What Do They Ask on a CDL Written Test?
To pass a CDL permit test, there is a written exam. The exam covers topics from dealing with the equipment on the truck to driving safety to pre-trip inspections and much more. Driving Academy, based in Linden, New Jersey, and serving students nationwide, offers CDL driver training to help those who want to earn their CDL to drive professionally. Here, we talk about what is on the commercial driver’s license (CDL) permit test.
What Is Covered on a CDL Permit Test?
The CDL permit test consists of 50 multiple-choice questions about CDL driving. While it is harder to pass than a standard driver’s license permit test, reading through the driver’s manual will give test-takers a good idea of what is on the test. Some of the main topics include:
General Knowledge
The general knowledge test is where students prove they know all the basics about driving a commercial vehicle, including steering, shifting, and vehicle inspections.
Air Brakes
The air brakes exam covers brakes, air brakes, air pressure gages, and much more.
Passenger Endorsement
The passenger endorsement exam features questions about driving buses or other vehicles with passengers. Questions include what to expect during an inspection, what passengers can or cannot bring onto the vehicle, and how far back a driver should remain from a vehicle in front of them.
Combination Vehicle
The combination vehicle part of the exam has questions about hauling multiple trailers and conducting safety checks.
Sample Questions
There are sample questions from the CDL permit test on our practice permit test page. Some questions that may be found on a CDL practice test are below, along with the correct answers.
Q. Which of these pieces of emergency equipment should always be carried in your vehicle?
A. Fire extinguishers, warning devices, spare electrical fuses.
Q. Name some things you should check on the front of the vehicle during the outside inspection.
A. Clearance lights, identification lights, grill
Q.When should you use the parking brake?
A.Anytime you park
Q. How often should the air tank be drained?
A. Once a day
Q.If a rider wants to bring a car battery or can of gasoline aboard your bus, you should
A. Not allow the rider to do so.
Q. It is best to wear your seatbelt:
A. At all times
Q. Large combination vehicles take longer to stop:
A. When they are empty
Prepare For a CDL Permit Test at Driving Academy
Driving Academy offers three different CDL programs for those who are interested in pursuing professional truck driving.
Class A CDL
A Class A CDL is needed for those who want to drive tractor-trailers or vehicles that weigh more than 26,000 pounds and have a trailer that weighs more than 10,000 pounds. Once a Class A CDL has been earned, Class A CDL license holders can also drive Class B vehicles.
Class B CDL
A Class B CDL is for box trucks and delivery trucks. A Class B vehicle is described as any vehicle weighing over 26,000 pounds and has no trailer, or if there is a trailer, it weighs less than 10,000 pounds. Examples of Class B vehicles include box trucks, cement trucks, garbage trucks, and delivery trucks.
Class B+P CDL
The Class B+P CDL is for vehicles that weigh more than 26,000 pounds and have a carrier with 16 or more passengers, including the driver. A passenger bus or school bus are examples of Class B vehicles. Once someone has earned a CDL Class B+P license, they can also drive any other Class B vehicle. The “P” is an endorsement that allows drivers to carry passengers.
Choose Driving Academy to Earn a CDL
For those interested in earning a CDL from a trucking school, Driving Academy offers the opportunity to pursue a career that is in demand. Driving Academy provides students with advanced training and the knowledge and skills needed to pass their CDL permit test, and then go on to earn their Class A, Class B, or Class B+P CDL.
Driving Academy offers its students guaranteed CDL truck and bus training without the fear of failure. Our programs offer:
- Affordable payment plans that start at just $500 down
- Certified third-party testing site available
- Flexible training schedules
- Lifetime job placement for graduates
- State-of-the-art simulator training
Driving Academy has locations in New Jersey and accepts students from anywhere in the United States. If you’re ready to hit the road and earn a CDL, contact us today to learn more about our CDL truck driver training programs.