The CDL exam: knowledge tests, skills test and how long it takes
The CDL exam has two stages. First you pass your state’s knowledge tests, with at least 80 percent correct on each, and receive a commercial learner’s permit. After at least 14 days with the permit, and entry-level driver training where it applies, you take a three-part skills test: vehicle inspection, basic controls and road test. The federal minimum between permit and skills test is 14 days; the rest depends on your training and your state.
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Stage 1: the knowledge tests
Every applicant takes the general knowledge test. Depending on your vehicle you add others; California’s handbook, as a state example, lists the air brakes test for vehicles with air brakes and the combination vehicles test for combinations, and endorsements such as tanks, doubles and triples, passengers, school bus and hazmat each have their own knowledge test.
States build these tests from an FMCSA pre-approved question pool. Each test has a set number of questions with a prescribed share from each knowledge area, and a quarter of the questions must be new compared with the previous version. The federal rules do not fix one question count or time limit for all states.
Source: eCFR — 49 CFR 383.133 Test methods. Checked 19 October 2026.
Passing the knowledge tests and retakes
You must answer at least 80 percent of the questions correctly on each knowledge test. If you fail, the retake is a different version of the test.
Attempts are a state rule. California allows three attempts to pass each required knowledge test; after the third fail on the same test the application is no longer valid and you must reapply.
Source: eCFR — 49 CFR 383.135 Passing knowledge and skills tests. Checked 19 October 2026.
Stage 2: the skills test
The skills test has three parts, and you must pass all three: the vehicle inspection test, the basic controls test and the road test. Each part is scored against the federal examiner manual for the type of vehicle you test in, not as a percentage.
In California, skills tests are given only by appointment, and you have three attempts at the entire skills test on one application. Some states issue the CDL on the same day; others mail it.
Source: FMCSA — How do I get a Commercial Driver’s License?. Checked 19 October 2026.
How long does it take to get your CDL license?
How long does it take to get your CDL license depends mostly on training and test appointments. The federal rules set only a few fixed points, and they give you a frame rather than a single number.
- Minimum wait: you cannot take the skills test in the first 14 days after your CLP is first issued.
- Maximum CLP life: no more than one year from first issuance; California issues it for 180 days, renewable once within that year.
- Training window: except for the H endorsement, entry-level theory and behind-the-wheel training must be completed within one year of finishing the first part.
- State application window: in California, the application and fee are valid for 12 months.
Source: eCFR — 49 CFR 383.25 Commercial learner’s permit (CLP). Checked 19 October 2026.
How long to get CDL license: what speeds it up
Official sources do not publish a typical total time. What you control: passing every knowledge test on the first attempt, finishing training without gaps, and booking the skills test appointment early, since states such as California test only by appointment.
Certsqill’s CDL question bank has expert-developed questions, an explanation for every answer option and a readiness score per area, so you know when you are clearly above 80 percent before you book the knowledge tests.
Source: California DMV — Commercial Driver’s Licenses (state example). Checked 19 October 2026.
CDL exam: questions people ask
How long does it take to get a CDL licence?
At least 14 days pass between your CLP and the skills test. Beyond that it depends on training and appointments; the CLP itself lasts no more than one year. Source: 49 CFR 383.25, checked 19 October 2026.
What is the passing score on the CDL exam?
At least 80 percent correct on each knowledge test. The skills test is scored against the examiner manual. Source: 49 CFR 383.135, checked 19 October 2026.
How many questions are on the CDL exam?
Each state sets a fixed number per test from an FMCSA-approved pool; there is no single federal number. Source: 49 CFR 383.133, checked 19 October 2026.
What happens if I fail a CDL knowledge test?
You get a different version on the retake. Attempts are a state rule: California allows three per test. Sources: 49 CFR 383.133 and California DMV, checked 19 October 2026.
What are the three parts of the CDL skills test?
Vehicle inspection, basic controls and the road test. You must pass all three. Source: FMCSA, checked 19 October 2026.
