Commercial Driver License Tests

Commercial Driver License Tests

This class provides the information necessary to pass all CDL knowledge (written) tests.  Information regarding the skills test requirements is also included.  The headings for each paragraph subsection may help with locating specific topics of interest.

Knowledge Tests and License Classes

One or more knowledge tests (taken at the local County Sheriff’s DMV) are required depending on what class of license and what endorsements you need. The CDL knowledge tests include:  

• General Knowledge - taken by all applicants.
• Passenger – required if the vehicle has a design capacity to carry 16 or more people, including the driver .
• Air Brakes - required if the vehicle has air brakes, including air over hydraulic brakes.
• Combination Vehicles - required if operating a combination of vehicles.
• Hazardous Materials - required if hauling hazardous materials as defined in 49 CFR 383.5.  In order to obtain this endorsement, passing a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) background check is required- see Chapter Nine for details.
• Tank vehicle - required if hauling any  liquid or gaseous materials  in a tank or tanks having an individual rated capacity of more than 119 gallons and an aggregate rated capacity of 1,000 gallons or more that is either permanently or temporarily attached to the vehicle or chassis.
• Doubles/Triples - required if operating  double or triple trailers. o School Bus - required (along with a passenger endorsement) if operating a school bus.

Skills Tests

If you pass the required knowledge test(s), you can take the CDL skills tests when you are eligible.  

The CDL Skills Test consists of three segments: Vehicle Inspection, Basic Control Skills, and a Road Test. Segments must be taken in the order listed and each segment passed before moving to the next. Tests must be taken in a representative vehicle for the type of license intended to be used.  Any vehicle that has components marked or labeled cannot be used for the CDL Skills Test.  

Vehicle Inspection: You will be tested to see if you know whether your vehicle is safe to drive. You will be asked to do a Vehicle inspection of your vehicle.  You must point to/touch and name the item you are inspecting and explain to the examiner what you would inspect and why.  

Basic Vehicle Control: You will be tested on your skill to control the vehicle. You will be asked to move your vehicle forward, backward, and turn it within a defined area. These areas may be marked with traffic lanes, cones, barriers, or something similar. The examiner will tell you how each control test is to be done.  

On-road Test: You will be tested on your skill to safely drive your vehicle in a variety of traffic situations. The situations may include left and right turns, intersections, railroad crossings, curves, up and down grades, single or multi-lane roads, streets, or highways. The examiner will tell you where to drive.