CDL license standards study guide
FMCSA's commercial driver's license standards (49 CFR Part 383) apply to every person who operates a commercial motor vehicle in interstate, foreign or intrastate commerce, to their employers and to all States. This guide sets out what the rule text states on the single license rule, the notification duties of drivers and employers, the commercial learner's permit, vehicle groups A, B and C, endorsement and restriction codes, the disqualification tables in 383.51, and the basics of knowledge and skills testing. goraedu does not issue permits or licenses and does not give the tests. Every point links to the regulation and quotes its exact words.
Who the rules cover and the single license
The Part 383 rules apply to every person who operates a CMV in interstate, foreign or intrastate commerce, to all employers of those persons, and to all States.
“The rules in this part apply to every person who operates a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) in interstate, foreign, or intrastate commerce, to all employers of such persons, and to all States.”
Each State must exempt individuals who operate CMVs for military purposes. The exception covers active duty military personnel, military reserve members, National Guard members on active duty (including full-time duty and part-time training), dual-status military technicians and active duty U.S. Coast Guard personnel.
“Each State must exempt from the requirements of this part individuals who operate CMVs for military purposes. This exception is applicable to active duty military personnel; members of the military reserves; members of the national guard on active duty, including personnel on full-time national guard duty and personnel on part-time national guard training; dual-status military technicians, as defined in 10 U.S.C. 10216; and active duty U.S. Coast Guard personnel.”
A person who operates a CMV may never have more than one driver's license at a time.
“No person who operates a commercial motor vehicle shall at any time have more than one driver's license.”
No one may operate a CMV without having taken and passed knowledge and driving skills tests for a CLP or CDL that meet the Federal standards for the CMV the person operates or expects to operate.
“No person shall operate a CMV unless such person has taken and passed knowledge and driving skills tests for a CLP or CDL that meet the Federal standards contained in subparts F, G, and H of this part for the CMV that person operates or expects to operate.”
Not covered here
The full lists of conditions for the farmer, firefighter, emergency vehicle and snow-removal exemptions in 383.3(d) and the other exceptions in 383.3(e) to (h), most of the definitions in 383.5, and the non-domiciled CLP and CDL rules in 383.23(b) and 383.71(f). We only write what an official source states, so study these parts with your certifying program's materials.
Notification duties and employer responsibilities
A CMV driver with a CDL who is convicted of violating a State or local traffic control law (other than a parking violation), in any type of motor vehicle, must notify his or her current employer within 30 days after the date of conviction.
“Each person who operates a commercial motor vehicle, who has a commercial driver's license issued by a State or jurisdiction, and who is convicted of violating, in any type of motor vehicle, a State or local law relating to motor vehicle traffic control (other than a parking violation), shall notify his/her current employer of such conviction. The notification must be made within 30 days after the date that the person has been convicted.”
49 CFR 383.31, Notification of convictions for driver violations
The notice to the employer must be in writing and include the driver's full name, license number, date of conviction, the offense(s) and any resulting suspension, revocation or cancellation, whether the violation was in a CMV, the location of the offense and the driver's signature.
“The notification to the employer must be made in writing and contain the following information: (1) Driver's full name; (2) Driver's license number; (3) Date of conviction; (4) The specific criminal or other offense(s), serious traffic violation(s), and other violation(s) of State or local law relating to motor vehicle traffic control, for which the person was convicted and any suspension, revocation, or cancellation of certain driving privileges which resulted from such conviction(s); (5) Indication whether the violation was in a commercial motor vehicle; (6) Location of offense; and (7) Driver's signature.”
49 CFR 383.31, Notification of convictions for driver violations
An employee whose driver's license is suspended, revoked or canceled, who loses the right to operate a CMV in a State, or who is disqualified from operating a CMV must tell his or her current employer before the end of the business day following the day the employee received notice.
“Each employee who has a driver's license suspended, revoked, or canceled by a State or jurisdiction, who loses the right to operate a commercial motor vehicle in a State or jurisdiction for any period, or who is disqualified from operating a commercial motor vehicle for any period, shall notify his/her current employer of such suspension, revocation, cancellation, lost privilege, or disqualification. The notification must be made before the end of the business day following the day the employee received notice of the suspension, revocation, cancellation, lost privilege, or disqualification.”
Every employer must ask all applicants for CMV operator jobs for their previous employment information at the time of application, and the applicant must provide it then.
“Any person applying for employment as an operator of a commercial motor vehicle shall provide at the time of application for employment, the information specified in paragraph (c) of this section. (b) All employers shall request the information specified in paragraph (c) of this section from all persons applying for employment as a commercial motor vehicle operator. The request shall be made at the time of application for employment.”
The history covers the 10 years before the application date: the names and addresses of previous employers for which the applicant drove a CMV, the dates of employment and the reason for leaving.
“The following employment history information for the 10 years preceding the date the application is submitted shall be presented to the prospective employer by the applicant: (1) A list of the names and addresses of the applicant's previous employers for which the applicant was an operator of a commercial motor vehicle; (2) The dates the applicant was employed by these employers; and (3) The reason for leaving such employment.”
An employer may not allow, require, permit or authorize a driver to operate a CMV in the United States, when the employer knows or should reasonably know, during any period in which the driver does not have a current CLP or CDL, or does not have a CLP or CDL with the proper class or endorsements. An employer also may not use a driver who violates any restriction on the driver's CLP or CDL.
“No employer may allow, require, permit, or authorize a driver to operate a CMV in the United States if the employer knows or should reasonably know that any of the following circumstances exist: (a) During any period in which the driver does not have a current CLP or CDL or does not have a CLP or CDL with the proper class or endorsements. An employer may not use a driver to operate a CMV who violates any restriction on the driver's CLP or CDL.”
The same ban applies while the driver is disqualified or has lost the right to operate a CMV in a State, while the driver has more than one CLP or CDL, while the driver, the CMV or the motor carrier operation is subject to an out-of-service order, and in violation of a railroad-highway grade crossing law or regulation.
“(b) During any period in which the driver has a CLP or CDL disqualified by a State, has lost the right to operate a CMV in a State, or has been disqualified from operating a CMV. (c) During any period in which the driver has more than one CLP or CDL. (d) During any period in which the driver, or the CMV the driver is operating, or the motor carrier operation, is subject to an out-of-service order. (e) In violation of a Federal, State, or local law or regulation pertaining to railroad-highway grade crossings.”
Commercial learner's permit
A CLP counts as a valid CDL for behind-the-wheel training on public roads or highways only if all of the minimum conditions listed in 383.25(a) are met. The next points set out those conditions.
“A CLP is considered a valid CDL for purposes of behind-the-wheel training on public roads or highways, if all of the following minimum conditions are met:”
First condition: the CLP holder is at all times accompanied by the holder of a valid CDL who has the proper CDL group and endorsement(s) needed to operate the CMV and is otherwise authorized to operate the CMV for that trip.
“The CLP holder is at all times accompanied by the holder of a valid CDL who has the proper CDL group and endorsement(s) necessary to operate the CMV and is otherwise authorized to operate the CMV for that trip.”
The CDL holder must always be physically present in the front seat next to the CLP holder, or, in a passenger vehicle, directly behind or in the first row behind the driver, and must have the CLP holder under observation and direct supervision.
“The CDL holder must at all times be physically present in the front seat of the vehicle 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.”
The CLP holder must hold a valid driver's license from the same jurisdiction that issued the CLP, must have passed a general knowledge test meeting the Federal standards, and must be 18 years of age or older.
“(2) The CLP holder holds a valid driver's license issued by the same jurisdiction that issued the CLP. (3) The CLP holder must have taken and passed a general knowledge test that meets the Federal standards contained in subparts F, G, and H of this part for the commercial motor vehicle that person operates or expects to operate. (4) The CLP holder must be 18 years of age or older.”
A CLP holder with a tank vehicle (N) endorsement may only operate an empty tank vehicle, and may not operate a tank vehicle that previously contained hazardous materials and has not been purged of any residue.
“A CLP holder with an N endorsement may only operate an empty tank vehicle and is prohibited from operating any tank vehicle that previously contained hazardous materials that has not been purged of any residue.”
All other Federal endorsements are prohibited on a CLP, and a CLP holder may not operate a CMV transporting hazardous materials.
“(iv) All other Federal endorsements are prohibited on a CLP. (6) The CLP holder does not operate a commercial motor vehicle transporting hazardous materials as defined in § 383.5.”
A CLP must be valid for no more than one year from the initial date of issuance without the holder having to retake the general and endorsement knowledge tests. A CLP issued for less than a year may be renewed, as long as it is not valid for more than one year from initial issuance.
“The CLP must be valid for no more than one year from the initial date of issuance without requiring the CLP holder to retake the general and endorsement knowledge tests. 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.”
A CLP holder is not eligible to take the CDL skills test in the first 14 days after the CLP is first issued.
“The CLP holder is not eligible to take the CDL skills test in the first 14 days after initial issuance of the CLP.”
Beginning on February 7, 2022, a CLP applicant must complete the training set out in subpart F of 49 CFR part 380, given by a provider listed on the Training Provider Registry, before taking the Class A or B CDL skills test, the P or S endorsement skills test, or the H endorsement knowledge test for the first time.
“Beginning on February 7, 2022, a person must complete the training prescribed in subpart F of part 380 of this chapter before taking the skills test for a Class A or B CDL for the first time, or a skills test for a passenger (P) or school bus (S) endorsement for the first time, or the knowledge test for a hazardous materials (H) endorsement for the first time. The training must be administered by a provider listed on the Training Provider Registry.”
49 CFR 383.71, Driver application and certification procedures
Not covered here
The other CLP application steps in 383.71(a) (proof of age, citizenship or lawful permanent residency and domicile, the names of States where the person was licensed in the previous 10 years, and the certifications in 383.71(a)(3) and (a)(9)), the passenger limits for CLP holders with a P or S endorsement in 383.25(a)(5)(i) and (ii), and the State procedures in 383.73. We only write what an official source states, so study these parts with your certifying program's materials.
Vehicle groups
Group A (Combination vehicle) is any combination of vehicles with a GCWR of 26,001 pounds or more (11,794 kg or more), provided the GVWR of the vehicle(s) being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds (4,536 kg).
“Combination vehicle (Group A)-Any combination of vehicles with a gross combination weight rating (GCWR) of 11,794 kilograms or more (26,001 pounds or more) provided the GVWR of the vehicle(s) being towed is in excess of 4,536 kilograms (10,000 pounds).”
Group B (Heavy Straight Vehicle) is any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more, or any such vehicle towing a vehicle of no more than 10,000 pounds GVWR.
“Heavy Straight Vehicle (Group B)-Any single vehicle with a GVWR of 11,794 kilograms or more (26,001 pounds or more), or any such vehicle towing a vehicle not in excess of 4,536 kilograms (10,000 pounds) GVWR.”
Group C (Small Vehicle) is any single vehicle or combination that meets neither the Group A nor the Group B definition, but that either is designed to transport 16 or more passengers including the driver, or is used to transport hazardous materials as defined in 383.5.
“Small Vehicle (Group C)-Any single vehicle, or combination of vehicles, that meets neither the definition of Group A nor that of Group B as contained in this section, but that either is designed to transport 16 or more passengers including the driver, or is used in the transportation of hazardous materials as defined in § 383.5.”
In the Part 383 definition, a commercial motor vehicle is a motor vehicle or combination used in commerce to transport passengers or property that is one of several types, including a Group A combination with a GCWR or gross combination weight of 26,001 pounds or more, whichever is greater, inclusive of a towed unit with a GVWR or gross vehicle weight of more than 10,000 pounds, whichever is greater; or a Group B vehicle with a GVWR or gross vehicle weight of 26,001 pounds or more, whichever is greater.
“Commercial motor vehicle (CMV) means a motor vehicle or combination of motor vehicles used in commerce to transport passengers or property if the motor vehicle is a— (1) Combination Vehicle (Group A)—having a gross combination weight rating or gross combination weight of 11,794 kilograms or more (26,001 pounds or more), whichever is greater, inclusive of a towed unit(s) with a gross vehicle weight rating or gross vehicle weight of more than 4,536 kilograms (10,000 pounds), whichever is greater; or (2) Heavy Straight Vehicle (Group B)—having a gross vehicle weight rating or gross vehicle weight of 11,794 or more kilograms (26,001 pounds or more), whichever is greater; or”
A driver who wants to operate in a different vehicle group from the one his or her CDL authorizes must retake and pass all related tests, with the exceptions below.
“Each driver applicant who desires to operate in a different commercial motor vehicle group from the one which his/her CDL authorizes shall be required to retake and pass all related tests, except the following:”
A driver who passed the Group A knowledge and skills tests may operate Group B or Group C vehicles, and one who passed the Group B tests may operate any Group C vehicle, as long as the driver has the required endorsement(s).
“(1) 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); and (2) A driver who has passed the knowledge and skills tests for a heavy straight vehicle (Group B) may operate any small vehicle (Group C), provided that he/she possesses the requisite endorsement(s).”
Not covered here
Figure 1 to 383.91 (illustrations of typical vehicles in each group) is an image and is not reproduced here. We only write what an official source states, so study these parts with your certifying program's materials.
Endorsements and restrictions
A driver must obtain State-issued endorsements to operate CMVs that are double/triple trailers, passenger vehicles, tank vehicles, vehicles used to transport hazardous materials, or school buses.
“An operator must obtain State-issued endorsements to his/her CDL to operate commercial motor vehicles which are: (1) Double/triple trailers; (2) Passenger vehicles; (3) Tank vehicles; (4) Used to transport hazardous materials as defined in § 383.5; or (5) School buses.”
Double/triple trailers, tank vehicle and hazardous materials endorsements require a knowledge test; passenger and school bus endorsements require a knowledge and a skills test.
“(1) Double/Triple Trailers -a knowledge test; (2) Passenger -a knowledge and a skills test; (3) Tank vehicle -a knowledge test; (4) Hazardous Materials -a knowledge test; and (5) School bus -a knowledge and a skills test.”
The only endorsements allowed on a CLP are passenger (P), school bus (S) and tank vehicle (N).
“The only endorsements allowed on a CLP are the following: (i) Passenger (P); (ii) School bus (S); and (iii) Tank vehicle (N).”
CDL endorsement codes: T for double/triple trailers, P for passenger, N for tank vehicle, H for hazardous materials, X for a combination of tank vehicle and hazardous materials, and S for school bus. A State may add its own codes for other groupings if each is fully explained on the CDL.
“(i) T for double/triple trailers; (ii) P for passenger; (iii) N for tank vehicle; (iv) H for hazardous materials; (v) X for a combination of tank vehicle and hazardous materials endorsements; (vi) S for school bus; and (vii) 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.”
49 CFR 383.153, Information on the CLP and CDL documents and applications
If an applicant fails the air brake part of the knowledge test, or takes the skills test in a vehicle without air brakes, the State must show on the CLP or CDL, if issued, that the person may not operate a CMV with any type of air brakes.
“If an applicant either fails the air brake component of the knowledge test, or performs the skills test in a vehicle not equipped with air brakes, the State must indicate on the CLP or CDL, if issued, that the person is restricted from operating a CMV equipped with any type of air brakes.”
If the applicant performs the skills test in a vehicle with air over hydraulic brakes, the State must indicate on the CDL, if issued, that the person is restricted from operating a CMV with any braking system operating fully on the air brake principle.
“If an applicant performs the skills test in a vehicle equipped with air over hydraulic brakes, the State must indicate on the CDL, if issued, that the person is restricted from operating a CMV equipped with any braking system operating fully on the air brake principle.”
If the applicant performs the skills test in a vehicle equipped with an automatic transmission, the State must indicate on the CDL, if issued, that the person is restricted from operating a CMV equipped with a manual transmission.
“If an applicant performs the skills test in a vehicle equipped with an automatic transmission, the State must indicate on the CDL, if issued, that the person is restricted from operating a CMV equipped with a manual transmission.”
CDL restriction codes include L for no air brake equipped CMV, Z for no full air brake equipped CMV, E for no manual transmission equipped CMV, O for no tractor-trailer CMV, M for no Class A passenger vehicle, N for no Class A and B passenger vehicle, K for intrastate only, and V for medical variance.
“L for No Air brake equipped CMV; (ii) Z for No Full air brake equipped CMV; (iii) E for No Manual transmission equipped CMV; (iv) O for No Tractor-trailer CMV; (v) M for No Class A passenger vehicle; (vi) N for No Class A and B passenger vehicle; (vii) K for Intrastate only; (viii) V for medical variance; and”
49 CFR 383.153, Information on the CLP and CDL documents and applications
Not covered here
The required knowledge and skills for each endorsement (383.115 to 383.123) and the TSA security threat assessment for the hazardous materials endorsement (Subpart I) are not covered here. We only write what an official source states, so study these parts with your certifying program's materials.
Disqualifications
A person required to have a CLP or CDL who is disqualified must not drive a CMV, and an employer must not knowingly allow a disqualified driver to drive a CMV.
“(1) A person required to have a CLP or CDL who is disqualified must not drive a CMV. (2) An employer must not knowingly allow, require, permit, or authorize a driver who is disqualified to drive a CMV.”
A CLP or CDL holder who is convicted of the violations listed in paragraphs (b) and (c) of 383.51 is subject to the disqualification sanctions in those paragraphs, whether the holder was driving a CMV or a non-CMV.
“A holder of a CLP or CDL is subject to disqualification sanctions designated in paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section, if the holder drives a CMV or non-CMV and is convicted of the violations listed in those paragraphs.”
To count first and later violations, each conviction for an offense in Tables 1 to 4 from a separate incident is counted, whether it was committed in a CMV or a non-CMV. A disqualification period is added to any earlier disqualification periods.
“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 nonCMV, must be counted. (5) The disqualification period must be in addition to any other previous periods of disqualification.”
A State may reinstate a driver disqualified for life for a Table 1 offense in paragraphs (b)(1) to (8) after 10 years, if the person voluntarily entered and successfully completed a State-approved rehabilitation program. A reinstated person who is convicted again of such an offense must not be reinstated.
“A State may reinstate any driver disqualified for life for offenses described in paragraphs (b)(1) through (8) of this section (Table 1 to § 383.51) after 10 years, if that person has voluntarily entered and successfully completed an appropriate rehabilitation program approved by the State. 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.”
Table 1 (major offenses): being under the influence of alcohol as prescribed by State law carries 1 year for a first conviction in a CMV or a non-CMV, 3 years for a first conviction while operating a CMV transporting hazardous materials, and life for a second conviction (in a separate incident of any combination of Table 1 offenses) in a CMV or a non-CMV.
“(1) Being under the influence of alcohol as prescribed by State law * * * 1 year 1 year 3 years Life Life.”
Table 1: having an alcohol concentration of 0.04 or greater while operating a CMV carries 1 year for a first conviction, 3 years for a first conviction while transporting hazardous materials, and life for a second conviction; the non-CMV columns are marked not applicable.
“(3) Having an alcohol concentration of 0.04 or greater while operating a CMV * * * 1 year Not applicable 3 years Life Not applicable.”
Table 2 (serious traffic violations) includes excessive speeding of 15 mph or more above the regulated or posted speed limit.
“(1) Speeding excessively, involving any speed of 24.1 kmph (15 mph) or more above the regulated or posted speed limit”
Table 2: following the vehicle ahead too closely carries 60 days for a second and 120 days for a third or subsequent conviction of any combination of Table 2 offenses in separate incidents within a 3-year period, in a CMV or (if the conviction results in the revocation, cancellation or suspension of the holder's license or non-CMV driving privileges) a non-CMV.
“(4) Following the vehicle ahead too closely 60 days 60 days 120 days 120 days.”
Table 3 (railroad-highway grade crossings, while operating a CMV): a driver not required to always stop who fails to slow down and check that the tracks are clear of an approaching train faces no less than 60 days for a first conviction, no less than 120 days for a second, and no less than 1 year for a third or subsequent conviction within a 3-year period.
“(1) The driver is not required to always stop, but fails to slow down and check that tracks are clear of an approaching train * * * No less than 60 days No less than 120 days No less than 1 year.”
Table 4 (out-of-service orders): violating a driver or vehicle out-of-service order while transporting nonhazardous materials means no less than 180 days or more than 1 year for a first conviction; a second within a 10-year period means no less than 2 years or more than 5 years; a third or subsequent within a 10-year period, no less than 3 years or more than 5 years.
“(1) Violating a driver or No less than 180 vehicle out-of-service days or more than order while transporting 1 year nonhazardous materials No less than 2 years or more than 5 years No less than 3 years or more than 5 years.”
When the order is violated while transporting hazardous materials as defined in 383.5, or while operating a vehicle designed to transport 16 or more passengers (the row's last words, "passengers, including the driver", sit on the table's next page), a first conviction means no less than 180 days or more than 2 years, and a second or later conviction within a 10-year period means no less than 3 years or more than 5 years.
“(2) Violating a driver or No less than 180 vehicle out-of-service days or more than order while transporting 2 years hazardous materials as defined in § 383.5, or while operating a vehicle designed to transport 16 or more No less than 3 years or more than 5 years No less than 3 years or more than 5 years.”
The FMCSA Assistant Administrator or designee must disqualify any driver whose driving is determined to constitute an imminent hazard. The period may not exceed 30 days unless FMCSA follows paragraph (c), which requires notice and an opportunity for a hearing for a longer period and caps it at one year.
“The Assistant Administrator or his/her designee must disqualify from operating a CMV any driver whose driving is determined to constitute an imminent hazard, as defined in § 383.5. (b) The period of the disqualification may not exceed 30 days unless the FMCSA complies with the provisions of paragraph (c) of this section. (c) The Assistant Administrator or his/her delegate may provide the driver an opportunity for a hearing after issuing a disqualification for a period of 30 days or less. The Assistant Administrator or his/her delegate must provide the driver notice of a proposed disqualification period of more than 30 days and an opportunity for a hearing to present a defense to the proposed disqualification. A disqualification imposed under this paragraph may not exceed one year in duration.”
49 CFR 383.52, Disqualification of drivers determined to constitute an imminent hazard
Not covered here
The full row text of every table (including the felony row on severe forms of trafficking in persons, the fatality row and the grade crossing rows (2) to (6)) is not reproduced here; read the tables in 383.51. The civil and criminal penalties in 383.53, which refer to part 386, Appendix B, are not covered. We only write what an official source states, so study these parts with your certifying program's materials.
Knowledge and skills tests
Knowledge tests may be given in written form, verbally or in automated format, and may be given in a foreign language as long as no interpreter is used.
“The knowledge tests may be administered in written form, verbally, or in automated format and can be administered in a foreign language, provided no interpreter is used in administering the test.”
The applicant must complete the skills test in a representative vehicle, and whether the vehicle is representative is judged by its GVWR or GCWR, not its actual weight.
“An applicant must complete the skills tests in a representative vehicle to ensure that the applicant possess the skills required under § 383.113. In determining whether the vehicle is a representative vehicle for the skills test and the group of CDL for which the applicant is applying, the vehicle's gross vehicle weight rating or gross combination weight rating must be used, not the vehicle's actual gross vehicle weight or gross combination weight.”
Interpreters are prohibited during skills tests; the applicant must understand and respond to verbal commands in English, and neither applicant nor examiner may use another language during the test.
“Interpreters are prohibited during the administration of skills tests. Applicants must be able to understand and respond to verbal commands and instructions in English by a skills test examiner. Neither the applicant nor the examiner may communicate in a language other than English during the skills test.”
The skills test is given in this order: pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control skills, on-road skills. An applicant who fails one segment cannot continue, and scores for passed segments are valid only during initial issuance of the CLP; if the CLP is renewed, all three segments must be retaken.
“The skills test must be administered and successfully completed in the following order: Pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control skills, on-road skills. If an applicant fails one segment of the skills test: (i) The applicant cannot continue to the next segment of the test; and (ii) 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.”
To pass each knowledge test, an applicant must correctly answer at least 80 percent of the questions.
“To achieve a passing score on each of the knowledge tests, a driver applicant must correctly answer at least 80 percent of the questions.”
An applicant who scores less than 80 percent on the combination vehicle part of the knowledge test 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.”
An applicant who does not obey traffic laws, causes an accident during the test, or commits another automatic-failure offense listed in the driver and examiner manuals must automatically fail the skills test.
“A driver applicant who does not obey traffic laws, causes an accident during the test, or commits any other offense listed as a reason for automatic failure in the standards contained in the driver and examiner manuals referred to in §§ 383.131(a) and (b), must automatically fail the test.”
Not covered here
The test content lists in 383.111 and 383.113 and the third-party testing rules in 383.75. The practice questions on goraedu are not the State knowledge test. We only write what an official source states, so study these parts with your certifying program's materials.
Sources
- eCFR: 49 CFR 383.3, Applicability (as of Nov 3, 2026)Checked November 6, 2026
- eCFR: 49 CFR 383.21, Number of drivers' licenses (as of Nov 3, 2026)Checked November 6, 2026
- eCFR: 49 CFR 383.23, Commercial driver's license (as of Nov 3, 2026)Checked November 6, 2026
- eCFR: 49 CFR 383.31, Notification of convictions for driver violations (as of Nov 3, 2026)Checked November 6, 2026
- eCFR: 49 CFR 383.33, Notification of driver's license suspensions (as of Nov 3, 2026)Checked November 6, 2026
- eCFR: 49 CFR 383.35, Notification of previous employment (as of Nov 3, 2026)Checked November 6, 2026
- eCFR: 49 CFR 383.37, Employer responsibilities (as of Nov 3, 2026)Checked November 6, 2026
- eCFR: 49 CFR 383.25, Commercial learner's permit (CLP) (as of Nov 3, 2026)Checked November 6, 2026
- eCFR: 49 CFR 383.71, Driver application and certification procedures (as of Nov 3, 2026)Checked November 6, 2026
- eCFR: 49 CFR 383.91, Commercial motor vehicle groups (as of Nov 3, 2026)Checked November 6, 2026
- eCFR: 49 CFR 383.5, Definitions (as of Nov 3, 2026)Checked November 6, 2026
- eCFR: 49 CFR 383.93, Endorsements (as of Nov 3, 2026)Checked November 6, 2026
- eCFR: 49 CFR 383.153, Information on the CLP and CDL documents and applications (as of Nov 3, 2026)Checked November 6, 2026
- eCFR: 49 CFR 383.95, Restrictions (as of Nov 3, 2026)Checked November 6, 2026
- eCFR: 49 CFR 383.51, Disqualification of drivers (as of Nov 3, 2026)Checked November 6, 2026
- eCFR: 49 CFR 383.52, Disqualification of drivers determined to constitute an imminent hazard (as of Nov 3, 2026)Checked November 6, 2026
- eCFR: 49 CFR 383.133, Test methods (as of Nov 3, 2026)Checked November 6, 2026
- eCFR: 49 CFR 383.135, Passing knowledge and skills tests (as of Nov 3, 2026)Checked November 6, 2026
Other CDL study guides: Driver qualifications, Driving rules, Hours of service, Inspection and maintenance, Brakes, Cargo securement, Drug and alcohol testing, Hazmat classes and definitions, Hazmat shipping papers and emergency information, Hazmat marking, Hazmat placarding, Hazmat highway carriage, loading and segregation, Hazmat driving, parking and training