Free practice test
CDL practice test Class A
A Class A CDL usually means three written tests: General Knowledge, Combination Vehicles and Air Brakes. You need 80% on each one, so you pass or fail each test on its own.
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.
Which written tests Class A needs
| Test | Why | Questions | To pass |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Knowledge | Everyone takes it. | 50 | 40 (80%) |
| Combination Vehicles | You will pull a trailer. | 20 | 16 (80%) |
| Air Brakes | Most tractors and trailers have air brakes. Skip it and your license gets an air brake restriction. | 25 | 20 (80%) |
Add the Doubles/Triples test if you will pull more than one trailer, Tanker for liquid loads and Hazmat for placarded loads.
Entry-level driver training is required before the skills test for first-time Class A applicants.
What Class A lets you drive
Combination vehicles, like a tractor-trailer, where the towed unit weighs more than 10,000 lbs. With the right endorsements, a Class A also covers many Class B and Class C vehicles.
This is a simplified summary. Your state's CDL manual has the exact weight rules.
Endorsements you can add
| Letter | Endorsement | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| H | Hazardous Materials | Haul placarded hazardous materials. Needs a TSA background check. |
| N | Tanker | Haul liquids or gases in a tank. |
| P | Passenger | Drive a bus or other vehicle built for 16 or more people. |
| S | School Bus | Drive a school bus. Also needs the Passenger test. |
| T | Doubles/Triples | Pull two or three trailers. |
Common questions
Which written tests do I need for a Class A CDL?
Everyone takes General Knowledge. Class A usually adds Combination Vehicles, and Air Brakes if your truck has air brakes. Add a test for each endorsement you want.
How many questions is the Class A written test?
There is no single Class A test. A typical Class A applicant takes General Knowledge (50 questions), Air Brakes (25) and Combination Vehicles (20), which is 95 questions. You need 80% on each one.
What can I drive with a Class A CDL?
Combination vehicles, like a tractor-trailer, where the towed unit weighs more than 10,000 lbs. With the right endorsements it covers many Class B and C vehicles too.
Do I take all the tests on the same day?
Usually not required. Many drivers take General Knowledge, Air Brakes and Combination together, then add endorsements later. Each test you pass is recorded separately.