All drivers applying for their original (first) commercial driver license must take and pass the appropriate CDL

knowledge (written) tests and a skills test.

Drivers with a CDL from another state must always take the H-Hazardous Materials endorsement written test to

keep the H-endorsement. Transferring drivers must also pass the appropriate knowledge tests when changing

their group designator, removing restrictions or adding endorsements. They may also need to take the CDL skills

tests if upgrading their group designator, removing restrictions or adding a passenger (P) or school bus (S)

endorsement to their CDL.

You will take one or more knowledge tests. The following chart summarizes the type of tests and number of

Group A  70 Questions   Yes  * This includes a 20-question combination vehicle test.

Group B  50 Questions   Yes

Group C  50 Questions   Yes

T – Double Trailer               20 Questions            

P – Passenger                   20 Questions

S – School Bus                  20 Questions

N – Tank Vehicles              30 Questions

H – Hazardous Materials     30 Questions

If you want to be licensed to drive vehicles with air brakes, you must pass a 25-question air brake

knowledge test. The vehicle you use for the skills test must be equipped with air brakes. If either of

All CDL knowledge tests are administered in written form. A minimum passing score of 80% is required to pass

each test. If you have limited reading skills, you may request to take the oral tests which are available on

audiocassettes for all the tests except the hazardous materials and school bus endorsement tests. Anyone

applying for the H-Hazardous Materials and/or S- School Bus endorsement must pass a written knowledge test.

Memory Aid is available on the last page of this manual [Appendix C] and may be used during the test.

All three parts are conducted during the same testing session, in the order listed above. Each portion must be

passed before continuing on to the next. A failure of any segment terminates testing. On subsequent attempts,

you must always start with the vehicle inspection regardless of which part you previously failed. You are allowed

one (1) attempt per day. The Secretary of State has the right to randomly retest anyone tested by a third party

tester.

CDL Skills Test  Click Here ( make sure your pop up blocker is off )

Adding a P-Passenger endorsement to your current Group A or B vehicle group designation and completing

your CDL skills test in a Group C bus, will limit the P-Passenger endorsement to operation of a Group C bus.

Adding a P-Passenger and S-School Bus endorsement to your current Group A or B vehicle group

designation and completing your CDL skills test in a school bus, will limit the P-Passenger and S-School Bus

endorsement to operation of Group C school buses.

A special seasonal restricted CDL is available for agri-business employees operating Group B and C vehicles on

routes within 150 miles from the place of business. Buses and school buses cannot be operated with this

restricted license. Although CDL knowledge and skills tests are not required, applicants must have held a valid

driver license for at least one year and possess a clean driving record for the three-year period preceding

application for the seasonal CDL.

This limited CDL must be applied for each calendar year. Within a one-year period, applicants can choose to

have the CDL valid for 180 days from date of issue or valid for the seasonal periods from April 2 through June

30 and September 2 through November 30. The restricted CDL permits the driver to transport the following

•

Base Operator $25

Base Chauffeur $35

CDL Vehicle Group Designation $25

CDL Endorsements (if any)

$5 each

Correction Fee (if applicable) $18

and scheduling requirements with the third party organization that you have selected before taking your test.