To get a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) to work towards your CDL Class A you will need to take a minimum of three written exams: (1) General Knowledge, (2) Air Brakes, (3) Combinations. This is because Class A drivers require knowledge on air brakes and combination vehicles.
What Tests Are Required for Class A CDL Permit?
To obtain the a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) so that you can work towards your Class A CDL, you must take the required tests.
You are given three attempts to pass each of the required tests. You don’t have to make all of these attempts on the same day. For example, after I failed a test two times in a row, I left the DMV and returned the following day and passed.
If you fail a single test three times, your application becomes invalid and you will have to go through the trouble of reapplying and taking all written tests again.
To get your CLP you must pass the following written tests:
- General Knowledge
- Air Brakes
- Combinations
The endorsements are optional additions to your CDL.
What To Study for CDL Class A
The general knowledge exam consists of trucking laws, safe driving skills, vehicle inspection, speed limits, traffic signs, etc.
The air brakes and combinations exams consist of material on how air brakes and combinations must be operated and how they work.
To study for these knowledge exams, you can review your state’s driver’s handbooks on their respective websites. All test questions are taken from the handbook.
How Many Questions Are On The Class A CDL Test?
All written testing is for you to obtain your CLP and endorsements.
There are 50 multiple choice questions on general knowledge for your Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) test.
All of your test questions in your 50 question test are randomly selected from a pool of over 200 potential questions.
The required written exams for Combination and Air Brakes are between 15 to 30 questions each.
Then the optional endorsement exams are between 10 to 30 questions each.
The reason for these ranges of questions is due to different state exam regulations.
Understand there are no trick questions and there will only be one correct answer per question.
You must earn a score of a minimum of 80% in order to pass written exams.
After you’ve passed your written exams and acquired your permit, you will no longer have any written tests left to take in order to obtain your CDL Class A (assuming your are a new CDL holder).
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