We've broken our Washington D.C. CDL practice tests into 16 categories which will cover the entire CDL permit exam, all of the CDL endorsement exams, and your job duties as a driver.
Driving Rules And Regulations will cover the basics like who needs a CDL, CDL classifications, CDL reqiurements and disqualifications, and why special CDL endorsements are sometimes required.
Transporting Cargo will cover the different terms related to truck and cargo weights, driver responsibilities regarding overweight trucks, the safe loading of cargo, and cargo securement.
Safe Driving will cover the basics of a pre-trip inspection, basic control and backing, speed and lane control, managing space around your vehicle, and driving in poor weather conditions.
Transporting Passengers is required for the passenger endorsement and will cover the basics of a pre-trip inspection for a bus, loading and securing passenger cargo, and school bus safety.
The School Bus Endorsement is required in some states for driving a school bus. This section covers loading and unloading passengers safely, bus inspection, and regulations for passenger transport.
Air Brakes will cover the various parts of an air brake system, air brake inspection, proper braking techniques, the differences between air brakes and hydraulic brakes, and stopping distance.
Combination Vehicles is a requirement for driving a tractor trailer and will cover combination vehicle air brakes, coupling and uncoupling trailers, and combination vehicle air brake inspection.
Doubles And Triples is an endorsement needed to pull double trailers or triple trailers and will cover coupling and uncoupling of doubles and triples, inspection, and air brake tests.
Tankers is a required endorsement to pull tanker trailers or large totes of liquid and will cover the pre-trip inspection of tankers, tanker loading, and safe driving for tankers.
Hazardous Materials is an endorsement required to pull hazardous cargo and covers labels and placards, loading and unloading hazardous materials, parking and routing, and emergency response.
Pre-Trip Inspection will cover the inspection of the outside of the truck, the air brake system, inspection of the trailer, engine start and check, and driver responsibilities.
Driving Exam will cover the reqiurements for passing the CDL driving exam, the CDL driving exam scoring system, upgrades and downgrades, and the basics of the driving exam itself.
Logbook Rules is not a requirement for the CDL permit or endorsements but it's critical for doing your job. This is a very thorough section which covers all of the rules governing the logbook.
Weight Distribution is not a requirement for the permit or endorsements but is critical for doing your job. It will cover cargo loading, weight distribution, fuel calculations, and center of gravity.
Flatbed Cargo Securement is not required unless you're pulling a flatbed. This section covers tiedown components, securing devices, working load limits, and requirements for different types of freight.
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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.
You will have to pay a fee to take the knowledge tests, whether you pass or fail.
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:
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
You can view the DC CDL Manual here.
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).
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.
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:
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