Checked against official New Jersey sources on Oct 7, 2026
New Jersey CDL practice test
Every state needs at least 80% on each CDL written test, and New Jersey follows the same federal rule. Below are the fees, ages and rules we checked against the official New Jersey 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.
New Jersey CDL facts
| What | What New Jersey says | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Test Receipt fee | $125, non-refundable. You buy the Commercial Examination Test Receipt before you take the knowledge test. It is valid for 180 days, and you can take the knowledge test as many times as needed in that time. After 180 days it must be renewed for another $125. | Official page |
| CDL fee | $42 for a four-year CDL. The first CDL is prorated to expire with your basic New Jersey license. | Official page |
| Endorsement fee | $2 for each endorsement | Official page |
| Duplicate CLP fee | $11 | Official page |
| Duplicate exam receipt fee | $3 | Official page |
| Minimum age | 18. Drivers under 21 can only drive inside New Jersey (intrastate). | Official page |
| Under 21 limits | Under 21 you must pick commerce category 3 or 4 on the self-certification form. No HAZMAT or passenger endorsement. | Official page |
| Basic license first | You need a basic New Jersey Class D license before a CDL. | Official page |
| Vision | At least 20/40 in each eye with or without glasses, and you must tell red, green and amber apart. | Official page |
| CLP validity | 180 days. CLPs are digital only, and paper CLPs are no longer issued. | Official page |
| CLP and your license | Your valid New Jersey driver license must be with you when you drive on a CLP. | Official page |
| Wait before skills test | CLP holders must wait at least 14 days before the skills test, unless this is waived. | Official page |
| Knowledge test passing score | 80% | Official page |
| Knowledge test format | A 50-question general test, plus a separate test for each endorsement. You must answer at least 80% correctly. | Official page |
| Knowledge test delivery | Multiple choice on a computer. There is no oral or audio test. All tests except HAZMAT are offered in English or Spanish. | Official page |
| Knowledge test retake rule | Wait 7 days between attempts. You can retest as many times as you need within 180 days. | Official page |
| Test score validity | Knowledge test scores are valid for 360 days. | Official page |
| Receipt renewal | If you have not passed within 180 days, you must renew the Test Receipt. | Official page |
| Skills test retake rule | Wait at least 14 days between failed skills tests. There is no limit on retakes. | Official page |
| Multiple skills test failures | Several failures may lead to a 6-month wait. | Official page |
| Skills test parts | Pre-trip, basic skills and road skills, scored by an MVC safety specialist | Official page |
| Skills test vehicle | You bring a vehicle of the right class with a current inspection sticker, valid registration, valid insurance card (unless covered by PUC or federal DOT rules) and legible GVWR placards. It carries no cargo. You also need a licensed driver who is qualified to operate that vehicle. | Official page |
| Automatic transmission restriction | Testing in an automatic gives you restriction E, so you cannot drive a manual-transmission truck. | Official page |
| Skills test banking | If you pass the pre-trip part, you can bank that score for one CLP cycle of 180 days. | Official page |
| Knowledge test locations | 23 testing centers around New Jersey, including Newark, Edison, Camden, Wayne and Toms River. Appointment required. | Official page |
| Entry Level Driver Training | ELDT from a provider on the FMCSA Training Provider Registry is needed before the HAZMAT knowledge test and before the skills test (first Class A or B, and P, S and H endorsements). | Official page |
| Medical certificate | If you drive non-excepted commerce (categories 1 and 3), a valid medical certificate must be on file with the FMCSA National Registry. Passenger endorsement holders always need one. | Official page |
| Enhanced penalties for CLP holders | CLP holders face the same enhanced penalties for moving violations as CDL holders. | Official page |
| Passenger endorsement fingerprints | A fingerprint receipt is required for passenger endorsement applicants starting September 1, 2026. | Official page |
Fees and rules change. Confirm on the official New Jersey CDL page before you go. Read the official New Jersey CDL manual.
CDL test formats
We show the national defaults for question counts and time limits. Check the official New Jersey 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.