CDL license standards practice questions
20 free practice questions from 49 CFR Part 383. Each answer is explained and linked to the rule it comes from.
CDL License standards
20 questions across 7 topics. After each answer you see why it is right, with a link to the official source.
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Who the rules cover and the single license
1. A driver holds a commercial driver's license issued by a Canadian Province under the Canadian National Safety Code. Under the single license provision of 383.21, as the footnote to 383.23 explains, what may this driver obtain from a U.S. State?
- A. Nothing: the driver is prohibited from obtaining a non-domiciled CDL or any other type of driver's license from a State
- B. A non-domiciled CDL for interstate trips only
- C. A non-commercial State license for personal driving
- D. A CLP for behind-the-wheel training
Show answer
Answer: A. Nothing: the driver is prohibited from obtaining a non-domiciled CDL or any other type of driver's license from a State
The footnote says that "under the single license provision of § 383.21, a driver holding a commercial driver's license issued under the Canadian National Safety Code or a new Licencia Federal de Conductor issued by Mexico is prohibited from obtaining a non-domiciled CDL, or any other type of driver's license, from a State or other jurisdiction in the United States."
Source: eCFR: 49 CFR 383.23, Commercial driver's license (as of Nov 3, 2026)
Notification duties and employer responsibilities
2. Under 383.31(b), which item must a CDL holder's written notice to the employer about a traffic conviction contain?
- A. The name of the arresting officer
- B. A copy of the court's sentencing transcript
- C. An indication whether the violation was in a commercial motor vehicle
- D. The employer's USDOT number
Show answer
Answer: C. An indication whether the violation was in a commercial motor vehicle
"The notification to the employer must be made in writing" and its listed contents include "Indication whether the violation was in a commercial motor vehicle", along with the driver's name, license number, date of conviction, offense, location and signature.
Source: eCFR: 49 CFR 383.31, Notification of convictions for driver violations (as of Nov 3, 2026)
3. Which of these events does 383.33 require an employee to report to the current employer?
- A. Receiving a parking ticket
- B. Losing the right to operate a commercial motor vehicle in a State, for any period
- C. Renewing a driver's license on time
- D. Moving to a new address in the same State
Show answer
Answer: B. Losing the right to operate a commercial motor vehicle in a State, for any period
383.33 covers each employee "who loses the right to operate a commercial motor vehicle in a State or jurisdiction for any period", as well as suspensions, revocations, cancellations and disqualifications; the employee "shall notify his/her current employer".
Source: eCFR: 49 CFR 383.33, Notification of driver's license suspensions (as of Nov 3, 2026)
4. What does 383.35(f) require the employer to tell a CMV driver applicant before the application is submitted?
- A. That the applicant must pay for the background check
- B. That previous employers will not be contacted
- C. That only the last 3 years of work history will be reviewed
- D. That the employment history information may be used, and previous employers may be contacted, to investigate the applicant's work history
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Answer: D. That the employment history information may be used, and previous employers may be contacted, to investigate the applicant's work history
"Before an application is submitted, the employer shall inform the applicant that the information he/she provides in accordance with paragraph (c) of this section may be used, and the applicant's previous employers may be contacted for the purpose of investigating the applicant's work history."
Source: eCFR: 49 CFR 383.35, Notification of previous employment (as of Nov 3, 2026)
Commercial learner's permit
5. Under 383.25(d), when is the issuance of a CLP a precondition for a driver who already holds a CDL?
- A. Every time the CDL is renewed
- B. When the CDL holder seeks an upgrade that requires a skills test
- C. Only when the holder moves to a new State
- D. Never; a CLP is only for first-time applicants
Show answer
Answer: B. When the CDL holder seeks an upgrade that requires a skills test
"The issuance of a CLP is a precondition to the initial issuance of a CDL. The issuance of a CLP is also a precondition to the upgrade of a CDL if the upgrade requires a skills test."
Source: eCFR: 49 CFR 383.25, Commercial learner's permit (CLP) (as of Nov 3, 2026)
6. A State issued a CLP for a period of less than one year. What does 383.25(c) say about renewing it?
- A. It may be renewed, provided the CLP is not valid for more than one year from the date of initial issuance
- B. It may never be renewed
- C. It may be renewed any number of times for up to four years
- D. It may be renewed only after the holder retakes the skills test
Show answer
Answer: A. It may be renewed, provided the CLP is not valid for more than one year from the date of initial issuance
"CLPs issued for a period of less than one year may be renewed provided the CLP is not valid for more than one year from the date of initial issuance."
Source: eCFR: 49 CFR 383.25, Commercial learner's permit (CLP) (as of Nov 3, 2026)
7. When a CLP holder drives a passenger vehicle, where does 383.25(a)(1) allow the accompanying CDL holder to be?
- A. Anywhere on the bus, as long as the CDL holder is on board
- B. In a vehicle following the bus
- C. At the rear door, to watch the passengers
- D. Directly behind, or in the first row behind, the driver
Show answer
Answer: D. Directly behind, or in the first row behind, the driver
The CDL holder must be in the front seat next to the CLP holder "or, in the case of a passenger vehicle, directly behind or in the first row behind the driver and must have the CLP holder under observation and direct supervision."
Source: eCFR: 49 CFR 383.25, Commercial learner's permit (CLP) (as of Nov 3, 2026)
8. A CLP holder with a passenger (P) endorsement is driving a CMV. Under 383.25(a)(5)(i), who may ride as passengers?
- A. Any paying passengers, if the bus is less than half full
- B. Members of the CLP holder's family
- C. Federal/State auditors and inspectors, test examiners, other trainees, and the accompanying CDL holder
- D. Students on a school trip, if a teacher is aboard
Show answer
Answer: C. Federal/State auditors and inspectors, test examiners, other trainees, and the accompanying CDL holder
"A CLP holder with a P endorsement is prohibited from operating a CMV carrying passengers, other than Federal/State auditors and inspectors, test examiners, other trainees, and the CDL holder accompanying the CLP holder".
Source: eCFR: 49 CFR 383.25, Commercial learner's permit (CLP) (as of Nov 3, 2026)
Vehicle groups
9. Under 383.91(c)(1), what may a driver who has passed the knowledge and skills tests for a combination vehicle (Group A) also operate?
- A. A heavy straight vehicle (Group B) or a small vehicle (Group C), provided he/she possesses the requisite endorsement(s)
- B. Only other Group A combination vehicles
- C. Any passenger vehicle, without a passenger endorsement
- D. A Group B vehicle, but only after passing a new skills test
Show answer
Answer: A. A heavy straight vehicle (Group B) or a small vehicle (Group C), provided he/she possesses the requisite endorsement(s)
"A driver who has passed the knowledge and skills tests for a combination vehicle (Group A) may operate a heavy straight vehicle (Group B) or a small vehicle (Group C), provided that he/she possesses the requisite endorsement(s)".
Source: eCFR: 49 CFR 383.91, Commercial motor vehicle groups (as of Nov 3, 2026)
10. For the driving test, what does 383.91(b) count as a representative vehicle for a given vehicle group?
- A. Only a vehicle supplied by the State testing office
- B. Any commercial motor vehicle which meets the definition of that vehicle group
- C. Only the heaviest vehicle type in that group
- D. A vehicle the applicant has driven for at least 1 year
Show answer
Answer: B. Any commercial motor vehicle which meets the definition of that vehicle group
"For purposes of taking the driving test in accordance with § 383.113, a representative vehicle for a given vehicle group contained in § 383.91(a), is any commercial motor vehicle which meets the definition of that vehicle group."
Source: eCFR: 49 CFR 383.91, Commercial motor vehicle groups (as of Nov 3, 2026)
11. According to the opening of 383.91(a), for which commercial motor vehicle group(s) must each driver applicant possess and be tested on the required knowledge and skills?
- A. Group C only, whatever CDL is sought
- B. All three groups, in every case
- C. The group of the vehicle the applicant owns
- D. The group(s) for which he/she desires a CDL
Show answer
Answer: D. The group(s) for which he/she desires a CDL
"Each driver applicant must possess and be tested on his/her knowledge and skills, described in subpart G of this part, for the commercial motor vehicle group(s) for which he/she desires a CDL."
Source: eCFR: 49 CFR 383.91, Commercial motor vehicle groups (as of Nov 3, 2026)
Endorsements and restrictions
12. Under 383.153(a)(9)(vii), on what condition may a State use additional codes for additional groupings of endorsements on a CDL?
- A. FMCSA approves each code in writing
- B. Each code is a single letter not already in use
- C. Each such discretionary code is fully explained on the front or back of the CDL document
- D. The codes are used only on intrastate licenses
Show answer
Answer: C. Each such discretionary code is fully explained on the front or back of the CDL document
States may use, "At the discretion of the State, additional codes for additional groupings of endorsements, as long as each such discretionary code is fully explained on the front or back of the CDL document."
Source: eCFR: 49 CFR 383.153, Information on the CLP and CDL documents and applications (as of Nov 3, 2026)
13. An applicant takes the Group A skills test in a combination vehicle whose power unit and towed unit are connected with a pintle hook. What restriction does 383.95(d) require on the CDL, if issued?
- A. Restricted to intrastate operation
- B. Restricted from operating a CMV equipped with any type of air brakes
- C. Restricted from operating any Group B vehicle
- D. Restricted from operating a tractor-trailer combination connected by a fifth wheel that requires a Group A CDL
Show answer
Answer: D. Restricted from operating a tractor-trailer combination connected by a fifth wheel that requires a Group A CDL
With a "pintle hook or other non-fifth wheel connection, the State must indicate on the CDL, if issued, that the person is restricted from operating a tractor-trailer combination connected by a fifth wheel that requires a Group A CDL."
Source: eCFR: 49 CFR 383.95, Restrictions (as of Nov 3, 2026)
14. Under 383.93(a)(1), to whom shall the State issue CDL endorsements?
- A. Only to drivers who successfully complete the tests
- B. To any driver who pays the endorsement fee
- C. To any driver whose employer asks for the endorsement
- D. To drivers who have held a CDL for at least 2 years
Show answer
Answer: A. Only to drivers who successfully complete the tests
Drivers of the listed vehicle types "must pass specialized tests to obtain each endorsement. The State shall issue CDL endorsements only to drivers who successfully complete the tests."
Source: eCFR: 49 CFR 383.93, Endorsements (as of Nov 3, 2026)
Disqualifications
15. A driver was reinstated by a State after a lifetime disqualification for a Table 1 offense, and is later convicted of another disqualifying offense in 383.51(b)(1) through (8). What does 383.51(a)(6) say?
- A. The driver is disqualified for 10 more years
- B. The driver may be reinstated again after a second rehabilitation program
- C. The driver must not be reinstated
- D. The driver is disqualified for 3 years
Show answer
Answer: C. The driver must not be reinstated
"Any person who has been reinstated in accordance with this provision and who is subsequently convicted of a disqualifying offense described in paragraphs (b)(1) through (8) of this section (Table 1 to § 383.51) must not be reinstated."
Source: eCFR: 49 CFR 383.51, Disqualification of drivers (as of Nov 3, 2026)
16. How does 383.51(a)(5) say a new disqualification period relates to any previous periods of disqualification?
- A. It runs at the same time as them
- B. It must be in addition to them
- C. It replaces them
- D. It is shortened by the time already served
Show answer
Answer: B. It must be in addition to them
"The disqualification period must be in addition to any other previous periods of disqualification."
Source: eCFR: 49 CFR 383.51, Disqualification of drivers (as of Nov 3, 2026)
17. When determining first and subsequent violations under 383.51(a)(4), which convictions for offenses listed in Tables 1 through 4 must be counted?
- A. Only convictions while driving a CMV
- B. Only convictions from the last 12 months
- C. Each conviction resulting from a separate incident, whether committed in a CMV or non-CMV
- D. Only convictions in the driver's home State
Show answer
Answer: C. Each conviction resulting from a separate incident, whether committed in a CMV or non-CMV
"For purposes of determining first and subsequent violations of the offenses specified in this subpart, each conviction for any offense listed in Tables 1 through 4 to this section resulting from a separate incident, whether committed in a CMV or non-CMV, must be counted."
Source: eCFR: 49 CFR 383.51, Disqualification of drivers (as of Nov 3, 2026)
18. Within what period does Table 4 to 383.51 (violations of out-of-service orders) count a second conviction in a separate incident?
- A. A 10-year period
- B. A 3-year period
- C. A 12-month period
- D. The driver's whole lifetime
Show answer
Answer: A. A 10-year period
Table 4 sets periods "For a second conviction in a separate incident within a 10-year period while operating a CMV", and the same 10-year window applies to a third or subsequent conviction.
Source: eCFR: 49 CFR 383.51, Disqualification of drivers (as of Nov 3, 2026)
Knowledge and skills tests
19. Under 383.135(a)(3), what follows when a driver applicant fails the combination vehicle portion of the knowledge test?
- A. The applicant receives a Group A CDL with a manual transmission restriction
- B. The applicant must wait 1 year before retesting
- C. The applicant receives an air brake restriction
- D. The applicant must not be issued a Group A CLP or CDL
Show answer
Answer: D. The applicant must not be issued a Group A CLP or CDL
"A driver applicant who fails the combination vehicle portion of the knowledge test (scores less than 80 percent correct) must not be issued a Group A CLP or CDL."
Source: eCFR: 49 CFR 383.135, Passing knowledge and skills tests (as of Nov 3, 2026)
20. An applicant passed the pre-trip inspection segment of the skills test, failed basic vehicle control, and then had the CLP renewed. What does 383.133(c)(6)(ii) require?
- A. Only the basic vehicle control segment must be retaken
- B. All three segments of the skills test must be retaken
- C. Only the on-road segment remains to be taken
- D. The knowledge tests must be retaken, but no skills segments
Show answer
Answer: B. All three segments of the skills test must be retaken
"Scores for the passed segments of the test are only valid during initial issuance of the CLP. If the CLP is renewed, all three segments of the skills test must be retaken."
Source: eCFR: 49 CFR 383.133, Test methods (as of Nov 3, 2026)