Pennsylvania CDL Practice Test

Pennsylvania CDL Resources

Here are more resources related to getting your CDL in Pennsylvania:

• Learn what is required for getting your CDL in Pennsylvania

  Pennsylvania CDL Requirements

• Download the Pennsylvania CDL manual for free right here.

  Pennsylvania CDL Manual

• Find Paid CDL Training In Pennsylvania

  Paid CDL Training In Pennsylvania

How to Get a CDL Permit in Pennsylvania

PennDOT Commercial Driver Licensing procedures have been developed to improve safety by ensuring that all Commercial Driver’s License applicants have the required knowledge and understanding to operate a commercial motor vehicle before the driving skills are practiced on our public roadways. You will need a CDL if you plan on driving a Class A, B or C Commercial vehicle.

CDL Permit Requirements

• Drivers need to be at least 18 years of age for intrastate commerce, or 21 for interstate driving and to transport hazardous materials.
• Complete a Commercial Learner’s Permit Application
• Complete a Self Certification Form
• Drivers who will be engaging in “Non-excepted” transportation will also be required to submit a valid Medical Examiner’s Certificate prior to the issuance of a learner’s permit.
• Provide proof of identity including birthdate and social security number
• Provide proof of U.S. Citizenship or proof of permanent legal presence
• Possess a valid Pennsylvania driver license
• PennDOT will check for open suspensions, cancellations or revocation
• Pass a vision screening test

Testing locations and hours

Hours vary by location, to find the location and hours nearest you visit PennDOT Location Directory. These offices will also be closed during state observed holidays.

General Knowledge Exam

To prepare for the General Knowledge Exam, it is recommended you take a certified course in CDL Training as well as CDL Practice Tests in Pennsylvania. Use the official Pennsylvania Commercial Driver's Manual as a study guide. The manual covers the following topics, which will be on the exam:

• Driving Safely - Covers vehicle inspection, basic control of your vehicle, shifting gears, fires, crash procedures, skid control and recovery, seeing hazards, controlling speed, managing space, driving in various conditions including night, fog, winter, hot weather, mountains and more.
• Transporting Cargo Safely - Covers inspecting cargo, weight and balance, securing cargo, and cargo needing special attention.
• Transporting Passengers - Covers when a passenger endorsement is required, vehicle inspection, loading and trip start, on the road, after trip vehicle inspection, prohibited practices, use of brake door interlocks.
• Air Brakes - Covers the parts of an air brake system, dual air brake, inspecting air brake systems, and using air brakes.
• Combination Vehicles - Covers driving combination vehicles safely, combination vehicle air brakes, antilock brake systems, coupling and uncoupling, and inspecting a combination vehicle.
• Doubles and Triples - Covers pulling double and triple trailers, coupling and uncoupling, inspecting doubles and triples, doubles and triples air brake check.
• Tank Vehicles - Covers inspecting tank vehicles, driving tank vehicles and safe driving rules.
• Hazardous Materials - Covers the intent of the regulations, hazardous materials transportation, communication rules, loading and unloading, bulk packaging marking, driving and parking rules, emergencies and glossary.
• School Bus - Covers danger zones and use of mirrors, loading and unloading, emergency exit and evacuation, railroad-highway grade crossings, student management, antilock braking systems, and special safety considerations.

Military Exemptions

The skills test portion of the State CDL Testing process may be waived for individuals who have experience driving commercial motor vehicles for military purposes. Military personnel must meet the following requirements:

• Currently possess a Pennsylvania driver’s license
• Complete an Application for CDL Skills Test Waiver Military form
• Military Letter (page 2 of application) must be completed by Commanding Officer or appropriate administrative office within the last 30 days
• Clean driving record for the past 2 years
• Currently employed or have been employed within the last 12 months in a military position (requiring CMV operation)
• Exempted from the CDL licensing requirements due to active duty military status
• Have been operating a CMV in the military for at least the last two years (or two years immediately preceding discharge from the military)

CLP Test

Applicants will have to take the proper written exams for the type of CDL needed. You will also need to submit to a driving record check, where the past 10 years of your driving record will be examined in all 50 states, plus the District of Columbia.

To add endorsements to your CDL, applicants will be required to take additional knowledge and possible skills tests. These include:

• H - HAZMAT (will also require additional fees for background check and fingerprint scan)
• T - Double/Triple Trailers
• N - Tank Vehicles
• S - School Bus
• P - Passenger

Facts About Commercial Learners Permit in Pennsylvania

• A CLP is valid for 180 days and can be renewed one time. If the CLP expires or needs to be renewed beyond that, another knowledge exam will need to be taken.
• A CLP is considered a valid CDL for behind-the-wheel training
• While you possess a CLP, you are only permitted to drive with a full CDL holder in the vehicle, and driver's must stay on public roads.
• CLP holder must hold a valid driver's license from the same state as the CLP until the applicant possesses a valid CDL
• Driver's must possess a CLP for 15 days before applying for a full CDL. Applicants can take the skills test up to three times on the CLP, if the applicant fails three times, they must reapply for a CDL and retake the knowledge exam.