Free New York CDL Practice Test — Updated for 2025

Getting your Commercial Driver’s License in New York starts with the written knowledge tests. This page gives you free, simple New York CDL practice tests for every major section: General Knowledge, Air Brakes, Combination Vehicles, Hazmat, Passenger, School Bus, Tankers, and Doubles/Triples. You’ll see one question at a time, get instant right/wrong feedback, and read a short explanation after each answer. Use these tests to learn the rules, fix weak spots fast, and build real confidence before you walk into your exam.

New York CDL at a Glance (Plain-English Summary)

  • Age:
    You must be 18+ to drive within New York (intrastate), and 21+ to drive interstate, carry passengers, or haul hazardous materials.
  • license :
    You need a valid New York driver’s license and a clean driving record.
  • Medical card:
    Most CDL holders must have a valid DOT Medical Examiner’s Certificate.
  • Knowledge tests → CLP:
    Pass the required written exams for your vehicle class (A/B/C) and endorsements to earn your Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP).
  • Skills test:
    After holding your CLP for at 14 days take the pre-trip, basic control, and road test.
  • ELDT:
    Federal Entry-Level Driver Training applies to new Class A/B and H, S, or P endorsements before taking the skills test.
  • Hazmat:
    Requires both a TSA background check and a separate Hazmat knowledge test.
  • Where to test:
    Knowledge and skills exams are handled by the New York Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or approved third-party testers.
  • Tip:
    Always verify the latest CDL fees and testing information with the New Hampshire DMV before scheduling.

What’s on the New York CDL Knowledge Tests

General Knowledge

— vehicle inspection, driving safety, emergencies, space/speed control, road sharing, and cargo basics.

Air Brakes

— system parts, dual systems, brake fade, stopping distance, and maintenance.

Combination Vehicles

— system parts, dual systems, brake fade, stopping distance, and maintenance.

Hazmat (H)

— placards, labels, loading/unloading, segregation, and emergency procedures.

Passenger (P) & School Bus (S)

— loading, prohibited practices, emergencies, mirror checks, and student safety.

Tankers (N)

— liquid surge, rollover control, safe turns, and inspections.

Doubles/Triples (T)

— converter dollies, coupling order, inspections, and handling.

Pre-Trip

— full walk-around inspection of brakes, tires, lights, coupling, and in-cab safety.

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
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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
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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
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Combination Vehicles Test 2

Inspection of combination vehicles

📝 20 Questions 🎯 80% to pass
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Combination Vehicles Test 3

Driving combination vehicles safely

📝 20 Questions 🎯 80% to pass
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Combination Vehicles Test 4

Backing and maneuvering techniques

📝 20 Questions 🎯 80% to pass
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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
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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
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Passenger Vehicle Test 3

Passenger safety and emergency procedures

📝 20 Questions 🎯 80% to pass
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Passenger Vehicle Test 4

Special situations and regulations

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

School bus operation and student transportation safety

School Bus Test 1

Loading and unloading students

📝 20 Questions 🎯 80% to pass
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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
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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 — New York CDL

Additional certifications for specialized commercial driving

Q1) Who needs a CDL in New York?

Drivers operating vehicles 26,001 lbs+, towing 10,001+ lbs, carrying 16+ passengers, or transporting hazardous materials.

Q2) Minimum age?

18 intrastate, 21 interstate/hazmat/passenger.

Q3) Medical card required?

Yes, DOT physical required for most drivers.

Q4) What is ELDT?

Entry-Level Driver Training, required for all new CDL and endorsement applicants.

Q5) CLP holding period?

At least 14 days before taking the skills test.

Q6) Testing authority?

New York Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or approved third-party examiners.

Q7) Passing score?

80% required to pass.

Q8) Hazmat background check?

TSA clearance required for Hazmat endorsements.

Q9) What to bring on test day?

Driver’s license, CLP, medical card, ELDT proof, and proper test vehicle.