Free CDL Permit Practice Test (CLP) — 2026
A CDL permit is formally called a Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP). You earn it by passing the written knowledge tests that apply to you — not one single exam. Which tests you take depends on the license class you're going for (Class A or Class B), the vehicle you'll drive, any endorsements you need, and your state's requirements.
Everyone starts with General Knowledge. From there, Class A drivers typically add Combination Vehicles, and Air Brakes applies when the vehicle you'll drive is equipped with air brakes. Pick your permit below to see the practice tests that match, then start practicing free.
No account needed for your first session.
Which permit are you getting?
Class A permit
For combination vehicles — a tractor-trailer or any combination with a heavy towed unit. Typically the widest set of knowledge tests.
- 1General Knowledge practice test
Everyone starts here. Required for every CDL class.
- 2Combination Vehicles practice test
Specific to Class A — coupling, uncoupling, and handling a combination unit.
- 3Air Brakes practice test
Applies when the vehicle you'll drive is equipped with air brakes. Skip it and an air-brake restriction is normally added to your license.
- 4Endorsements practice test
Only if you need one — HazMat, Tanker, Doubles & Triples, Passenger, or School Bus.
This is a suggested practice path, not a legal requirement list. Your state CDL manual and licensing agency decide which tests you must pass.
What order should you study in?
- General Knowledge first — it's the base test for every class and the other tests assume it.
- Then the vehicle-specific tests that apply to you: Combination Vehicles for Class A, Air Brakes if your vehicle is air-brake equipped.
- Then any endorsements your job actually requires.
- Then repeat: re-drill the questions you missed until your exam-mode scores stay steady.
Short, regular sessions tend to work better than one long cram. How long you need depends on your experience and study time.
CDL permit tests by state
Permit procedures, required knowledge tests, fees, documents, question counts, and passing scores can vary by state. CDLTest360 is a study aid — always confirm the details in your state CDL manual or with your licensing agency.
CDL permit FAQs
- What is a CDL permit?
- A CDL permit is the learner stage of a commercial driver's license. You earn it by passing the written knowledge test(s) that apply to the class of vehicle you plan to drive, and it lets you practice driving with a qualified CDL holder before you take the skills test.
- Is a CDL permit the same as a CLP?
- Yes. What drivers call a "CDL permit" is formally the Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP). The two terms refer to the same credential.
- How do I get a CDL permit?
- Check your state's age, residency, and documentation rules, gather your identity, Social Security, residency, and (for interstate driving) medical certificate paperwork, then pass the knowledge tests that apply to your vehicle and apply at your licensing agency. Exact steps and fees vary by state.
- What should I study for the CDL permit test?
- Start with General Knowledge, then add the vehicle-specific tests that apply to you, such as Combination Vehicles for Class A or Air Brakes when your vehicle is air-brake equipped. Your state CDL manual defines the exact content.
- What tests do I need for a Class A CDL permit?
- Typically General Knowledge plus Combination Vehicles, and Air Brakes when the vehicle you'll drive is equipped with air brakes. Endorsement tests are added only if you need them. Confirm the list with your state CDL manual.
- What tests do I need for a Class B CDL permit?
- Typically General Knowledge, plus Air Brakes when the vehicle is equipped with air brakes. Passenger or School Bus endorsements are common for Class B bus drivers. Your state sets the final requirements.
- Do I need the Air Brakes test?
- It depends on the vehicle. If the vehicle you'll drive has air brakes, you take the Air Brakes knowledge test. If you skip it, states normally add an air-brake restriction that prevents you from driving air-brake equipped vehicles.
- How many questions are on the CDL permit test?
- It varies by state and by test. Many states use a 50-question General Knowledge exam and shorter exams for Air Brakes, Combination Vehicles, and endorsements. Check your state licensing agency for the current counts.
- What score do I need to pass?
- Most states use an 80% passing standard on CDL knowledge tests, but the exact threshold and retake rules are set by your state, so verify locally before you test.
- Can I practice for my CDL permit online?
- Yes. You can start a free CDLTest360 practice session in your browser right now — no account required for your first session — and review an explanation after every question.
- What is the best order to study?
- General Knowledge first, then the vehicle-specific tests that apply to your class, then any endorsements you need, then repeated review of the questions you keep missing.
- How long should I study before taking the permit test?
- That depends on your background and how much time you can put in each day. Short daily sessions with missed-question review generally work better than one long cram session; test when you're consistently scoring well in exam mode.
Keep going
Want the full background instead of just the test path? These go deeper on the CLP process and every knowledge test.