CDL Practice Test 75 Q&A

Your CDL Exam: What to Expect

Earning your Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) is a two-step process designed to ensure you can operate commercial vehicles safely and professionally:

1. Written Knowledge Tests

• General Knowledge Exam (covers basics like vehicle control, shifting, and road safety)

• Endorsement Exams (additional tests for specialties like HazMat, Tankers, Doubles/Triples, or Passenger Vehicles)

• Air Brakes Exam (if your vehicle uses air brakes)

Tip: Study your state’s CDL manual—most questions come directly from it!

2. Skills (Road) Test

Once you pass the written exams, you’ll take a three-part driving test:
✅ Pre-Trip Inspection – Demonstrate you can check your vehicle for safety issues.
✅ Basic Vehicle Control – Show mastery of backing, turning, and parking in a controlled area.
✅ On-Road Driving – Prove you can handle real traffic situations safely.

Key to Success?

• Practice pre-trip inspections until they’re second nature.

• Master backing maneuvers (many drivers struggle here).

• Understand shifting techniques (if testing in a manual transmission).

Each state follows federal CDL standards, but some have extra requirements—check your local DMV website for specifics.