CDL

The CDL exam consists of two parts: a written knowledge exam and a three-part skills test. The exam is designed to evaluate whether applicants understand safe driving concepts and the correct ways to operate commercial motor vehicles.

After you successfully complete all portions of the exam, you will earn your commercial driver’s license (CDL). Having a CDL can open the pathway to a well-paid and rewarding career across a variety of industries.

Before you can register for the CDL exam, you must hold a valid Commercial Learners Permit (CLP) for at least fourteen days AND successfully participate in an entry-level driver training course with a certified training provider.

When you are ready to take the CDL exam, contact your local DMV to determine where in your state the DMV offers the CDL exam.

Prepare to present the following documents: proof of age, proof of citizenship or permanent residency, a report of your driving history over the past 10 years, and a current Department of Transportation (DOT) medical card.

Regardless of the CDL Class, all CDL candidates must pass the written knowledge exam. Applicants may be required to take additional knowledge tests depending on the types of endorsements needed. Regulations vary by state; you must understand the requirements needed for the state in which you will take your CDL exam and the cargo you plan to transport.

The multiple-choice, matching, and/or fill-in-the-blank questions are broken down my most states as follows:

• Class A license:

  • 50 questions (written general knowledge test)

  • 20 questions (written combination vehicles test)

• Class B license: 50 questions (written general knowledge test)

• Class C license: 50 questions (written general knowledge test)

Knowledge Tests:

• Applicants will have 60 minutes to complete the general knowledge test (50 questions).

• Class A CDL applicants will have 20 minutes to complete the written exam on combination vehicles (20 questions).

Skills Tests:

vehicle inspection portion: ≈ 40 minutes

on-road test: up to one hour*

*This portion of the exam is not a “speed test.” You must obey all traffic laws and drive safely at all times during the exam (and after you earn your CDL).

The tests are administered at a DMV CDL in the state in which you are trying to earn your license. Remember to check with your local DMV to determine which offices administer the CDL exam. Check the requirements in your licensing state to determine whether you need to bring your own vehicle or if one will be provided for you.

Knowledge Tests:

These are written (or computer-based) exams with multiple-choice, matching, and/or fill-in-the-blank questions. You must understand the knowledge needed to answer the questions and cannot rely on other resources during this exam.

Skills Tests:

These tests can only be taken after you pass the required knowledge tests.

There are three separate portions of the skills test. Each must be taken and passed in the following order:

1. vehicle inspection

2. basic vehicle control

3. on-road test

If you fail one portion of the skills test, you cannot move on to the next skills test in the series. These tests MUST be taken in the type of commercial vehicle you plan to drive once licensed. The vehicle CANNOT have any labeled components.

The vehicle used must match the type and class for which you are trying to get licensed. If any parts of the vehicle do not pass the inspection portion of the skills test, you will be asked to address those issues and reschedule the exam.

Knowledge Tests:

A total minimum score of 80% (at least 40 correct answers out of 50 questions) is required to pass the written general knowledge test.

Class A CDL applicants must also earn a total minimum score of at least 80% (16 correct answers out of 20 questions) on the written test on combination vehicles.

Skills Tests:

Each component of the skills test is scored separately.

Vehicle inspection: You must properly inspect at least 80% of the items; the examiner will keep track.

Basic vehicle control: You are allowed NO MORE THAN 12 points on the basic vehicle control portion of the exam. Certain maneuvers carry separate penalties and may still result in failure—even if the 12-point threshold has not been met. Scoring more than 12 points means you have failed the exam.

On-road test: The examiner determines whether maneuvers are performed correctly. Errors result in deductions. In most states, you must have 30 deductions OR LESS to pass.

NOTE: Scoring varies by state.

You must pass each skills test portion before you can move on to the next skills test portion. The examiner will be in the vehicle with you. With each portion that you pass, the examiner will signal that you are allowed to move on to the next portion of the exam. If there is a portion you do not pass, the examiner will review it with you, and you will be asked to reschedule your exam.

State guidelines vary; check with your state DMV CDL for specific retake rules. Generally, candidates who fail must wait anywhere from one to fourteen days before retaking the exam. Some states have limits on the number of times a candidate can take the CDL exam before needing to retake the exam for a commercial learner’s permit (CLP). Always check with your state for the latest regulations.