Free District of Columbia CDL Practice Test — Updated for 2025

To get a CDL in Washington, D.C., you must pass the CDL knowledge exams. This page gives you free District of Columbia CDL practice tests for General Knowledge, Air Brakes, Combination Vehicles, Hazmat, Passenger, School Bus, Tankers, and Doubles/Triples. Each test shows one question at a time, gives instant feedback, and explains the answer. Updated for 2025 to match current DMV rules.

District of Columbia CDL at a Glance (Plain-English Summary)

  • Age & eligibility:
    18+ for intrastate driving, within D.C., 21 for interstate, passengers, or hazmat.
  • License:
    Must have a valid Delaware driver’s license.
  • Medical card:
    CDL drivers must carry a valid DOT Medical Examiner’s Certificate unless exempt.
  • CLP:
    Written knowledge exams required to get a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP).
  • ELDT:
    Entry‑Level Driver Training required federally for Class A/B and H, S, P endorsements.
  • Skills test:
    CLP held at least 14 days before skills test (pre‑trip, basic control, road).
  • Hazmat:
    Requires TSA background check and Hazmat knowledge test.
  • Testing agency:
    Managed by the Delaware DMV.

What’s on the District of Columbia CDL Knowledge Tests

General Knowledge

— inspections, safe driving, emergencies, cargo, road sharing, distracted driving.

Air Brakes

— brake systems, dual air, gauges, stopping distance, brake fade.

Combination Vehicles

— coupling/uncoupling, rollover, jackknife, inspections.

Hazardous Materials (H)

— hazmat classes, placards, segregation, shipping papers, TSA

Passenger (P) & School Bus (S)

— hazmat classes, placards, segregation, shipping papers, TSA

Tankers (N)

— surge/slosh, rollover, safe speed, inspections.

Doubles/Triples (T)

— converter dollies, coupling, rollover prevention.

Pre‑Trip Inspection

— engine, tires, suspension, brakes, lights, in‑cab, safety gear.

Required for All CDL Drivers

These tests are mandatory for all Commercial Driver's License applicants

About General Knowledge Tests

Basic rules, regulations, and safe driving practices for commercial vehicles

General Knowledge Test 1

Basic CDL knowledge and traffic laws

📝 50 Questions 🎯 80% to pass
Start Test

General Knowledge Test 2

Vehicle safety and inspection procedures

📝 50 Questions 🎯 80% to pass
Start Test

General Knowledge Test 3

Driving techniques and hazard awareness

📝 50 Questions 🎯 80% to pass
Start Test

General Knowledge Test 4

Transportation of cargo and passengers

📝 50 Questions 🎯 80% to pass
Start Test

General Knowledge Test 5

Emergency procedures and vehicle maintenance

📝 50 Questions 🎯 80% to pass
Start Test

General Knowledge Test 6

Final comprehensive review test

📝 50 Questions 🎯 80% to pass
Start Test
About Air Brakes Tests

Air brake systems, inspection, and operation procedures

Air Brakes Test 1

Basic air brake system components and operation

📝 25 Questions 🎯 80% to pass
Start Test

Air Brakes Test 2

Air brake inspection and testing procedures

📝 25 Questions 🎯 80% to pass
Start Test

Air Brakes Test 3

Emergency procedures and troubleshooting

📝 25 Questions 🎯 80% to pass
Start Test

Air Brakes Test 4

Advanced air brake systems and safety

📝 25 Questions 🎯 80% to pass
Start Test
About Pre-Trip Inspection Tests

Vehicle inspection procedures and safety checks

Pre-Trip Inspection Test 1

Engine compartment and cab inspection

📝 20 Questions 🎯 80% to pass
Start Test

Pre-Trip Inspection Test 2

Exterior vehicle inspection

📝 20 Questions 🎯 80% to pass
Start Test

Pre-Trip Inspection Test 3

Trailer and coupling system inspection

📝 20 Questions 🎯 80% to pass
Start Test

Endorsement Tests

Additional certifications for specialized commercial driving

About Combination Vehicles Tests

Tractor-trailers, truck and trailer combinations

Combination Vehicles Test 1

Coupling and uncoupling procedures

📝 20 Questions 🎯 80% to pass
Start Test

Combination Vehicles Test 2

Inspection of combination vehicles

📝 20 Questions 🎯 80% to pass
Start Test

Combination Vehicles Test 3

Driving combination vehicles safely

📝 20 Questions 🎯 80% to pass
Start Test

Combination Vehicles Test 4

Backing and maneuvering techniques

📝 20 Questions 🎯 80% to pass
Start Test

Combination Vehicles Test 5

Advanced combination vehicle operation

📝 20 Questions 🎯 80% to pass
Start Test
About Hazmat Tests

Hazardous materials transportation and safety

Hazmat Test 1

Hazmat classification and identification

📝 30 Questions 🎯 80% to pass
Start Test

Hazmat Test 2

Loading and handling procedures

📝 30 Questions 🎯 80% to pass
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Hazmat Test 3

Documentation and placarding

📝 30 Questions 🎯 80% to pass
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Hazmat Test 4

Emergency response and safety procedures

📝 30 Questions 🎯 80% to pass
Start Test
About Passenger Vehicles Tests

Buses and vehicles designed to transport passengers

Passenger Vehicle Test 1

Pre-trip inspection for passenger vehicles

📝 20 Questions 🎯 80% to pass
Start Test

Passenger Vehicle Test 2

Loading and unloading passengers

📝 20 Questions 🎯 80% to pass
Start Test

Passenger Vehicle Test 3

Passenger safety and emergency procedures

📝 20 Questions 🎯 80% to pass
Start Test

Passenger Vehicle Test 4

Special situations and regulations

📝 20 Questions 🎯 80% to pass
Start Test
About School Bus Tests

School bus operation and student transportation safety

School Bus Test 1

Loading and unloading students

📝 20 Questions 🎯 80% to pass
Start Test

School Bus Test 2

Emergency exits and evacuation procedures

📝 20 Questions 🎯 80% to pass
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School Bus Test 3

Student management and safety

📝 20 Questions 🎯 80% to pass
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School Bus Test 4

Special hazards and situations

📝 20 Questions 🎯 80% to pass
Start Test
About Tanker Vehicles Tests

Liquid cargo transportation and tank vehicle operation

Tanker Vehicle Test 1

Tanker vehicle inspection and safety

📝 20 Questions 🎯 80% to pass
Start Test

Tanker Vehicle Test 2

Driving techniques for liquid cargo

📝 20 Questions 🎯 80% to pass
Start Test

Tanker Vehicle Test 3

Loading, unloading, and emergency procedures

📝 20 Questions 🎯 80% to pass
Start Test
About Doubles/Triples Tests

Double and triple trailer combinations

Doubles/Triples Test 1

Coupling and inspection procedures

📝 20 Questions 🎯 80% to pass
Start Test

Doubles/Triples Test 2

Driving techniques and safety

📝 20 Questions 🎯 80% to pass
Start Test

Doubles/Triples Test 3

Emergency procedures and troubleshooting

📝 20 Questions 🎯 80% to pass
Start Test

FAQs — District of Columbia CDL

Additional certifications for specialized commercial driving

Q1- Who needs a CDL in D.C.?

Drivers of:
  • Vehicles GVWR 26,001 lb+
  • Combinations 26,001 lb+ GCWR if trailer over 10,001 lb.
  • Vehicles for 16+ passengers including driver.
  • Hazmat placarded vehicles.

Q2- Minimum age for CDL in D.C.?

18 intrastate, 21 interstate/hazmat/passenger.

Q3- DOT medical card required?

Yes.

Q4- What is ELDT?

Entry‑Level Driver Training federally for Class A/B and H, S, P endorsements.

Q5- CLP holding time?

At least 14 days

Q6- Who administers CDL tests?

The District of Columbia DMV

Q7- Passing score?

80%

Q8- CDL tests in Spanish?

Some CDL knowledge tests may be offered in Spanish. Confirm with the D.C. DMV.

Q9- Hazmat requirements?

TSA background check + Hazmat test.

Q10- What to bring test day?

D.C. license, CLP, medical card, ELDT proof, and a vehicle for skills test.