Pennsylvania CDL Practice Test

Correct answer: 18 years old

Pennsylvania issues Class A, B, and C CDLs to qualified drivers 18 years of age or older. But you must be at least 21 to operate a commercial motor vehicle in interstate commerce — that federal rule applies to all classes.

Correct answer: Form DL-31CD (permit application) plus form DL-11CD (self-certification)

You apply for your CDL permit(s) with form DL-31CD, the Application for Commercial Learner’s Permit, and you must also self-certify your type of driving with form DL-11CD. Both are available at pa.gov/dmv.

Correct answer: A document that lets you take CDL knowledge tests — it is not a driving permit

The KTA lists the CDL classes, endorsements, and restriction removals you applied for and authorizes you to take the knowledge tests at a Driver License Center. It cannot be used to practice driving — the learner’s permit is issued only after you pass the knowledge test.

Correct answer: One year, with three tries to pass the knowledge test(s)

The KTA is valid for one year from issuance and gives you three tries to pass the knowledge test(s). You also have one year to pass all knowledge and skills tests — after that you must reapply with a DL-31CD.

Correct answer: At least 15 days

Pennsylvania law requires a 15-day wait from the date your learner’s permit is issued until your skills test — one day longer than the 14-day federal minimum. You may schedule the test right after passing the knowledge test.

Correct answer: It is recalculated from the new issuance date of the permit

Any change or upgrade to your CDL learner’s permit restarts the clock: the 15-day wait is recalculated based on the new issuance date of the permit.

Correct answer: 70 questions

PennDOT publishes the counts: the Class A written knowledge test has 70 questions, while Class B and Class C each have 50. The air-brake (L/Z restriction removal) knowledge test has 25 questions.

Correct answer: Driving Safely, Transporting Cargo Safely, and Combination Vehicles — plus Air Brakes if the vehicle has them

The manual’s study chart tells Class A applicants to study Section 2 (Driving Safely), Section 3 (Transporting Cargo Safely), and Section 6 (Combination Vehicles) — and Section 5 (Air Brakes) if the vehicle is air-brake equipped. Questions may also be drawn from other related sections.

Correct answer: Vehicle inspection, then basic vehicle control, then on-road driving

The three general skills must be completed and passed in order: vehicle inspection first, then basic vehicle control, then the on-road driving test — taken in the type of vehicle you want to be licensed for.

Correct answer: Holds a valid license for that vehicle type, sits beside you, and is at least 21

Your accompanying driver must have a valid driver’s license for the type of vehicle you are driving, must occupy the seat beside you, and must be at least 21 years of age.

Correct answer: You may hit someone or something behind you

Don’t roll back when you start — you may hit a vehicle or person behind you. With a manual transmission, partly engage the clutch before taking your right foot off the brake.

Correct answer: Partly engage the clutch before taking your foot off the brake, using the parking brake as needed

Partly engage the clutch before you take your right foot off the brake, and put on the parking brake whenever needed to keep from rolling back — releasing it only once you have enough engine power.

Correct answer: Rough acceleration can cause mechanical damage and, when towing, damage the coupling

Speed up smoothly so the vehicle does not jerk. Rough acceleration can cause mechanical damage, and when pulling a trailer it can damage the coupling between the units.

Correct answer: Take your foot off the accelerator

Speed up very gradually when traction is poor. If you use too much power the drive wheels may spin and you could lose control — if they start to spin, take your foot off the accelerator.

Correct answer: Firmly with both hands, on opposite sides of the wheel

Hold the wheel firmly with both hands on opposite sides. If you hit a curb or pothole, the wheel can jerk out of your hands unless you have a firm hold.

Correct answer: Fasten the belt before driving on the road; set the parking brake when you leave the vehicle

Fasten your seatbelt when on the road, and apply the parking brake whenever you leave your vehicle. These are basic habits of safe commercial vehicle control.

Correct answer: Push the brake pedal down gradually to control pressure for a smooth, safe stop

Push the brake pedal down gradually; the pressure needed depends on your speed and how quickly you must stop. Control the pressure so the vehicle stops smoothly and safely.

Correct answer: When the engine is close to idle

When stopping with a manual transmission, push the clutch in when the engine is close to idle. Pushing it in too early wastes engine braking and can lengthen your stop.

Correct answer: You cannot see everything behind the vehicle

Because you can’t see everything behind you, backing is always dangerous. Avoid it when you can — try to park so you can pull forward when you leave.

Correct answer: As slowly as possible, using the lowest reverse gear

Always back as slowly as possible using the lowest reverse gear. That way you can more easily correct steering errors and stop quickly if necessary.