Master CDL practice test 2023

1. What is CDL?

CDL stands for Commercial Driver's License that allows drivers to operate commercial hazardous material vehicles that are large, heavy, or placarded in the U.S. This license is required for certain types of commercial motor vehicles (CMVs). There are typically three classes of CDLs according to federal standards:

• Class A (Combination vehicles): the condition of this class is a gross combination weight rating of more than 26,001 pounds for the whole combination of vehicles, in which each type of vehicle has a gross vehicle weight rating of no less than 10,000 pounds when being towed. (e.g. tractor-trailers)
• Class B (Heavy straight vehicles): this class requires a single vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating of at least 26,001 pounds, or a vehicle that tows another less-than-10,000-pound vehicle. (e.g. transit bus, coach bus)
• Class C (Small vehicles): the requirement for this class is a combination of vehicles or a single vehicle that is not in Class A or Class B. The number of passengers allowed for vehicles in this class is more than 16 including the driver. (e.g. sixteen-passenger van)

2. What are the requirements to obtain a CDL License in 2023?

In order to successfully get a CDL License in 2023, you need to meet the following requirements:

• Be at least 18  years old
• Prepare identity and social security number verification 
• Verify your state and US residency
• Hand in a CDL Application in your state and pay the fee
• Hand in a completed Medical Examination Report Form & Medical Examiner's Certificate Form
• Complete driver training from FMCSA Training Provider Registry (for Class A & Class B CDL)
• Pass a vision test
• Pass CDL written knowledge test
• Pass a pre-trip inspection
• Pass the road skills and driving test
• Have a valid driver's license or commercial learner's permit for your state

3. How many sections are covered in a CDL written knowledge test?

One of the most crucial criteria to get a CDL License is to pass the CDL knowledge test. There are several sections of CDL knowledge tests that you need to pass depending on the license class you're looking for (Class A, B, or C) and the necessary endorsements. Here are the sections in a CDL written knowledge test: 

• General Knowledge: 

- required for all applicants

- 50 multiple choice questions

- include CDL rules & requirements, safe driving, safe transportation of cargo, pre-trip vehicle inspections

• Combination Vehicles:

- required for driving combination vehicles

- 20 multiple choice questions

- include driving combination vehicles safely, combination vehicle air brakes, antilock brake systems, coupling & uncoupling, inspecting a combination vehicle

• Air Brakes:

- required for driving a truck or bus with air brakes

- 25 multiple choice questions

- include parts of an air brake system, dual air brakes, inspecting air brake systems, using air brakes

• Tank Endorsement:

- required for driving a more-than-26,000-pound CMW for liquid/gaseous materials transport

- Class A or B vehicle of more than 119 gallons per permanently mounted system or more than 1,000 gallons per portable system.

• Double and Triple Trailer Endorsement:

- required for driving double or triple trailers 

- 20 multiple choice questions

- include questions on how to couple and uncouple trailers, pulling double/triple trailers, doubles/triples air brake checks, inspections

• Hazardous Materials Endorsement:

- required for driving a vehicle with a HAZMAT placard

- 30 multiple choice questions

- include the intent of the regulations, communication rules, loading and unloading, bulk packaging marking, driving and parking rules, emergencies

• School Bus Endorsement:

- required for driving a 16-or-more-passenger vehicle including the driver

- used to transport students

- include danger zones, use of mirrors, loading and unloading, emergency exit and evacuation, railroad-highway crossings, student management, antilock braking systems, special safety considerations

• Passenger Endorsement:

- required for driving a 16-or-more-passenger vehicle including the driver

- 20 multiple choice questions

- include vehicle inspection, loading and trip start, on the road, after-trip vehicle inspection, prohibited practices, use of brake-door interlocks

• Pre-trip Inspection:

- required for every single time you drive a truck

- include the engine compartment, trailer, drivers door fuel door, or the entire vehicle

4. Which CDL sections should you study?

Below are the sections by license types and by endorsement: 

Sections by license types:

Sections by endorsement:

5. How is a CDL practice test structured?

With the aim of assisting candidates to master the CDL written knowledge test and successfully gain a CDL License, CDL practice test by Estudyme is designed in the form that is most suitable and convenient for learners to follow. 

CDL practice test consists of questions on different sections in more than 50 states. Especially, CDL practice test questions will be identical to those in the actual test. This can help you both get to know and pass the test with flying colors. 

After choosing your state, CDL practice test will be divided into diverse sections including

• CDL general knowledge practice test
• CDL air brakes practice test
• CDL combination practice test
• CDL hazmat practice test (Hazardous Materials Endorsement)
• CDL tank endorsement
• CDL passenger endorsement
• CDL pre-trip inspection
• CDL double and triple trailer endorsement

6. FAQ:

6.1. How many exams are there to get a CDL?

To obtain the CDL License, it is requisite to take two types of exam including: 

• CDL written knowledge test: 

This test will be in the form of multiple choice questions and the content will be different in each state. 

• CDL road test: 

Once passing the CDL written knowledge test, you are asked to take a behind-the-wheel road test. This test can be separated into 3 parts: 

• A pre-trip inspection
• Basic vehicle control skills
• On-road driving in various traffic conditions 

6.2. What resources should I refer to when studying for the CDL test?

• A CDL handbook in your state should be prioritized when studying for the CDL test. You can check this material at DMW office, online, or by email.
• A checklist of pre-trip inspections is also another necessary material.
• Do CDL practice test online with answers and explanations. Our website can provide you a chance to practice with a variety of free CDL practice questions.
• CDL printable questions and answers in the form of PDF is a useful resource for you.

6.3. How many often should I take a CDL practice test?

Practice makes perfect. As a result, it is highly recommended to keep practicing with CDL online practice tests until you are confident with your knowledge and get ready to score high on the CDL test. You will not have to pay any fees to practice, so let's give it a try.