorsement threat assessment fee is reduced to $41.00 for applicants who already hold a valid TWIC.[2]
- A state must use a different version of the CDL knowledge test when an applicant retakes a previously failed test.[3]
- A commercial learner's permit is valid for no more than one year from the initial date of issuance without retaking the general and endorsement knowledge tests.[4]
- A hazmat endorsement (HME) generally must be renewed every five years, with new fingerprints required at renewal.[2]
- CDL knowledge tests may be administered in written form, verbally, or in automated format, and in a foreign language provided no interpreter is used.[3]
Numbers in brackets link to the official sources listed under Sources & last verified. Dates that have passed are removed automatically.
CDL Exam at a Glance
| Item | Detail | Source · Verified |
|---|---|---|
| Passing score | 80% on each knowledge test[1] | U.S. Department of Transportation – Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (49 CFR Part 383); TSA for the hazmat th · Oct 24, 2026 |
| Exam fee (Hazmat endorsement (TSA threat assessment)) | $88.25[2] | tsa.gov · Oct 24, 2026 |
| Exam fee (Hazmat endorsement, TWIC holder) | $41.00 reduced rate[2] | tsa.gov · Oct 24, 2026 |
| Retake policy | Retake must use a different test version[3] | U.S. Department of Transportation – Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (49 CFR Part 383); TSA for the hazmat th · Oct 24, 2026 |
| Validity (Commercial learner's permit) | Max 1 year from initial issuance without retesting[4] | U.S. Department of Transportation – Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (49 CFR Part 383); TSA for the hazmat th · Oct 24, 2026 |
| Renewal (Hazmat endorsement) | Renew every 5 years[2] | tsa.gov · Oct 24, 2026 |
| Delivery | Written, verbal or automated; foreign language allowed, no interpreter[3] | U.S. Department of Transportation – Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (49 CFR Part 383); TSA for the hazmat th · Oct 24, 2026 |
CDL Practice Test Questions
Prepare for the CDL - Commercial Driver's License exam with our free practice test modules. Each quiz covers key topics to help you pass on your first try.
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CDL Hazmat Practice Test
CDL Test Online for Hazmat Practice Test. Free practice with instant results and feedback.
CDL Pre-Trip Inspection
CDL Practice Questions for Pre-Trip Inspection. Build confidence for your CDL certification exam.
CDL Tanker Practice Test
CDL Questions and Answers on Tanker Practice Test. Free CDL practice for exam readiness.
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CDL Mock Test covering Class A Commercial Driver's License Practice Test -1. Online CDL Test practice with instant feedback.
What changed for CDL in 2026
- Oct 24, 2026: Exam fee (Hazmat endorsement (TSA threat assessment)) changed to $88.25 (previously $85.25).[2]
- Oct 24, 2026: Delivery changed to Written, verbal or automated; foreign language allowed, no interpreter (previously Written, verbal or computer; foreign language allowed, no interpreter).[3]
Note: The exact number of questions and fees for the CDL license may vary slightly by state. Always verify with your local DMV for specific CDL class cost and testing requirements.
CDL Flashcards
Quick review for key Commercial Driver's License concepts
🛑What is the air compressor governor?
The governor controls when the air compressor pumps air into the air storage tanks.
START CDL PRACTICE TEST🚛What is the maximum width of a commercial vehicle?
The maximum width for most commercial vehicles is 102 inches or 8.5 feet.
GET CDL EXAM PREP⚠️What does a Hazmat placard indicate?
Placards warn others of hazardous materials and indicate the class of hazard contained.
REVIEW CDL QUESTIONS🔍How often should you check your mirrors?
You should check your mirrors every 5 to 8 seconds while driving.
TRY CDL MOCK EXAM🌧️What is hydroplaning?
Hydroplaning occurs when tires lose contact with the road and ride on a layer of water.
ACCESS CDL STUDY GUIDE🔄What is off-tracking?
Off-tracking is when the rear wheels follow a different path than the front wheels during a turn.
PRACTICE CDL TEST NOWCDL Exam Study Guide
Our CDL study guide breaks down everything you need to know about the CDL license process. From registration to salary expectations, explore the tabs below for detailed information on how to become a professional driver.
Many trucking companies offer paid CDL training or tuition reimbursement in exchange for a work commitment. Look for "company-sponsored CDL programs" to lower your CDL course cost. Practice with the free CDL practice test on PracticeTestGeeks (850+ questions with answer explanations).
Free CDL Study Tools
Interactive CDL resources on PracticeTestGeeks, free to start:
- CDL Road Signs and Signals Practice Test 1 — 25 questions with instant scoring and answer explanations
- CDL flashcards — review key terms and concepts card by card
- CDL study guide — topic-by-topic overview of what the exam covers
- CDL cheat sheet — one-page printable summary for last-minute review
According to U.S. Department of Transportation – Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (49 CFR Part 383); TSA for the hazmat th, “To achieve a passing score on each of the knowledge tests, a driver applicant must correctly answer at least 80 percent of the questions.”[1]
Worked examples: how to reason through CDL questions
These are practice questions written for this site, not questions from the real exam. Each explanation shows why the right answer is right and why the others are wrong.
Example 1
Question: As you check that the steering box is mounted securely and not leaking, you should look for any missing ________.
- Nuts.
- Cotter keys.
- All of the listed answers.
- Bolts.
Answer: C. All of the listed answers.
Explanation:
The correct answer is that you look for any missing nuts, bolts and cotter keys, so "All of the listed answers" is right. The steering box is held to the frame by fasteners, and any of them can work loose or fall out. Nuts alone is wrong because it ignores the other fasteners. Cotter keys alone is wrong for the same reason, and a missing cotter key can let a nut back off. Bolts alone is wrong because it leaves out the rest. Each of those options names something you really should check; none of them is the whole job.
The general rule: during a pre-trip inspection of a steering component, confirm it is secure, not leaking, and that no fastener of any kind is missing. Steering problems can mean loss of control.
Example 2
Question: If the trailer protection valve malfunctions, which of the following may occur?
- A leak or trailer break away could drain all the air from the brake system
- Nothing will happen
- The trailer air pressure will increase
- The glad hands may uncouple
Answer: A. A leak or trailer break away could drain all the air from the brake system
Explanation:
The correct answer is that a leak or trailer breakaway could drain all the air from the brake system. The trailer protection valve exists to close off the tractor's air supply if the trailer loses pressure. If the valve fails, that protection is gone, and a trailer leak or breakaway can empty the whole system, leaving the tractor without service brakes as well.
"Nothing will happen" is wrong because the valve is there to prevent exactly this loss. "The trailer air pressure will increase" is wrong because a leak lowers pressure rather than raising it. "The glad hands may uncouple" is wrong because glad hands are the air line couplers and are not controlled by this valve.
Rule to remember: the protection valve keeps the tractor's air when the trailer fails; if it malfunctions, a trailer problem becomes a whole-vehicle braking problem.
Example 3
Question: What should you look for when inspecting wheel rims during a pre-trip inspection?
- Only verify that the rims are the correct color
- Cracks, damaged areas, and that all lug nuts are present and tightened
- Only check for rim roundness visually
- Rims only need inspection following a tire blowout
Answer: B. Cracks, damaged areas, and that all lug nuts are present and tightened
Explanation:
The correct answer is to look for cracks, damaged areas, and that all lug nuts are present and tightened. Wheel rims carry the tire and the load, and a cracked or damaged rim or loose lug nuts can lead to wheel separation while driving.
"Only verify that the rims are the correct color" is wrong because colour says nothing about strength or fit. "Only check for rim roundness visually" is wrong because it ignores cracks and the lug nuts, and a visual glance at shape is not an inspection of the fasteners. "Rims only need inspection following a tire blowout" is wrong because a pre-trip inspection is done before driving to find faults early, not after something has already failed.
Rule to remember: inspect the wheel assembly as a whole, including the rim condition and the fasteners, every time.
How to use these practice tests
Start with the official material from your state licensing agency, since it publishes the driver manual and sets the tests you will take. Read the section for each license class and endorsement you plan to apply for, and note anything your state does differently from the federal rules.
Then use the practice sets to find weak spots. Begin with general knowledge, because it underlies everything else. Add the sets that match your plan: air brakes, combination vehicles, tanker, passenger transport or hazmat. Use pre-trip inspection questions to rehearse what you will say and check on the vehicle.
After each set, read the explanation for every question you missed, then go back to the manual and find the passage that covers it. Retakes use a different version of the test, so aim to understand why an answer is right rather than recognise a wording. Repeat a set only after you have reviewed the manual, and finish by trying a set you have not seen. Our questions are written by us and are not real exam questions.
CDL Test Day Checklist
- ✓Valid Driver's License
- ✓Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP)
- ✓Medical Examiner's Certificate
- ✓Vehicle Registration & Insurance
- ✓Test Appointment Confirmation
- ✓Correct Class Vehicle
- ✓Payment for Fees
- ✓Pre-trip Inspection Knowledge
Keep your CDL medical card current. Driving with an expired medical certificate can lead to the downgrade of your CDL license to a non-commercial status.
Related Driving Practice Tests
If you are preparing for a career in driving, you may also find these related practice tests helpful:
Prepare for the DMV - Department of Motor Vehicles — the Department of Motor Vehicles written knowledge test for obtaining a US driving permit or license.
Prepare for the G1 - Ontario G1 Driver's License — the Ontario G1 knowledge test for new drivers in Ontario, covering road signs and traffic rules.
Prepare for the DVSA - UK Driving Theory Test — the UK DVSA driving theory test covering highway code, hazard perception, and road safety.
Prepare for the DKT - Driver Knowledge Test — the Australian Driver Knowledge Test for learner drivers in New South Wales.
Prepare for the UK Car Theory Test — the UK car driving theory test covering road signs, rules, and hazard perception.
If you want more targeted practice, the cdl questions and answers pdf page covers the same material with additional questions and explanations.
If you want more targeted practice, the air brakes practice test page covers the same material with additional questions and explanations.
CDL: Pros and Cons
- +cdl — cDL exam preparation strengthens your knowledge across all domains
- +Passing the exam proves competency to employers and clients
- +Study materials and practice tests are widely available
- +Exam-based credentials are portable across states and employers
- +Clear exam objectives help focus your study plan effectively
- −Exam anxiety can affect performance — practice tests help reduce it
- −Registration fees are non-refundable if you miss your test date
- −Limited retake opportunities may apply with waiting periods
- −Exam content updates periodically — use current study materials
- −Testing center availability may require advance scheduling
Pros and Cons at a Glance
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| cdl — cDL exam preparation strengthens your knowledge across all domains | Exam anxiety can affect performance — practice tests help reduce it |
| Passing the exam proves competency to employers and clients | Registration fees are non-refundable if you miss your test date |
| Study materials and practice tests are widely available | Limited retake opportunities may apply with waiting periods |
| Exam-based credentials are portable across states and employers | Exam content updates periodically — use current study materials |
| Clear exam objectives help focus your study plan effectively | Testing center availability may require advance scheduling |
Sample CDL Practice Questions
Try these questions from our free CDL practice tests. The correct answer and an explanation follow each question.
During the CDL skills test for a Class A vehicle, which of the following is NOT one of the three required test components?
- A. Pre-trip vehicle inspection
- B. Basic vehicle control maneuvers
- C. Emergency brake pressure test
- D. On-road driving test
Answer: C. Emergency brake pressure test
The three mandatory components of the CDL skills test are the pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle controls (backing, turning, coupling/uncoupling), and the on-road driving test. An emergency brake pressure test is not a standalone required component.
For your pre-trip vehicle inspection test, your entry doors should be in what condition?
- A. Entry doors should be in working condition.
- B. Entry doors should operate smoothly from the outside.
- C. Your entry doors should be undamaged.
- D. All of the listed answers.
Answer: D. All of the listed answers.
For your pre-trip vehicle inspection test, the entry doors must be thoroughly checked to ensure they are safe and functional. This means they should be undamaged, operate smoothly from both the inside and outside, and be in overall working condition. Proper door function is essential for driver and passenger safety, as well as for securing cargo.
On the CDL pre-trip vehicle inspection test, you can expect to ________.
- A. To explain why you want a commercial driver's license.
- B. To be asked to explain to the examiner what parts of your vehicle you would inspect and why.
- C. To answer general CDL questions.
- D. To park your school bus.
Answer: B. To be asked to explain to the examiner what parts of your vehicle you would inspect and why.
The CDL pre-trip vehicle inspection test assesses a driver's ability to identify and explain critical vehicle components and their proper functioning. You are expected to demonstrate your knowledge by explaining what parts you would inspect and why they are important for safe operation. This ensures you can detect potential mechanical issues before driving, which is crucial for commercial vehicle safety.
Which of the following is a necessary step to test your service brakes?
- A. Release the parking brake.
- B. Move the vehicle forward slowly.
- C. All of the listed answers.
- D. Wait for normal air pressure.
Answer: C. All of the listed answers.
Testing your service brakes involves several critical steps to ensure they are functioning correctly. You must first wait for normal air pressure to build up, then release the parking brake. Finally, move the vehicle forward slowly and apply the brakes to check for proper stopping action, ensuring the vehicle stops smoothly and in a straight line.
Take the full CDL practice test
CDL Exam Questions and Answers
Disclaimer: This app is not affiliated with or endorsed by any state DMV or the FMCSA and is intended for educational and practice purposes only. Official CDL requirements and regulations may vary by state - always verify current information with your local DMV or authorized testing center.
Sources & last verified
- U.S. Department of Transportation – Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (49 CFR Part 383); TSA for the hazmat th — passing score (official source). “To achieve a passing score on each of the knowledge tests, a driver applicant must correctly answer at least 80 percent of the questions.” Verified Oct 24, 2026 · source checked Oct 18, 2026.
- tsa.gov — exam fee, renewal (official source). “Effective January 1, 2025, the fee for new and renewing applicants is $88.25.” Verified Oct 24, 2026.
- U.S. Department of Transportation – Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (49 CFR Part 383); TSA for the hazmat th — retake policy, delivery (official source). “A State must use a different version of the test when an applicant retakes a previously failed test.” Verified Oct 24, 2026 · source checked Oct 18, 2026.
- U.S. Department of Transportation – Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (49 CFR Part 383); TSA for the hazmat th — validity (official source). “The CLP must be valid for no more than one year from the initial date of issuance without requiring the CLP holder to retake the…” Verified Oct 24, 2026 · source checked Oct 18, 2026.
How we verify: editorial & fact-checking policy. Report an error: contact us.
How this page was made: written with AI tools and published by Nathan Beja, founder of Practice Test Geeks, who is responsible for its content. Exam facts are checked against the official sources listed below. Not reviewed by a subject-matter expert. Editorial policy
Sources & references
Exam facts on this page (fees, format, dates, passing scores) are checked against these official sources; the date is our last check. Editorial policy