Commercial Driver’s License preparation · federal foundation + state manuals

CDL Online Center

This CDL Online Center brings together practice, lessons, worksheets, flashcards and review tools. Choose the resource that matches the skill you want to work on next.

Start studying Choose your state

CDL study map

20federal general knowledge areas
250-question timed forms
149active-recall cards
50state study Online Centers

State tests vary. This Online Center is a federal foundation, not a substitute for your state manual.

Start here: four study tools

Timed practice

Full-Length Tests

Two original 50-question forms with a 60-minute timer, intro, Begin Test button, score, and explanations.

Untimed check

Skill Quizzes

Short checks for inspections, air brakes, combination vehicles, and safe operations.

Learn and repair

Lessons

Open a focused lesson, then verify the procedure in your state manual.

Browse CDL lessons

Recall and review

Quick Review + Flashcards

Use Quick Review after a miss and active recall when you need durable memory.

The Exam at a Glance

FMCSA says states develop their own knowledge and skills tests within federal minimum standards. The basic knowledge test covers 20 general areas and contains at least 30 items; air-brake and endorsement tests add specialized content, and the federal knowledge-test passing standard is 80 percent.

KnowledgeGeneral knowledge plus the air-brake or endorsement tests required for the vehicle and operation.
SkillsPre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and safe on-road driving skills.
TrainingELDT applies to certain first-time Class A or B applicants and first-time P, S, or H applicants.
State processManuals, fees, appointments, test sequence, waiting periods, and additional requirements vary.

CDL lessons

Open one lesson, connect it to a practice miss, then verify the exact procedure in your state manual.

1. Start with the right manual

FMCSA sets federal minimums, but each state issues CDLs and administers its own program.

2. Choose the license path

Class A, B, and C describe different vehicle paths; endorsements add specialized requirements.

3. Build vehicle control

Practice safe starts, smooth stops, turns, lane changes, and backing.

4. Protect time and space

Heavy vehicles need more time to stop and more room to turn.

5. Inspect before moving

Use a consistent pre-trip, en-route, and post-trip routine.

6. Understand air brakes

Learn the system, gauges, warnings, leakage tests, spring brakes, and inspection.

7. Control combination vehicles

Study coupling, off-tracking, trailer swing, rollover, jackknife, and skids.

8. Secure and monitor cargo

Loading, tie-downs, liquid surge, and hazmat documentation affect safety.

9. Handle difficult conditions

Night, weather, wind, heat, grades, work zones, and emergencies require earlier decisions.

10. Prepare for test day

Confirm documents, fees, appointments, CLP, ELDT, test order, vehicle class, and endorsements.

CDL foundation blueprint

Operate safely

  • Safe operations and driver fitness
  • Controls and warning systems
  • Basic control, shifting, and backing
  • Visual search and communication
  • Speed and space management

Manage risk

  • Night and extreme conditions
  • Hazard perception
  • Emergency maneuvers
  • Skid control and recovery
  • Mountain driving and fatigue

Inspect and secure

  • Pre-trip, en-route, and post-trip inspection
  • Brakes, steering, suspension, and lights
  • Cargo loading and securement
  • Hazardous materials documentation
  • Fire and roadside safety

Specialized vehicles

  • Air brakes
  • Combination vehicles
  • Passenger and school bus
  • Tank vehicles
  • Doubles/triples and hazmat

CDL Topics: Learn and Review

  1. CDL classes and license path
  2. Commercial learner permit and supervision
  3. Entry-Level Driver Training
  4. General vehicle control
  5. Shifting and downgrade control
  6. Backing and spotter safety
  7. Visual search and mirror use
  8. Speed and space management
  9. Night and adverse-weather driving
  10. Hazard perception and emergency maneuvers
  11. Skid control and recovery
  12. Cargo loading and securement
  13. Pre-trip, en-route, and post-trip inspection
  14. Air brakes
  15. Combination vehicles
  16. Passenger and school bus operations
  17. Tank vehicles and liquid surge
  18. Doubles and triples
  19. Hazardous materials and placards
  20. State testing, restrictions, and disqualifications

Choose your state

Each state Online Center keeps the national study tools but adds the official licensing-agency reference and state-specific preparation notes.

CDL FAQ

Are these official state questions?

No. These are original independent practice materials. FMCSA and each state licensing agency control the official tests and requirements.

Do all states use the same CDL test?

No. States administer their own tests within federal minimum standards and may differ in question counts, test order, fees, timing, manuals, and additional requirements.

What should I do after a miss?

Read the explanation, identify the topic, use Quick Review or a flashcard, then confirm the exact procedure in the current manual for your state.

Official federal references: FMCSA CDL state program and testing standards · FMCSA CDL manuals · FMCSA ELDT · 49 CFR 383.111 · 49 CFR 383.113
This is an independent CDL preparation center.

Two full-length CDL practice tests

Each form has 50 questions and a 60-minute study timer. The online forms include an introduction, Begin Test button, timing, scoring, and explanations. TeX and PDF files are provided for review.

Full-Length Test 1Open PDF · TeX
Full-Length Test 2Open PDF · TeX

Original independent practice informed by federal minimum knowledge areas. Use the current state manual for the exact test you will take.

Find your state

Wherever you are learning, we will point you there

Select a state to open its dedicated CDL Online Center, or use the highlighted card to return to the national study center.

A USEFUL NEXT STEP

CDL: study questions

What can I study in this CDL Online Center?

This CDL Online Center includes practice, lessons, worksheets, flashcards and review tools. Topics on the page include Full-Length Tests, Operate safely, Manage risk.

How should I use the CDL resources?

Choose a topic or practice activity from this Online Center. Review the linked explanation, try the practice, and use the result to decide what to study next. Check each resource’s directions for its format and access requirements.

Resources from Effortless Math · Editorial standards