Washington D.C. CDL Practice Test

Washington D.C. CDL Resources

Here are more resources related to getting your CDL in Washington D.C.:

• Learn what is required for getting your CDL in Washington D.C.

  Washington D.C. CDL Requirements

• Download the Washington D.C. CDL manual for free right here.

  Washington D.C. CDL Manual

• Find Paid CDL Training In Washington D.C.

  Paid CDL Training In Washington D.C.

Requirements to Obtain a DC Commercial Learner's Permit

• You must be at least 21 years old and have a valid NCDL.
• To obtain an Intrastate CDL, you must be at least 18 years old.
• Have a valid non-commercial driver license (NCDL).
• You must provide proof of US citizenship, social security number and DC residency (more information below).
• You must provide a 10-year driver history report. You will have to request this report from the department of motor vehicles in any state that has issued you a license in the past 10 years. DC DMV checks driving history in all 50 states.
• Submit a completed a US Department of Transportation Medical Examination Report and Medical Examiner’s Certificate Card.
• To get a DC DMV CDL learner permit, bring all the documentation that proves you are eligible to the DC DMV Brentwood Commercial Driver License Center, take the applicable knowledge tests, and pay the appropriate fees.
• NOTE: CDL learner permits may only have the following endorsements (with additional restrictions): S - School Bus, N - Tank and P - Passenger.

You Are Not Eligible to Apply for a DC DMV CDL If You:

• Have a revoked or suspended NCDL
• Have certain medical conditions, such as type 2 diabetes
• Have a certain criminal felony conviction within the last 3 years (if you would like to work as a school bus driver)
• Have a scheduled hearing on moving violation ticket(s)
• Have an unresolved citation (such as tickets or judgment) in another jurisdiction
• Are a non-US citizen who does not possess a valid Permanent Resident Card

What are DC's Identification/Residency Requirements to apply for a Commercial Learner's Permit?

If your current valid DC DMV NCDL is not a REAL ID license, with a star in the upper right hand corner, you must also have proof of your Social Security number and two proofs of your residency in the District. You cannot use the same document as a proof of ability to drive, proof of identity, and as a proof of Social Security number. You must have separate documents as each proof. For more information on the documentation required, go to the DC Department of Motor Vehicles website.

• Social Security Number Documents Accepted
  • Social Security card bearing applicant's full name, Social Security number, and signature
  • Pay statement reflecting full name and full Social Security number
  • W-2 (wage and tax statement) reflecting full name and full Social Security number
  • 1099 Form reflecting full name and full Social Security number
• DC Residency Documents Accepted - 2 Required
  • Utility bill (water, gas, electric, oil, or cable), with name and address, issued within the last 60 days (disconnect notices/bills are not accepted)
  • Telephone bill (cell phone, wireless, or pager bills acceptable), reflecting applicant's name and current address, issued within the last 60 days (disconnect notices/bills are not accepted)
  • Deed, mortgage, or settlement agreement reflecting applicant's name and property address
  • Unexpired lease or rental agreement with the name of the applicant listed as the lessee, permitted resident, or renter (may be a photocopy). The unexpired lease or rental agreement must be signed by all parties
• US Residency Documents Accepted
  • Valid, unexpired US passport or certified birth certificate filed with a State Office of Vital Statistics, OR a Certificate of Naturalization or a Certificate of Citizenship—for US citizens
  • Valid, unexpired Permanent Resident Card—for non-US citizens

What is the Cost to get a DC Commercial Learner's Permit?

You will have to pay a fee to take the knowledge tests, whether you pass or fail.

• Commercial Driver Learner Permit - $78
• Commercial Driver License Duplicate - $20
• Commercial Driver License Endorsement - $20
• Commercial Driver License Knowledge Test - $10 per test

DOT Physical (Medical Examination for Commercial Drivers)

All commercial motor vehicle drivers must have a physical performed by a medical examiner listed on National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners. Download and have a physician complete these documents, which are available at the DC Department of Motor Vehicles website:

• Medical Examination Report
• Medical Examiner’s Certificate Card

Testing Locations

You do not need an appointment to visit the Brentwood Center; however, you will not be able to take a test unless you arrive at least 2 hours before the center closes.

1205 Brentwood Road NE -- Phone: 311 or (202) 737-4404

What Information is on the Test for the DC Commercial Learner's Permit?

You can view the DC CDL Manual here.

• Testing time limits:
  • CDL General Knowledge – 90 minutes
  • CDL Endorsements – 60 minutes
  • If you exceed the time limit for the test you are taking, you will fail the test
• Class A
  • General Commercial
  • Combination
  • Airbrakes
  • Optional Endorsements: Double/Triple Trailers, Passenger, School Bus
• Class B
  • General Commercial
  • Airbrakes
  • Optional Endorsements: Passenger, School Bus
• Class C
  • General Commercial
  • Optional Endorsements: Passenger, School Bus

How many Tries do I have to Pass the DC Commercial Learner's Permit Test?

If you fail the CDL knowledge test, you must wait 3 calendar days before you are eligible to take it again on the fourth day. For example, if you take and fail the knowledge test on Tuesday, you will not be able to retake the test until Saturday. If you fail the CDL knowledge test 6 times within a 12-month period, you will not be allowed to take the 7th test until 12 months after you fail the 1st test. Please be sure you have studied the CDL Manual before you take the test(s).

How long is the Commercial Learner's Permit Valid?

When you pass your knowledge tests, you will receive a 45-day temporary paper learner permit, and your permanent learner permit will be mailed to your address of record. Your DC DMV CDL learner permit authorizes you to operate a designated class of vehicles if accompanied by a driver licensed to operate such vehicles. The CDL learner permit is valid for 180 calendar days and is renewable once (30 days prior to expiration) for 180 calendar days without retesting. Once your CDL Learner Permit expires, you must retest to get it again.

Military Test Waiver

If you are an active duty service member who is currently licensed and who is or was employed within the last 90 calendar days in a military position requiring the operation of a military motor vehicle equivalent to a CMV, you do not have to take the road skills tests to obtain a Class A or B DC DMV CDL. You do have to take and pass all knowledge tests. For more information and to get the required waiver form, go to the DC Department of Motor Vehicles website.

To get a DC DMV CDL using the road skills test waiver for military personnel, you must follow all the requirements and steps for obtaining a CDL, including eligibility, documentation, testing, and payment of fees. In addition, you must meet the following specific requirements to use the military personnel waiver:

• You must be at least 21 years old and have a valid DC NCDL.
• You must be a US citizen or non-US citizen with a valid Permanent Resident Card (You must provide proof of US citizenship or lawful permanent residency.
• If you do not have proof of lawful permanent residency, but you are legally in the US under a program approved by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services [USCIS], then in accordance with federal law, DC DMV will issue you a CDL that is marked as non-domiciled. You must provide proof of your legal USCIS status.)
• You must have 2 years of commercial vehicle driving experience while in the military.
• You must have a minimum of 2 years of good driving history on your driver record during the 2-year period immediately preceding your CDL application date.
• You must have your Commanding Officer certify your years of operating the vehicle, as well as the type of vehicle operated, to determine appropriate CDL classification.
• You must provide active military orders or US Department of Defense Form DD214
• If you want School Bus (S) and Passenger (P) endorsements, you must be prepared to pass all requirements for air brakes as well—which means you must take both the air brakes knowledge test and the air brakes portion of the road skills test.