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Free CDL practice test
Take a free CDL practice test below. It has 10 exam-style questions, and every answer tells you why it is right and why the others are wrong. Then pick the test you need from the list.
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.
Exit 1 Pick your test
Choose the CDL test you need
Each one has a free timed practice test in the real format: same question count, same passing score, no hints.
General Knowledge
Everyone who applies for a CDL
Air Brakes
Anyone who will drive a vehicle with air brakes
Combination Vehicles
Class A applicants
Hazardous Materials
Drivers who want the H (hazmat) endorsement
Tanker
Drivers who want the N (tank vehicle) endorsement
Passenger
Bus drivers who want the P (passenger) endorsement
School Bus
School bus drivers who want the S endorsement
Doubles/Triples
Drivers who want the T (doubles and triples) endorsement
What is on the CDL written test?
Every CDL applicant takes the General Knowledge test. Then you take a test for each endorsement you want, and the Air Brakes test if your truck has air brakes. Each test is scored on its own, and you need 80% on every one.
| 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 |
These are national defaults. A few states use different question counts or time limits. See the CDL test facts table for sources, and check your own state's manual.
How to use a practice test so it works
- Start with the Diagnostic. It shows your three weakest topics, so you do not waste time on what you already know.
- Read every explanation, even for the ones you got right. Real questions are worded differently from practice questions. If you only memorize "the answer is C," a reworded question will catch you.
- Redo what you missed a day later. Missed questions that come back after 1, 3 and 7 days stick.
- Take timed tests last. Do them with no notes. Score 85% or higher three times in a row before you book. One good score can be luck.
Test in your state
The topics come from a national model manual, so these tests fit every state. Question counts and time limits for a few tests differ by state, and each state sets its own fees and rules.
- Alabama CDL practice test
- Arizona CDL practice test
- California CDL practice test
- Florida CDL practice test
- Georgia CDL practice test
- Illinois CDL practice test
- Indiana CDL practice test
- Kentucky CDL practice test
- Michigan CDL practice test
- Minnesota CDL practice test
- Missouri CDL practice test
- New Jersey CDL practice test
- New York CDL practice test
- North Carolina CDL practice test
- Ohio CDL practice test
- Pennsylvania CDL practice test
- Tennessee CDL practice test
- Texas CDL practice test
- Virginia CDL practice test
- Washington CDL practice test
- Wisconsin CDL practice test
Common questions
Are these real CDL test questions?
No. They are exam-style questions that we write from the official CDL manual. The real test questions are not published, and we never copy them from a DMV, an app or another site.
How many questions are on the CDL written test?
General Knowledge has 50 questions and you need 40 right (80%). Air Brakes has 25, Combination Vehicles 20, Hazmat 30, and the other endorsement tests usually 20. A few states use different counts.
What score do I need to pass the CDL permit test?
80% on each test. Federal rules set that line, and every state uses it. You do not average across tests. You pass or fail each one.
Is the CDL practice test free?
Yes. The 10-question test above, the Diagnostic and one timed test for every test type are free. You do not need an account.
How many practice tests should I take before the real test?
Keep going until you score 85% or higher on three full practice tests in a row. One good score can be luck. Three in a row is readiness.
Are CDL practice tests accurate?
It depends on who wrote them. Every question here traces to a section of the official CDL manual and is checked by a second reviewer before it is published. Read how we do it on our questions page.