Free practice test
CDL practice test for your permit
The CDL permit test is the written test, or tests, you pass to earn a commercial learner's permit (CLP). Start with the free 10-question test below, then see every step from permit to license.
FirstTry CDL is not affiliated with any DMV, FMCSA or government agency. Practice questions are exam-style questions built from the official CDL manual, not actual test questions.
What is on the permit test
Everyone takes General Knowledge. Then you add a test for each endorsement, and Air Brakes if your truck has air brakes. You need 80% on each, and each is scored on its own.
| Test | Who takes it | Questions | To pass | Typical time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Knowledge | Everyone who applies for a CDL | 50 | 40 (80%) | About 60 minutes |
| Air Brakes | Anyone who will drive a vehicle with air brakes | 25 | 20 (80%) | 25 to 30 minutes |
| Combination Vehicles | Class A applicants | 20 (25 questions in some states) | 16 (80%) | 20 to 25 minutes |
| Hazardous Materials | Drivers who want the H (hazmat) endorsement | 30 | 24 (80%) | 30 to 40 minutes |
| Tanker | Drivers who want the N (tank vehicle) endorsement | 20 | 16 (80%) | 20 to 25 minutes |
| Passenger | Bus drivers who want the P (passenger) endorsement | 20 | 16 (80%) | 20 to 25 minutes |
| School Bus | School bus drivers who want the S endorsement | 20 (25 questions in some states) | 16 (80%) | About 25 minutes |
| Doubles/Triples | Drivers who want the T (doubles and triples) endorsement | 20 | 16 (80%) | About 20 minutes |
From permit to license, in order
- 01
Check you qualify
You must be at least 18 to apply, and 21 to drive across state lines or, in most cases, to haul hazmat. You need a valid regular driver's license.
- 02
Get a DOT medical card
Most new drivers need an exam from a certified medical examiner. Your state tells you which type of driving you self-certify for.
- 03
Pass the written tests
General Knowledge, plus the tests for your class and endorsements. You need 80% on each one. This is the CDL permit test.
- 04
Get your CLP
Once you pass, your state issues a commercial learner's permit. It lets you practice in a commercial vehicle with a qualified CDL holder beside you.
- 05
Finish entry-level driver training
First-time Class A and Class B applicants, and first-time S, P and H applicants, must finish training from a provider on FMCSA's Training Provider Registry.
- 06
Wait 14 days, then pass the skills test
You must hold your CLP at least 14 days before the skills test. It has three parts: the vehicle inspection, basic control skills and the road test.
Your state sets its own fees, documents and appointment rules. See the full step-by-step guide and your state's official site.
Common questions
What is the CDL permit test?
It is the written knowledge test, or tests, you pass to earn a commercial learner's permit (CLP). The CLP lets you practice driving a commercial vehicle with a qualified CDL holder beside you.
How many questions are on the CDL permit test?
General Knowledge has 50 questions and you need 40 right. Endorsement tests are usually 20 to 30 questions. You need 80% on each one.
How old do I have to be to get a CLP?
Federal rules say 18 to apply. You must be 21 to drive across state lines, and in most cases to haul hazmat. Your state may add its own rules.
How long do I wait between the permit and the skills test?
You must hold your CLP for at least 14 days before the skills test.
What if I fail the permit test?
Most states let you retest, sometimes after a waiting period or a new fee. Find out which topics cost you points, fix those, and retest when your practice scores are 85% or higher.