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Mississippi CDL Practice Test

10 Mississippi-specific questions + General Knowledge · Updated July 12, 2026

The Mississippi CDL General Knowledge test runs 50 questions at the federal 80% standard (miss up to 10). Mississippi administers the CDL knowledge test in English only (as most states now do). This practice set leads with 10 questions specific to Mississippi — the state licensing rules (CLP validity, fees, intrastate age) that generic CDL prep skips — then fills with General Knowledge from the federally standardized material.

50Gen. Knowledge Q
25Air Brakes Q
20Combination Q
80%To pass each

Mississippi's real CDL exam sections. Also take the Air Brakes and Combination Vehicles practice tests.

Answer each question to see the explanation. Your score is tallied against the real passing bar at the end.

1. In Mississippi, which step comes BEFORE the Road Skills Performance Test when you apply for a CDL?

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Correct answer: Passing the Commercial Learner’s Permit written exam

MDPS lists the CDL steps in order: you complete the application and required documents, pass the Commercial Learner’s Permit written exam, and then take the Road Skills Performance Test. You must hold the CLP before the skills test.

2. How long is a Mississippi CDL learner’s permit (CLP) valid?

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Correct answer: 6 months

The MDPS fee schedule lists the "CDL Learners Permit" as valid 6 months — shorter than the 2-year regular learner’s permit and well within the federal 1-year maximum (49 CFR 383.25(c)). Plan to finish testing before it expires.

3. What is the Mississippi fee for a CDL learner’s permit?

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Correct answer: $16.00

MDPS lists the CDL Learners Permit fee as $16.00. Do not confuse it with the $7.00 regular (non-commercial) learner’s permit or the $55.00 five-year CDL license.

4. Before a first-time Class A or Class B applicant can take the required skills or knowledge tests, MDPS requires them to complete:

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Correct answer: Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) from an FMCSA-registered provider

MDPS notes that, beginning February 7, 2022, first-time CDL applicants must complete applicable Entry-Level Driver Training from a provider on FMCSA’s Training Provider Registry (tpr.fmcsa.dot.gov). ELDT is training — it is not a test this app replaces.

5. Are drivers who already held a CDL (or an S, P, or H endorsement) before February 7, 2022 required to complete ELDT for it?

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Correct answer: No — the ELDT rules are not retroactive to credentials held before that date

MDPS states the ELDT regulations are not retroactive: anyone issued a CDL or an S, P, or H endorsement before February 7, 2022 is not required to complete training for that respective credential.

6. When applying for a Mississippi CDL, how many proofs of residency must you provide?

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Correct answer: Two

MDPS requires all CDL applicants to bring a completed and signed application, an original birth certificate (or acceptable document), a Social Security card (or official document showing all 9 digits), TWO proofs of residency, and a valid medical card.

7. Under the MDPS definitions, a Mississippi Class A CDL covers:

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Correct answer: Any combination of vehicles rated 26,001 lb or more that tows a unit rated 10,001 lb or more

MDPS defines Class A as any combination of vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more, or towing a vehicle with a GVWR of 10,001 pounds or more.

8. A Mississippi Class B CDL covers:

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Correct answer: Any single vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating of 26,001 lb or more

MDPS defines Class B as any single vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more (for example, a large straight truck or bus).

9. A Mississippi Class C CDL applies to a single vehicle rated under 26,001 lb only when it is:

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Correct answer: Designed to carry 16 or more passengers (including the driver), or used to haul placarded hazardous materials

MDPS defines Class C as any single vehicle rated less than 26,001 pounds that is designed to transport 16 or more passengers (including the driver), or is used to transport hazardous materials required to be placarded.

10. On a Mississippi CDL, which endorsement letter authorizes pulling double and triple trailers?

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Correct answer: T

MDPS lists T for doubles and triples, N for tank vehicles, and P for vehicles carrying passengers. H is for hazardous materials and S is for school buses.

11. After starting the engine, how quickly should oil pressure reach the normal range?

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Correct answer: Within seconds of starting the engine

Oil pressure should come up to the normal range within seconds after the engine is started. Watch the gauges and warning lights — oil, coolant, and charging warnings should go out right away.

12. What should you check the mirrors and windshield for?

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Correct answer: Cracks, dirt, illegal stickers, or other obstructions to seeing clearly

Inspect mirrors and the windshield for cracks, dirt, illegal stickers, or anything else obstructing a clear view. Clean and adjust them as necessary before driving.

13. Why should you take the ignition key with you during the walk-around inspection?

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Correct answer: So no one can move the vehicle while you inspect it

Turning off the engine and taking the key with you during the walk-around ensures no one starts or moves the vehicle while you are inspecting around and under it.

14. How do you test hydraulic brakes for leaks during a pre-trip inspection?

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Correct answer: Pump the pedal three times, then apply firm pressure for five seconds — it should not move

With hydraulic brakes, pump the brake pedal three times, then apply firm pressure and hold for five seconds. If the pedal moves, there may be a leak or other problem — get it fixed before driving.

15. How do you test whether the parking brake holds?

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Correct answer: With the parking brake set and vehicle in a low gear, gently pull forward against it

Fasten your safety belt, set the parking brake, put the vehicle in a low gear, and gently pull forward against the brake. If it does not hold the vehicle, it is faulty and must be fixed.

16. When testing the service brake stopping action, what might "pulling" to one side indicate?

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Correct answer: Brake trouble

Move about five miles per hour and push the brake pedal firmly. Pulling to one side, unusual pedal feel, or delayed stopping action can all mean brake trouble that must be corrected.

17. When hauling cargo, you must inspect that it is secure within the first 50 miles and then:

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Correct answer: Every 150 miles or every 3 hours, whichever comes first

Drivers of trucks and truck tractors must inspect cargo securement within the first 50 miles of a trip, then re-check it every 150 miles or every 3 hours (whichever comes first).

18. What is the purpose of the after-trip inspection and report?

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Correct answer: To report anything affecting safety or that could lead to a breakdown, so it gets fixed

You may have to make a written report each day on the vehicle’s condition. Report anything affecting safety or that could lead to a mechanical breakdown so the carrier can repair it.

19. If you find something unsafe during your inspection, what must you do?

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Correct answer: Get it fixed — federal and state laws forbid operating an unsafe vehicle

If you find anything unsafe, get it fixed before driving. Federal and state laws forbid operating an unsafe vehicle, and driving one puts you and everyone around you at risk.

20. You must have a commercial driver license (CDL) to operate any single vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of at least:

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Correct answer: 26,001 pounds

A CDL is required to drive any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more. Lighter vehicles may still need a CDL if they carry enough passengers or require hazardous-materials placards.

📱 PermitPal in your browser has the full 356-question CDL bank plus Mississippi's state unit — mock exams in all three real sections (General Knowledge, Air Brakes, Combination) at the federal 80% standard. Free to start, $29.99 once. Also on the App Store and Google Play.