CDL General Knowledge Practice Test 2026
Every CDL applicant takes the general knowledge test first, and passing it is how you get a commercial learner's permit (CLP). All states use the same model CDL manual, so these questions cover the rules every new truck and bus driver needs: licensing, inspection, safe driving, cargo and disqualification.
Kurz und knapp
Die offizielle Prüfung hat 50 Fragen. Bestanden: Varies by state; usually 50 questions, with 40 correct needed (80%). Zuständig: Your state driver licensing agency, under federal rules set by FMCSA (49 CFR Part 383). Mindestalter: 21 to drive across state lines; some states license drivers 18 to 20 for in-state driving only. Hier üben Sie kostenlos mit 150 Fragen, jeweils mit Antwort und Erklärung. Am 10. Oktober 2026 mit offiziellen Quellen abgeglichen.
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Frage 1 von 25
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Antwort: A. Class A
Class A covers combinations of 26,001 pounds or more GCWR when the towed vehicle is rated over 10,000 pounds.
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Frage 2 von 25
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Antwort: D. Class B
Class B covers a single vehicle of 26,001 pounds or more GVWR, even when it tows a vehicle rated 10,000 pounds or less.
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Frage 3 von 25
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Antwort: C. Class C
Class C covers smaller vehicles designed to carry 16 or more people, counting the driver.
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Frage 4 von 25
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Antwort: C. A Class C CDL with a hazmat endorsement
A vehicle of any size that carries placarded hazardous materials needs a CDL. If it is not Class A or B, it is Class C, and the H endorsement is needed.
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Frage 5 von 25
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Antwort: B. Class B and Class C vehicles
A Class A holder may also drive Class B and C vehicles, as long as they have any endorsements those vehicles need.
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Frage 6 von 25
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Antwort: A. T
The T endorsement is for double and triple trailers. N is tank, P is passenger and S is school bus.
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Frage 7 von 25
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Antwort: A. Tank vehicles
N is the tank vehicle endorsement.
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Frage 8 von 25
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Antwort: B. Passenger (P) and school bus (S)
Federal rules require both a knowledge test and a skills test for the passenger and school bus endorsements. Tank, hazmat and doubles/triples need a knowledge test.
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Frage 9 von 25
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Antwort: C. 80% correct
Federal rules say you must answer at least 80% of the questions correctly on each CDL knowledge test.
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Frage 10 von 25
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Antwort: C. Your CDL is restricted from vehicles with air brakes
If you fail the air brake knowledge test or take the skills test in a vehicle without air brakes, you get an air brake restriction.
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Frage 11 von 25
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Antwort: B. No CMVs with a manual transmission
Testing in an automatic means you are restricted from commercial vehicles with a manual transmission.
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Frage 12 von 25
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Antwort: A. The driver has a medical variance
The state records a V restriction when it is told the driver has a medical variance. These drivers also may not drive a CMV in Canada.
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Frage 13 von 25
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Antwort: A. Yes, but no interpreter may be used
Knowledge tests may be given in another language, as long as no interpreter is used.
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Frage 14 von 25
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Antwort: C. English
Interpreters are not allowed on the skills test, and the applicant and examiner must use English.
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Frage 15 von 25
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Antwort: B. The general knowledge test
You get a CLP after you pass the knowledge tests, starting with general knowledge. The skills tests come later.
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Frage 16 von 25
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Antwort: B. One year
A CLP may be valid for no more than one year from first issue. Some states issue it for less, such as 6 months in Utah.
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Frage 17 von 25
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Antwort: C. In the front seat, next to the CLP holder
The supervising CDL holder must be physically present in the front seat next to the CLP holder at all times.
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Frage 18 von 25
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Antwort: C. At least 14 days
A CLP holder may not take the skills test in the first 14 days after the CLP is first issued.
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Frage 19 von 25
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Antwort: B. Passenger, school bus and tank only
Only the P, S and N endorsements are allowed on a CLP. All others are prohibited.
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Frage 20 von 25
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Antwort: D. Only an empty tank vehicle
A CLP holder with an N endorsement may only operate an empty tank vehicle.
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Frage 21 von 25
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Antwort: B. No, never
A CLP holder may not drive a commercial vehicle that is transporting hazardous materials.
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Frage 22 von 25
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Antwort: B. February 7, 2022
Compliance with the federal ELDT rules began on February 7, 2022.
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Frage 23 von 25
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Antwort: B. A first-time Class A or Class B applicant
ELDT applies to first-time Class A or B applicants, Class B to A upgrades, and first-time P, S or H endorsements.
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Frage 24 von 25
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Antwort: A. On FMCSA's Training Provider Registry
Training must come from a provider on FMCSA's Training Provider Registry, which keeps a record of who completed the training.
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Frage 25 von 25
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Antwort: C. No, the rule is not retroactive
Anyone issued a CDL before February 7, 2022 does not need ELDT for that credential.
Tastatur: 1–4 zum Antworten, Eingabetaste für die nächste Frage.
Die echte Prüfung: Varies by state; usually 50 questions, with 40 correct needed (80%)
Was Sie vor der Prüfung wissen sollten
- Federal rules set the passing score for every CDL knowledge test: you must answer at least 80% of the questions correctly.
- The general knowledge test has 50 questions in states such as Washington and Utah, so you need 40 correct answers.
- A CLP is valid for no more than one year. You must hold it for at least 14 days before you can take the CDL skills test, and a CDL holder must sit next to you in the front seat.
- Since February 7, 2022, you must complete entry-level driver training (ELDT) from a provider on FMCSA's Training Provider Registry before your first Class A or Class B skills test.
- Your DOT medical exam must be done by a medical examiner on FMCSA's National Registry. Most drivers must be re-examined at least every 24 months.
- You must be at least 21 years old to drive a commercial motor vehicle across state lines.
- Your state may give CDL knowledge tests in another language, but no interpreter may be used. The skills test must be done in English.
Häufig gestellte Fragen
How many questions are on the CDL general knowledge test?
Each state sets the number, but 50 questions is common; Washington and Utah both use 50. You need at least 80%, which is 40 correct out of 50.
What score do I need to pass the CDL permit test?
Federal rules require at least 80% correct on every CDL knowledge test, in every state.
How long is a CLP valid?
Federal rules allow up to one year from the date it is first issued. Some states issue it for less, such as 6 months in Utah or 180 days in Wisconsin.
Do I need training before I get a CDL?
Yes, if you are getting a Class A or Class B CDL for the first time. You must finish entry-level driver training from a registered provider before the skills test. You can pass the knowledge test and get your CLP first.
Which other tests might I need?
You take the air brakes test if your vehicle has air brakes, and the combination vehicles test for a Class A CDL. Each endorsement has its own test: hazmat (H), tank (N), passenger (P), school bus (S) and doubles/triples (T).
Quellen
- 49 CFR Part 383: Commercial driver's license standards (eCFR)
- 49 CFR Part 383 Subpart H: Tests and passing scores (eCFR)
- 49 CFR Part 380 Subpart F: Entry-level driver training (eCFR)
- FMCSA: Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT)
- 49 CFR Part 391: Qualifications of drivers (eCFR)
- 49 CFR Part 392: Driving of commercial motor vehicles (eCFR)
- Washington State Department of Licensing: CDL knowledge test
- Utah Driver License Division: CDL written knowledge tests
- Wisconsin Commercial Driver's Manual (AAMVA model, May 2026)
- Georgia DDS: Commercial Driver's Manual (AAMVA model), online edition
- Commercial Driver License Manual, Section 2: Driving Safely (Rhode Island DMV)
- Georgia DDS CDL Manual, Section 3: Transporting Cargo Safely