Free CDL practice tests
Seven quizzes with original questions and an explanation for every answer. No sign-up, works on your phone.
General knowledge
Following distance, speed, skids, tire failure and warning triangles.
Take the test →Air brakes
Governor, low-air warning, spring brakes, leak tests and braking.
Take the test →Combination vehicles
Coupling, glad hands, air lines, rollover and off-tracking.
Take the test →Pre-trip inspection
Tread depth, steering play, slack adjusters and the in-cab air check.
Take the test →Hazmat
Placards, shipping papers, parking, attendance and rail crossings.
Take the test →Tanker
Surge, baffles, smooth bore, outage and high center of gravity.
Take the test →Doubles & triples
Converter dolly, coupling order, crack-the-whip and air checks.
Take the test →Every CDL starts with knowledge tests. In the model CDL program most states follow, everyone takes the general knowledge test. Class A also takes the combination vehicles test, and anyone who will drive a truck with air brakes takes the air brakes test. If you score under 80% on the air brakes test, your license gets an air brake restriction.
Endorsements add their own tests: T for doubles and triples, N for tank vehicles and H for hazardous materials. X on a license means both H and N. The hazmat endorsement also needs a TSA security threat assessment. The skills test starts with the vehicle inspection (pre-trip).
These practice tests are free, have 15 original questions each and explain every answer. They are not the official test. Study your state’s CDL manual too, because each state sets how many questions its tests have. The passing score is 80%.
After you pass
Starting out on your own? Read Start a trucking company, Hazmat endorsement and Team driving.
- eCFR: 49 CFR 383.91 (CDL classes)
- eCFR: 49 CFR 383.93 (endorsements)
- eCFR: 49 CFR 383.133 and 383.135 (test methods and passing score)
- eCFR: 49 CFR 383.141 (hazmat security threat assessment)
This page is general information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change; confirm with FMCSA, the IRS or your state before you file.
Questions carriers ask
Are these the real CDL test questions?
No. The questions are original and written to match the topics in the model CDL manual most states use. Study your state’s manual too.
What score do I need to pass the CDL knowledge test?
80%. Under 49 CFR 383.135 you need at least 80% correct on each knowledge test. Each state sets how many questions its tests have.
Which tests do I need for a Class A CDL?
General knowledge and combination vehicles, plus air brakes if you’ll drive with air brakes, then the skills test. Add the T, N or H tests for those endorsements.