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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.

  • Commercial vehicle
  • United States
  • 150 questions
  • Checked October 10, 2026

Quick answer

The CDL general knowledge test has 50 questions. Pass mark: Varies by state; usually 50 questions, with 40 correct needed (80%). It is run by Your state driver licensing agency, under federal rules set by FMCSA (49 CFR Part 383). Minimum age: 21 to drive across state lines; some states license drivers 18 to 20 for in-state driving only. Practise here for free with 150 questions, each with the answer and an explanation. Checked against official sources on October 10, 2026.

Read before you practiseStart with the CDL General Knowledge Study Guide: plain-language notes, diagrams and the numbers to remember.

  1. Question 1 of 25

    Which CDL class do you need for a combination with a GCWR of 26,001 pounds or more when the towed unit has a GVWR over 10,000 pounds?
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Class A

    Class A covers combinations of 26,001 pounds or more GCWR when the towed vehicle is rated over 10,000 pounds.

  2. Question 2 of 25

    A straight truck has a GVWR of 30,000 pounds. It tows a small trailer rated at 8,000 pounds. Which CDL class does the driver need?
    Show answer

    Answer: 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.

  3. Question 3 of 25

    A van is too light for Class A or B, but it is designed to carry 16 or more people, including the driver. Which CDL class covers it?
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Class C

    Class C covers smaller vehicles designed to carry 16 or more people, counting the driver.

  4. Question 4 of 25

    A light truck under 26,001 pounds carries hazardous materials that need placards. What does the driver need?
    Show answer

    Answer: 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.

  5. Question 5 of 25

    You hold a Class A CDL with the right endorsements. Which other vehicles may you drive?
    Show answer

    Answer: 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.

  6. Question 6 of 25

    Which endorsement do you need to pull double or triple trailers?
    Show answer

    Answer: A. T

    The T endorsement is for double and triple trailers. N is tank, P is passenger and S is school bus.

  7. Question 7 of 25

    What does the N endorsement allow you to drive?
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Tank vehicles

    N is the tank vehicle endorsement.

  8. Question 8 of 25

    Which two endorsements need a skills test as well as a knowledge test?
    Show answer

    Answer: 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.

  9. Question 9 of 25

    What is the lowest passing score allowed on a CDL knowledge test?
    Show answer

    Answer: C. 80% correct

    Federal rules say you must answer at least 80% of the questions correctly on each CDL knowledge test.

  10. Question 10 of 25

    You take your CDL skills test in a truck without air brakes. What happens?
    Show answer

    Answer: 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.

  11. Question 11 of 25

    You take your skills test in a vehicle with an automatic transmission. What restriction will your CDL have?
    Show answer

    Answer: B. No CMVs with a manual transmission

    Testing in an automatic means you are restricted from commercial vehicles with a manual transmission.

  12. Question 12 of 25

    What does a V restriction on a CDL record mean?
    Show answer

    Answer: 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.

  13. Question 13 of 25

    Can your state give you the CDL knowledge test in a language other than English?
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Yes, but no interpreter may be used

    Knowledge tests may be given in another language, as long as no interpreter is used.

  14. Question 14 of 25

    In what language must the CDL skills test be done?
    Show answer

    Answer: C. English

    Interpreters are not allowed on the skills test, and the applicant and examiner must use English.

  15. Question 15 of 25

    Which test must you pass before your state can give you a commercial learner's permit (CLP)?
    Show answer

    Answer: B. The general knowledge test

    You get a CLP after you pass the knowledge tests, starting with general knowledge. The skills tests come later.

  16. Question 16 of 25

    Under federal rules, what is the longest time a CLP can be valid from the date it is first issued?
    Show answer

    Answer: 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.

  17. Question 17 of 25

    Where must the CDL holder sit when supervising a CLP holder who is driving a truck?
    Show answer

    Answer: 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.

  18. Question 18 of 25

    After you first get your CLP, how long must you wait before you can take the CDL skills test?
    Show answer

    Answer: 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.

  19. Question 19 of 25

    Which endorsements may appear on a CLP?
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Passenger, school bus and tank only

    Only the P, S and N endorsements are allowed on a CLP. All others are prohibited.

  20. Question 20 of 25

    A CLP holder has an N (tank) endorsement on the permit. What may they drive?
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Only an empty tank vehicle

    A CLP holder with an N endorsement may only operate an empty tank vehicle.

  21. Question 21 of 25

    May a CLP holder drive a truck carrying placarded hazardous materials?
    Show answer

    Answer: B. No, never

    A CLP holder may not drive a commercial vehicle that is transporting hazardous materials.

  22. Question 22 of 25

    Since what date have most new Class A and Class B applicants had to complete entry-level driver training (ELDT)?
    Show answer

    Answer: B. February 7, 2022

    Compliance with the federal ELDT rules began on February 7, 2022.

  23. Question 23 of 25

    Which person must complete entry-level driver training?
    Show answer

    Answer: 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.

  24. Question 24 of 25

    Where must your entry-level driver training provider be listed?
    Show answer

    Answer: 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.

  25. Question 25 of 25

    A driver got a Class A CDL in 2019. Do they need ELDT to keep driving a Class A truck?
    Show answer

    Answer: C. No, the rule is not retroactive

    Anyone issued a CDL before February 7, 2022 does not need ELDT for that credential.

What to know before the test

  • 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.

Frequently asked questions

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).

Sources

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