How to get a CDL Permit

What is a Commercial Learner's Permit - CLP (Permit)
What is included in the CDL Permit exam
How to prepare for the CDL Permit tests?
How many questions are on the CDL Permit exam?
How many mistakes are allowed on the CDL Permit exam?
What documents are required to bring to the DMV?
What is the average cost of the CDL Permit exam?
What to do after getting the CDL Permit?

What is a Commercial Learner's Permit - CLP (Permit)?

A Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP) allows you to drive a truck in the presence of a licensed instructor from a CDL school. The CLP is intended for students of CDL schools. After passing the theoretical exam and obtaining the CLP (Permit), you can start training at a CDL school.

What is included in the CDL Permit Exam

To get a Permit, you need to pass three main theoretical knowledge tests:

General Knowledge

This test assesses your understanding of basic principles of safe truck driving, including knowledge of traffic rules, safety procedures, and other aspects of vehicle operation.

Air Brakes

This test checks your knowledge about the operation of air brakes, which are used in commercial transport.

Combination

This test evaluates your knowledge and skills necessary for the safe and efficient operation of combination vehicles. Questions cover topics such as connecting and disconnecting trailers, safe maneuvering, and cargo transport.

In some states, you may be required to take additional tests:

California

In California, in addition to the main CDL tests, you may need to take extra tests if your driver's license was obtained less than a year ago. Typically, you will be asked to take tests on road signs (a list of U.S. road signs) and general traffic rules (tests for passenger cars).

If you're considering taking the exam in a language other than English, the possibility that you'll need to complete some additional tests increases.

Texas

When taking the exam in Texas, you will need to pass an additional test on knowledge in the field of commercial vehicle operation. This exam assesses your understanding of traffic rules, safety, and specific aspects of working with commercial transport. The exam consists of theoretical questions covering a wide range of topics, from basic traffic rules to more complex issues related to the operation and maintenance of commercial vehicles.

You can get familiar with the questions by following this link.

How to Prepare for the CDL Permit Tests

The CDL Permit exam covers a wide range of topics:

Traffic Rules: Federal and state laws applicable to commercial vehicle operators, such as traffic rules, speed limits, and weight restrictions.
Vehicle Inspection and Maintenance: This includes understanding how to check a commercial vehicle for safety and maintenance, as well as how to properly maintain the vehicle.
Transporting Hazardous Materials: This includes understanding the rules for transporting hazardous materials, as well as the rules for loading, unloading, and handling these materials.
Vehicle Operation and Safety: This includes understanding how to safely operate a commercial vehicle, such as making turns, backing up, and parking. It also includes understanding how to use the vehicle's equipment, such as lights, signals, and mirrors.
Basic Vehicle Control: This includes understanding how to control the speed and direction of a commercial vehicle, as well as how to use the vehicle's brakes and transmission.
Basic Vehicle Dynamics: This includes understanding how a commercial vehicle behaves in different driving conditions, such as on wet or icy roads, and how to react properly.
Human Factors: This includes understanding the effects of fatigue, stress, and other factors on a driver's ability to safely operate a commercial vehicle.
Emergency Procedures: This includes understanding what to do in case of an emergency, such as a fire or collision.
Coupling and Uncoupling: This includes understanding how to properly couple and uncouple tractor-trailers, including how to use the fifth wheel and other coupling devices.
Air Brakes: This includes understanding how air brakes work and how to properly maintain and use them.

You can prepare for the exam using the CDL Help app, which allows you to translate questions and answers in real-time.

For more details on how to use the app, follow this link.

Each state has its own commercial driver's handbook. The tests for obtaining commercial driving licenses in each state are based on the information from this handbook. Although state handbooks differ, most of their content is similar in meaning, even if presented in different wording. Remember that the exact content of the permit exam depends on the specific state, so to increase your chances of passing, along with practicing tests in the CDL Help app, we strongly recommend studying your state's Commercial Driver's Handbook.

The Commercial Driver's Handbook is a guide that contains information about the rules and regulations governing the operation of commercial vehicles. It usually covers topics such as vehicle inspections, safe driving methods, and traffic rules, as well as specific information about the types of vehicles and cargo that CDL holders are allowed to operate. The guide is designed to help people prepare for the CDL exam and provide them with the knowledge and skills needed to safely and legally operate commercial vehicles.

How many questions are on the CDL Permit exam?

The number of questions on the exam can vary depending on the specific test.

The number of questions on the exam in most states:

General Knowledge: Usually includes 50 questions.
Air Brakes: Usually includes 25 questions.
Combination: Usually includes 25 questions.

It is important to note that specific requirements and the number of questions may slightly differ depending on particular DMV rules. Therefore, it is recommended to contact your local DMV or refer to your state's official materials to get accurate information about the number of questions and other requirements for the CDL exam.

How many mistakes are allowed on the CDL Permit exam?

The exam allows a certain number of mistakes, and exceeding this number will result in failing the test. Here is general information about the number of mistakes allowed for the following exams:

General Knowledge: Usually up to 10 mistakes are allowed.
Air Brakes: Usually up to 5 mistakes are allowed.
Combination: Usually up to 4 mistakes are allowed.

However, it is important to note that specific requirements and the number of allowed mistakes may slightly vary in different states and depending on DMV rules. The exact requirements, including the number of mistakes allowed on the exam, can be found at the local DMV.

What documents are required to bring to the DMV

The requirements depend on the state, but in most states, the requirements are the same:

Be at least 18 years old (21 years old for interstate driving)
Have a valid driver's license
Have citizenship, a Green Card, or a work permit
2 letters confirming your residential address
A medical examination report from DOT

You can find out more about the requirements in your state by clicking the link and selecting your state.

What is the average cost of the CDL Permit exam?

The average cost of the CDL Permit exam is no more than $100, depending on the state. This fee usually includes the cost of written tests and driving tests, as well as any other administrative expenses related to obtaining the Permit. It is important to note that the cost of the Permit exam can vary depending on the state and various factors. In some states, additional fees may also be charged for late renewal or duplication of the Permit. For specific information on the cost of the Permit exam in your state, it is best to check with the local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

What to do after getting a CDL Permit

According to new rules from February 2022, before starting training at a CDL school, you need to complete the ELDT program. You can study and take the test at a CDL school or online.

The final step is CDL school. CDL school helps people prepare for the exam and is especially useful for gaining practical driving skills. These skills are needed for the safe and efficient operation of commercial trucks.

You can learn more about what is taught in CDL schools in this article.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I start training at a CDL school before obtaining a CDL Permit? In most cases, you need to have a CDL Permit (Learner's Permit) to start training at a CDL school since the training includes driving a truck under the instructor's supervision, which requires this document. Some schools may allow you to start the theoretical part of the training without a CDL Permit, but you will only be allowed to participate in practical driving lessons after obtaining it.

2. What should I do if I fail the CDL Permit exam the first time? Don't worry if you don't pass the exam the first time. You will have 2 more chances to retake it. The number of attempts you get depends on your state's rules. If you fail the test several times, you may be asked to wait some time before your next attempt. This break is a great opportunity to prepare for the next try. Check the specific waiting times with your local DMV.

3. What is the passing score to obtain a CDL Permit? The passing score is 80%.

4. Do I need to make an appointment (DMV appointment) for the theoretical exam? Yes, you need to make an appointment for the theoretical exam at the DMV. You can do this by calling the office or registering through your state's official DMV website.

5. I got a CDL Permit. How soon can I take the driving exam? You can take the driving exam no earlier than 14 days after obtaining the Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP).

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