Checked against official Connecticut sources on Oct 8, 2026
Connecticut CDL practice test
Every state needs at least 80% on each CDL written test, and Connecticut follows the same federal rule. Below are the fees, ages and rules we checked against the official Connecticut source, and a free practice test.
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.
Connecticut CDL facts
| What | What Connecticut says | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum age | You must be 18 to drive inside Connecticut only. You must be 21 to drive interstate and 21 to haul hazardous materials. | Official page |
| CLP fee | $20 for the commercial learner's permit. | Official page |
| CDL fee | $70 for a new CDL. It is issued for 3 1/2 to 5 years and expires on your birthday. You must already have a Connecticut driver's license. | Official page |
| Knowledge test fee | $16 for the general knowledge test. Air brakes, combination and every other endorsement test are $5 each. Retaking a failed test means a new application and paying the test fee again. | Official page |
| Endorsement and restriction fees | $5 for each CDL endorsement and $5 for each restriction. | Official page |
| Skills test fee | $30, paid when you submit your application (Form R-229a). | Official page |
| Changing your CDL class | There is a $30 fee to get a new license when you change class. Upgrading to a CDL from a regular license is $22, plus a $30 change fee. | Official page |
| General knowledge test | 50 questions. You need 40 correct to pass. | Official page |
| Endorsement tests | Hazmat: 30 questions, 24 correct to pass. Air brakes: 25 questions, 20 correct. Combination, school bus, passenger, tanker, and doubles and triples: 20 questions each, 16 correct to pass. | Official page |
| CLP validity | A CLP is valid for one year from the date of issue. If you do not get a CDL in that year, you must pass all required tests again to get a new permit. | Official page |
| Knowledge test retests | If you fail a knowledge test, make a new appointment, fill out a new Form R-229a and pay the test fee again. | Official page |
| Skills test retests | If you fail any part of the skills test, you fail the whole test. You need a new application, a new $30 fee, and you must wait at least seven days between skills tests. | Official page |
| Skills test steps | The skills test has a pre-trip inspection, a static course and an on-the-road test. | Official page |
| Scheduling the skills test | Fill out Form R-405 (request for CDL exam from a private citizen) and email it to the DMV. The DMV gives you a test date within three business days. | Official page |
| Skills test bring list | Bring a representative vehicle for your class, a driver with a valid CDL to drive it to and from the test, your Connecticut license, your valid CDIP, and the validated gold copy of Form R-229a showing the $30 payment. | Official page |
| After you pass the skills test | Wait two business days so the DMV can enter your results. Then go to the same office where you took your knowledge test to get your license. | Official page |
| Test vehicle limits | You cannot use a trailer over 48 feet, a vehicle with farm, transport, dealer or repairer plates, a truck-tractor as a Class B vehicle, or a vehicle with loaded cargo. | Official page |
| Entry level driver training | ELDT is required for CDL A, CDL B, and first-time passenger (P), school bus (S) and hazmat (H) endorsements. | Official page |
| Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse | Since October 21, 2024, CDL holders and CDL or CLP applicants must register with the FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse. The DMV checks your status before any CDL or CLP transaction. | Official page |
| Medical certificate | Since June 16, 2025, the DMV does not accept paper medical certificates (MCSA-5876). Your medical examiner uploads it to the National Registry and the DMV gets it electronically. | Official page |
| Expired medical certificate | If your medical examiner's certificate expires, your CDL can be downgraded to a Class D license or your CLP can be cancelled. | Official page |
| Self-certification | CLP and CDL holders must self-certify to the DMV as interstate or intrastate driving. CLP applicants bring printed confirmation to the knowledge test. | Official page |
| Military applicants | Active duty, reservist and recently separated (within one year) military can get a skills test waiver if they meet federal rules. They must still pass the knowledge tests, and knowledge tests are free for them. | Official page |
| Non-domiciled CLP or CDL | Since March 16, 2026, only people in the U.S. under H-2A, H-2B or E-2 visas can get a non-domiciled CLP or CDL. A non-domiciled CDL is valid for at most one year. | Official page |
| School bus fee waiver | School bus drivers with a letter from their employer have the knowledge test, CLP and skills test fees waived. | Official page |
Fees and rules change. Confirm on the official Connecticut CDL page before you go. Read the official Connecticut CDL manual.
CDL test formats
We show the national defaults for question counts and time limits. Check the official Connecticut manual for anything that differs.
| Test | Questions | To pass | Typical time |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Knowledge | 50 | 40 (80%) | About 60 minutes |
| Air Brakes | 25 | 20 (80%) | 25 to 30 minutes |
| Combination Vehicles | 20 (25 questions in some states) | 16 (80%) | 20 to 25 minutes |
| Hazardous Materials | 30 | 24 (80%) | 30 to 40 minutes |
| Tanker | 20 | 16 (80%) | 20 to 25 minutes |
| Passenger | 20 | 16 (80%) | 20 to 25 minutes |
| School Bus | 20 (25 questions in some states) | 16 (80%) | About 25 minutes |
| Doubles/Triples | 20 | 16 (80%) | About 20 minutes |
Practice any of them: all CDL practice tests.