Question 1
You drive a 40-foot straight truck at 35 mph on a city arterial. Under the handbook, what is the least following distance you should keep?
How many questions are on the CDL test?
Each state sets its own question count. Federal rules say each test has a set number of questions drawn from a pool approved by FMCSA, and you must answer at least 80% correctly. The Texas and California handbooks give no count.
| Pass mark | Each test: at least 80% right (49 CFR 383.135) |
|---|---|
| Question count | Set by each state |
| Texas | Multiple choice and matching questions; 80% on each section |
| California | Taken on automated testing equipment; allow 2 to 3 hours for all tests |
What the federal rules say
Under 49 CFR 383.133, each test has a set number of questions with a set number from each knowledge area, drawn from a pool FMCSA has approved. A quarter of the questions on each version must be new, and a retake uses a different version. Under 383.135, you must answer at least 80% of each test correctly.
Texas
The Texas DPS handbook says the knowledge exams are multiple choice and matching questions, and a score of 80% or higher is needed on each section. They are given in order: Texas Commercial Rules, general knowledge, combination if required, then air brakes if required, then any endorsements. Since 1 June 2026 all Texas CDL knowledge exams are in English only.
California
The California handbook says the tests are taken on the DMV's automated knowledge testing equipment, in English, Arabic, Chinese, Punjabi, Russian or Spanish, and to allow 2 to 3 hours if you take all of them. You get 3 attempts to pass the knowledge tests on one application, with no wait between them.
Our practice tests
Each of our full practice tests has 50 general knowledge, 25 air brakes and 20 combination vehicles questions, each test marked at 80%: 40, 20 and 16 right. That covers every area of the manual sections in a realistic length.
Try 3 questions
Question 2
A tire on the front axle of your truck measures 3/32 inch of tread in one major groove. Is it acceptable?
Question 3
With the engine running, the air gauge climbs steadily and then stops rising at about 125 psi. Which part told the compressor to stop pumping?
Next step
Questions people ask
How many questions do I need to get right on the CDL test?
At least 80% of each test. On a 50-question test that is 40; on 25 questions, 20; on 20 questions, 16.
How many questions are on the Texas CDL test?
The Texas DPS handbook does not give a count. It says the exams are multiple choice and matching, with 80% needed on each section.
How many questions are on the California CDL test?
The California handbook does not give a count. It says to allow 2 to 3 hours if you take every test.