Question 1
You have just been issued a commercial learner's permit. How long must you hold it before you can take the CDL skills test?
The CDL permit test, explained
To get a commercial learner's permit (CLP) you pass the knowledge tests for the license you want. Every applicant takes general knowledge; air brakes and combination vehicles are added for most Class A trucks. Each is passed at 80%.
| Pass mark | Each test: at least 80% right (49 CFR 383.135) |
|---|---|
| Before the skills test | Hold the CLP at least 14 days |
| CLP valid for | No more than one year (federal rule); Texas and California issue it for 180 days |
| Entry-level driver training | Not needed before the general, air brakes or combination tests |
Which tests you take
- General knowledge: every applicant.
- Air brakes: to drive a vehicle with air brakes. Below 80% puts an air brake restriction on the permit and license.
- Combination vehicles: for Class A. Below 80% means no Class A permit or license.
- Endorsement tests, such as tank, doubles and triples, passenger, school bus or hazardous materials, if you need them.
What the classes mean
- Class A: a combination with a gross combination weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more, towing a vehicle over 10,000 pounds.
- Class B: a single vehicle of 26,001 pounds or more, towing no more than 10,000 pounds.
Training rules
Under 49 CFR 380.605, entry-level driver training is completed before the skills test for a first Class A or B license, not before the general, air brakes or combination knowledge tests. A first hazardous materials endorsement is different: its training comes before that knowledge test. Texas DPS says the training is not needed to get a CLP.
How the questions are written
States draw their tests from a question pool approved by FMCSA, and a quarter of the questions on each version must be new. If you fail, the retake is a different version, so learn the manual rather than memorizing questions.
Try 3 questions
Question 2
A tractor with a GVWR of 22,000 pounds pulls a semitrailer with a GVWR of 40,000 pounds. Which CDL class do you need?
Question 3
You will drive a straight dump truck with a GVWR of 33,000 pounds and no trailer. Which CDL class covers it?
Next step
Questions people ask
What is the passing score on the CDL permit test?
At least 80% on each knowledge test, under federal rule 49 CFR 383.135.
How long do I have to hold a CLP before the skills test?
At least 14 days after the permit is first issued.
Do I need entry-level driver training before the permit test?
Not for the general knowledge, air brakes or combination tests. It is needed before the skills test for a first Class A or B license, and before the knowledge test for a first hazardous materials endorsement.