This Is How to Prepare for the CDL Road Test — and Pass It

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How To Pass the CDL Road Test Effortlessly

Getting a commercial driver’s license (CDL) requires passing the CDL test. If you want to drive commercial motor vehicles in the U.S., having a CDL is mandatory. That is where practice tests come in handy.

DoNotPay can help you practice before taking the CDL road test. Aside from practicing for commercial driver’s license tests, we offer assistance with other driving-related tasks, such as taking DMV practice tests, making driving test appointments, or passing the written driving test without any trouble.

How To Get a Commercial Driver’s License

Driving commercial vehicles is not an easy task, so the license requirements can be strict. Some of them can vary depending on the state you live in, but most of the time, you have to:

  1. Be at least 18 or 21 years old
  2. Submit your CDL application and pay the fee
  3. Provide your identity and Social Security number verification
  4. Provide proof of U.S. and state residency
  5. Submit a filled out Medical Examination Report Form and Medical Examiner’s Certificate Form
  6. Pass a vision examination
  7. Pass a knowledge test
  8. Claim your Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) after passing the knowledge test
  9. Set up the CDL road test after waiting for at least two weeks
  10. Pass a pre-trip vehicle inspection
  11. Pass the road skills and driving examination using your own vehicle
  12. Pay the necessary fees for your new CDL

What Is a CDL Test?

A commercial driver’s license is a driver’s license required for operating large, heavy, or placarded vehicles carrying hazardous material. Testing for the commercial driver’s license entails taking and passing knowledge and skills tests. The CDL knowledge test consists of:

  • One general knowledge test
  • One or more endorsement tests
  • An air brakes test

Types of Endorsement Tests

CDL testing involves seven knowledge tests, and five of them are endorsement tests. Depending on the kind of commercial motor vehicle you want to drive, you must pass one or more of the following endorsement tests:

How Much Is Taking the CDL Test Going To Cost Me?

To take and pass the CDL and obtain the license, you have to pay the obligatory fee, which is non-refundable. You have to pay the fee for the knowledge exam and air brakes test separately, and there are additional costs for every endorsement test you take. The fee for taking the CDL road test should be paid to a third-party examiner.

The fees depend on the state in which you’re taking the exam. It is best to contact your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to get detailed pricing information.

Use DoNotPay To Practice for the CDL Test

You cannot take the practice road test, but you can perfect your knowledge for the written portion of the CDL testing. DoNotPay has all the information and the best CDL practice tests that will help you ace the CDL written exam in no time.

To take a practice CDL test, access DoNotPay from any , and follow these steps:

  1. Search for the practice CDL test by typing the commercial driver’s license in the search box
  2. Select the test once it appears in the search results
  3. Choose the length of the practice test—10, 20, or 30 questions
  4. Start the test

You can retry questions you got wrong immediately or retake the test after you’ve seen your score.

With DoNotPay, you can always expect more! Use our app to take other government-issued practice tests for:

We provide other information related to government tests, such as an explanation of ASVAB test scores.

What Does CDL Skills Testing Look Like?

During the skills part of the CDL test, your examiner will be taking a look at how you operate the vehicle in normal and uncommon situations. The instructor will examine your general driving behavior and your ability in the following situations:

  • Turns
  • Steering
  • Intersections
  • Lane changes
  • Urban businesses
  • Railroad crossings
  • Use of turn signals
  • Regular traffic checks
  • Expressways and highways
  • Bridges, overpasses, and signs

The examiner will tell you what to do in English, as it is mandatory to speak the language to pass the exam. To pass the CDL road test, you must avoid critical errors and make fewer than 30 errors in total. Critical errors include failing to signal a turn and running a red light. You must wear a seat belt, obey traffic signs and laws, and finish the test without causing an accident.

Before taking the CDL skills test, consult the official DMV website for more information.

Prepare for the Test With These CDL Road Test Tips

Taking the CDL road test can be stressful. To tone down the anxiety, you should follow these practical tips:

  • Watch some road test videos
  • Find the CDL road exam location near you
  • Use the DMV’s online road test appointment scheduler and schedule the appointment beforehand
  • Get a good rest the night before and avoid caffeine to lessen the anxiety
  • Arrive 15 minutes earlier than your scheduled appointment time
  • Take your time and be confident in your decisions

What Are the Required Road Skills Tests for Different CDL Classes?

Each CDL class has its set of required road skills you must possess to obtain the license. To prove you have the necessary skills, you have to pass the exam according to the category. Consult the following table for a simplified overview of the said skills and their tests:

CDL CategoryRequired Skills Road TestEndorsements

Class A

  • General commercial class A knowledge test
  • Combination vehicles
  • Air brakes test
  • Passenger (P)
  • School bus (S)
  • Double/triple trailers (T)

Class B

  • General commercial class B knowledge test
  • Air brakes test
  • Passenger (P)
  • School bus (S)

Class C

  • General commercial class C knowledge test
  • Passenger (P)
  • School bus (S)

Find Out How Else DoNotPay Can Improve Your Everyday Life

Sometimes the CDL requirements can vary depending on the state where you’re taking the test. To prepare the best you can, you should get all the information about the CDL testing in your state specifically. DoNotPay can assist you with that, as you can now use our app to practice CDL tests in Virginia, Florida, California, Illinois, and other states.

You can study for other driving tests, such as Arkansas, Oklahoma, or Idaho driving tests. If you worry about passing other tests, don’t fret! Use our app to practice taking Hazmat tests in Indiana, Tennessee, or New Jersey.

DoNotPay can do so much more! Access our app from your preferred and get our assistance with:

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