Free Washington D.C. CDL Practice Tests — Your Complete Study Guide
Pass your Washington D.C. CDL permit exam with 80%+ on the first try
Updated: August 2026
What You Need to Study
General Knowledge
The foundation of your CDL exam. Covers traffic laws, safe driving techniques, vehicle inspection procedures, cargo handling, and federal regulations every commercial driver must understand.
Combination Vehicles
Essential for driving tractor-trailers. Covers coupling and uncoupling procedures, rollover prevention, inspecting combination vehicles, and safely maneuvering with attached trailers.
Air Brakes
Required for any vehicle equipped with air brakes. Covers how air brake systems work, dual air brake systems, inspecting air brakes, and using them safely in all conditions.
Endorsement Tests
HazMat
Required for transporting hazardous materials. Covers placarding, labeling, loading procedures, emergency response, and compliance with federal hazmat regulations.
Tanker
Required for driving tank vehicles used to transport liquids or gases in bulk. Covers safe loading, unloading, and driving techniques specific to tanker operations.
Doubles & Triples
Required for pulling double or triple trailers. Covers coupling and uncoupling multiple trailers, safe driving practices, and inspection procedures for multi-trailer rigs.
Passenger
Required for operating vehicles designed to transport 16 or more passengers. Covers passenger safety, loading, emergency exits, and pre-trip inspection requirements.
Free Washington D.C. CDL Practice Tests — Your Complete Study Guide
What should you do when merging?
- Merge at a much lower speed than the flow of traffic.
- Use your mirrors to make sure the gap in traffic is large enough for you to enter safely.
- Merge without signaling.
Documents related to hazardous materials transportation must be stored ___.
- In the pouch of the driver door.
- Attached to the sun visor.
- In a box on the trailer.
Which of these statements about driving through a tunnel is correct?
- Keep windows open for fresh air.
- Turn off all lights inside the truck.
- There may be strong winds when exiting.
Among these vehicles, which is more likely to experience off-tracking during turns?
- Tractor with 45-feet trailer.
- 28-feet box truck
- 45-feet straight truck
Under what circumstances should you sound your horn?
- If it helps to avoid a crash.
- To let others know you are running late.
- To say hello to a friend on the sidewalk.
Identify the incorrect statement regarding alcohol consumption.
- A drinker can control how fast his or her body absorbs alcohol.
- Alcohol goes directly from the stomach to the blood stream.
- BAC is determined by how fast you drink; how much you drink and how much you eat.
If your vehicle is missing ____ or more leaves from any leaf spring, it won't be allowed to be used.
- 1/3
- 1/4
- 1/2
Select the correct statement regarding the transportation of hazardous materials.
- Any truck carrying any amount of hazardous materials must have placards.
- Hazardous materials can be disposed of in regular trash bins if the containers are sealed.
- All hazardous materials present health and safety danger.
To figure out how much alcohol is in someone's blood (BAC), you need to know:
- Their height.
- The time of day they drink alcohol
- Their weight.
What is the right way to hold a steering wheel?
- With one hand on the top of the wheel and the other on your lap.
- With your knees, while using your hands to adjust the radio.
- With both hands, on opposite sides of the wheel.
What Are You Preparing For?
Select one or more options so we can show you exactly which tests you need to take.
What You Need to Study
General Knowledge
16 sections · 800 questions
The foundation of your CDL exam. Covers traffic laws, safe driving techniques, vehicle inspection procedures, cargo handling, and federal regulations every commercial driver must understand.
Combination Vehicles
9 sections · 180 questions
Essential for driving tractor-trailers. Covers coupling and uncoupling procedures, rollover prevention, inspecting combination vehicles, and safely maneuvering with attached trailers.
Air Brakes
6 sections · 150 questions
Required for any vehicle equipped with air brakes. Covers how air brake systems work, dual air brake systems, inspecting air brakes, and using them safely in all conditions.
Endorsement Tests
Additional endorsements you may need depending on the type of vehicle or cargo you plan to operate.
HazMat
9 sections · 202 questions
Required for transporting hazardous materials. Covers placarding, labeling, loading procedures, emergency response, and compliance with federal hazmat regulations.
Tanker
6 sections · 133 questions
Required for driving tank vehicles used to transport liquids or gases in bulk. Covers safe loading, unloading, and driving techniques specific to tanker operations.
Doubles & Triples
7 sections · 144 questions
Required for pulling double or triple trailers. Covers coupling and uncoupling multiple trailers, safe driving practices, and inspection procedures for multi-trailer rigs.
Passenger
6 sections · 123 questions
Required for operating vehicles designed to transport 16 or more passengers. Covers passenger safety, loading, emergency exits, and pre-trip inspection requirements.
Your Path to a Commercial Driver's License
To get a CDL, you must first study for and pass the permit exam at the DMV. After you receive your permit, you can take commercial vehicle driving classes and complete the required training. The final step is passing the official driving exam to earn your CDL. Our practice tests help you prepare for the DMV permit exam with real-style questions, and we also provide extra study materials and helpful resources to guide you through the process.
To obtain a CDL in Washington D.C., you must pass the written permit tests that match your license class — General Knowledge for everyone, plus Combination Vehicles and Air Brakes where they apply — at the Washington D.C. Department of Motor Vehicles. Similar to a regular driver's license permit exam, these are timed, multiple-choice tests based on the official Washington D.C. CDL handbook.
All of our practice material is built from the official Washington D.C. CDL handbook and federal resources, and curated by professionals with over 10 years of experience in the commercial transportation industry. Studying with practice tests that mirror the real exam format is one of the most effective ways to pass on your first try.
On this page you'll find free practice tests for all three sections. All 2,500+ questions and the study tools are in the app with a subscription — download the CDL Help app.
Washington D.C. CDL Knowledge Test: Format & Requirements
The CDL knowledge (written) test follows the same federal standards in Washington D.C. as nationwide. Here's what to expect.
Questions by test
The 80% passing score is a federal standard (FMCSA, 49 CFR 383.135). Question counts follow the AAMVA model used by most states and can vary by state. Always confirm current details with your state's official CDL handbook.
Washington D.C. CDL Fees & Licensing
State-charged fees as of June 2026. Amounts change — confirm current fees with the official agency.
CDL Requirements in Washington D.C.
State DMVState DMVState DMVState DMV49 CFR §391.11
- Citizenship and immigration-status requirements apply and changed under 2026 federal rules — verify your eligibility directly with the District of Columbia Department of Motor Vehicles (DC DMV) before applying (see Official Sources below).
- Must be at least 21 years old for a standard DC CDL, or 18 for the District’s intrastate-only CDL (which carries no H, N, P, S or T endorsements and requires two years of driving experience).
- Must already hold a valid DC non-commercial driver license (NCDL); if it is not a REAL ID you also present proof of your Social Security number and two proofs of District residency.
- Must be a U.S. citizen or hold a valid permanent resident card. If you are legally present under a USCIS-approved program without permanent-residency proof, DC DMV issues a CDL marked non-domiciled.
- Provide a 10-year driver history report from every state that has licensed you — DC DMV checks driving history in all 50 states.
- Complete the mandatory Human Trafficking Awareness training (District law, DCMR Title 18 § 1303, effective July 12, 2021) — about 15 minutes online — before DC DMV issues a commercial learner permit.
- Since June 23, 2025, your DOT medical certification must be submitted electronically by a certified medical examiner through FMCSA’s National Registry II portal; DC DMV no longer accepts a paper card from you. Recertify every two years.
- Take the knowledge tests at the Deanwood Road Test/CDL Services Office — English only, $10 per test whether you pass or fail, with a 90-minute limit on the general knowledge test and 60 minutes on each endorsement test.
- Fail a knowledge test and you wait 3 calendar days to retry; six failures within 12 months blocks a seventh attempt until 12 months after the first failure.
- Purchase the $78 commercial driver learner permit. You must hold it at least 30 calendar days — double the federal 14-day floor — before DC DMV will even let you schedule the road skills test. It is valid one year and non-renewable.
- Entry-Level Driver Training is required for a first Class A or B CDL, a Class B-to-A upgrade, and a first School Bus, Passenger or Hazmat endorsement; for Hazmat the training must finish before the knowledge test, not the skills test.
- The road skills test is given at a leased lot in Landover, Maryland (the District has no CDL road course of its own) — book online or by calling 311, bring a CDL-licensed escort 21 or older, and pay $10 whether you pass or fail. A money order is the only payment the lot accepts.
- Pay the $117 commercial driver license fee — one price for Class A, B and C — to upgrade the permit to an eight-year CDL after passing the road skills test.
Official Washington D.C. CDL Handbook
The official DC DMV Commercial Driver License Manual (2005 CDL Testing System, version July 2014) covers every topic tested on the District's CDL knowledge exam — but its dense, reference-style format makes it difficult for self-study. A more effective preparation tool is our set of General Knowledge practice tests. Our free District of Columbia CDL permit practice test is structured to closely match the format and content of the official exam. Each test includes 20 questions covering critical topics such as vehicle inspection, safe driving techniques, air brakes, cargo securement, driving emergencies, hazardous conditions, and DC-specific commercial driving regulations. Unlike the official test, every practice question comes with a helpful hint and a detailed explanation of the correct answer — so you learn from every question, not just the ones you get right.
- Complete CDL regulations and Washington D.C.-specific requirements
- Safe driving techniques, vehicle inspection, and cargo handling
- All endorsement categories and testing requirements
CDL Practice Tests in Nearby States
Testing near Washington D.C.? Practice for a neighboring state's CDL exam too.
Non-Domiciled CDL Information
Important information about non-domiciled commercial driver's licenses in Washington D.C..
Federal regulations on non-domiciled CDLs are changing rapidly. The information below reflects the latest known state actions.
DC DMV states its non-domiciled rule directly on its eligibility page: if you do not have proof of lawful permanent residency but are legally in the country under a program approved by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, District law requires DC DMV to issue you a CDL marked as non-domiciled rather than refuse you one outright.
Under the FMCSA final rule published February 13, 2026 (effective March 16, 2026), eligibility for a foreign-domiciled CLP or CDL nationwide is limited to H-2A, H-2B and E-2 status, Employment Authorization Documents no longer qualify on their own, and licensing agencies must verify status through the federal SAVE database. DC DMV has not published a separate statement narrowing or pausing its own non-domiciled issuance beyond this federal baseline. CDL Help does not provide legal or immigration advice, and these requirements are changing quickly — confirm your specific situation directly with DC DMV and the official FMCSA resources linked below.[FMCSA Final Rule]
English Language Proficiency (ELP)
Federal ELP enforcement applies to all CDL holders nationwide.
Federal ELP enforcement applies to all CDL holders nationwide. Here is how it is enforced in Washington D.C..
DC DMV requires every CDL knowledge test to be taken in English — no other language option is published. All Commercial Driver License holders are also subject to federal English Language Proficiency (ELP) enforcement, which took effect on June 25, 2025: roadside inspectors conduct a two-step assessment (a conversational English interview with no interpreters or translation tools, followed by a highway traffic sign recognition test), and a driver who fails either step is placed out of service under CVSA guidelines. DC CDL applicants should be prepared to demonstrate English proficiency during any roadside inspection or compliance review.
Washington D.C. CDL facts
| Fact | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial driver learner permit (CLP) | $78 | dmv.dc.gov |
| Commercial driver license (first-time and renewal) | $117One price for Class A, B and C — DC DMV does not split the fee by class | dmv.dc.gov |
| CDL knowledge test | $10 per testCharged whether you pass or fail | dmv.dc.gov |
| CDL road skills test | $10Charged for each road test you take, pass or fail | dmv.dc.gov |
| Adding a CDL endorsement | $20 | dmv.dc.gov |
| Duplicate CDL | $20 | dmv.dc.gov |
| CDL downgrade | $20Charged when commercial privileges are removed from the licence | dmv.dc.gov |
| Road test cancellation | $30Charged if you cancel less than two business days before the test | dmv.dc.gov |
| Card service fee | 2.5% on all debit and credit card transactionseffective December 15, 2025 | dmv.dc.gov |
| Payment at the CDL offices | No cash at the Deanwood Road Test/CDL Office or the CDL Testing FacilityThe Landover road test lot takes money orders only | dmv.dc.gov |
| Knowledge test languages | English only | dmv.dc.gov |
| Time limit — general knowledge test | 90 minutes | dmv.dc.gov |
| Time limit — endorsement knowledge test | 60 minutes | dmv.dc.gov |
| Running out of time | Exceeding the time limit fails the test | dmv.dc.gov |
| Knowledge test retake wait | 3 calendar daysEligible again on the fourth day | dmv.dc.gov |
| Knowledge test attempts | Six failures in a 12-month period block a seventh test until 12 months after the first failure | dmv.dc.gov |
| Knowledge test fee is charged either way | Payable whether you pass or fail | dmv.dc.gov |
| Where knowledge tests are given | Deanwood Road Test/CDL Services Office, 1421 Kenilworth Avenue NEKnowledge exams Tue–Sat, closing at 2 pm | dmv.dc.gov |
| Study material | The DC DMV CDL Manual (2005 CDL Testing System, version July 2014) | dmv.dc.gov |
| Knowledge tests for a Class A CDL | General Commercial, Combination and Airbrakes | dmv.dc.gov |
| Knowledge tests for a Class B CDL | General Commercial and Airbrakes | dmv.dc.gov |
| Knowledge tests for a Class C CDL | General Commercial | dmv.dc.gov |
| Endorsements with no road skills test | T (double/triple trailers), H (hazardous materials) and N (tank) | dmv.dc.gov |
| When H and N can be added | Only after the Class A, B or C REAL ID CDL has been issuedNever on a commercial learner permit | dmv.dc.gov |
| CLP validity | One year; non-renewableeffective February 26, 2019 | dmv.dc.gov |
| Minimum CLP holding period | 30 calendar daysDC requires 30 days before you may even schedule the road skills test — more than the 14-day federal floor | dmv.dc.gov |
| If the CLP expires | You must retest to get it again | dmv.dc.gov |
| Driving on a CLP | Only when accompanied by a driver licensed to operate that class of vehicle | dmv.dc.gov |
| Endorsements a CLP can carry | School bus (S) and passenger (P) only, with restrictionsH, N, T and X are added after the CDL is issued | dmv.dc.gov |
| Minimum age | 21 for a DC CDL; 18 for the District’s intrastate-only CDL | dmv.dc.gov |
| Prior licence required | A valid DC non-commercial driver license (NCDL)If it is not a REAL ID you must also show proof of your SSN and two proofs of District residency | dmv.dc.gov |
| Citizenship or immigration status | US citizen, or a non-US citizen with a valid permanent resident card | dmv.dc.gov |
| Non-domiciled CDL | Issued to applicants legally in the US under a USCIS-approved program who cannot prove permanent residency | dmv.dc.gov |
| Driving history | A 10-year driver history report from every state that has licensed youDC DMV checks driving history in all 50 states | dmv.dc.gov |
| DOT medical certification | Submitted electronically by a certified medical examiner through FMCSA’s NR-II portalDC DMV no longer accepts a paper DOT medical card from the drivereffective June 23, 2025 | dmv.dc.gov |
| Medical certification renewal | Every two years | dmv.dc.gov |
| Entry-Level Driver Training | Required for a first Class A or B CDL, a Class B to A upgrade, and a first S, P or H endorsementFor the H endorsement the training must be completed before the knowledge testeffective February 7, 2022 | dmv.dc.gov |
| Human Trafficking Awareness training | Required before a CLP is issued or an out-of-state CDL is converted; about 15 minutes, onlineDCMR Title 18, Section 1303effective July 12, 2021 | dmv.dc.gov |
| Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse | A “prohibited” status removes commercial privileges until the return-to-duty process is completeeffective November 18, 2024 | dmv.dc.gov |
| What to bring to the knowledge test | Valid DC NCDL, US passport or certified birth certificate (or permanent resident card), and the completed DOT medical exam | dmv.dc.gov |
| Who cannot get a DC CDL | Anyone with a revoked or suspended NCDL, a scheduled moving-violation hearing, or an unresolved citation in another jurisdiction | dmv.dc.gov |
| Road skills test appointment | Required — book with the online Road Test Appointment Scheduler or call 311 | dmv.dc.gov |
| How long the road skills test takes | Approximately two hours | dmv.dc.gov |
| Road test fee is charged either way | Payable for each road test you take, whether you pass or fail | dmv.dc.gov |
| Road skills test retake wait | 3 calendar days after the first failure; at least 90 after the second | dmv.dc.gov |
| Who must come with you | A CDL-licensed driver 21 or older holding at least the class and endorsements you are testing for | dmv.dc.gov |
| Arrival time | 15 minutes before the appointment | dmv.dc.gov |
| Test vehicle | Must match the class and endorsement you are testing for and carry valid registration and insurance | dmv.dc.gov |
| Cancelling a road test | Call 311 at least 48 hours ahead or you are charged a fee and recorded as failed | dmv.dc.gov |
| After you pass | Take the printed result to the Deanwood Commercial Driver License Center to upgrade the permit to a CDL | dmv.dc.gov |
| Where the CDL road test is given | 3000 Pennsy Drive, Landover, MD 20785 — the Landover Metro Station overflow lotA leased Maryland site; the District has no CDL road course of its owneffective October 3, 2017 | dmv.dc.gov |
| Payment at the road test lot | Money orders only | dmv.dc.gov |
| CMV Group A | Any vehicle with a semi-trailer or trailer with two or more axles, or a combination over 26,000 lb GCWR towing more than 10,000 lb | dmv.dc.gov |
| CMV Group B | Any heavy straight vehicle over 26,000 lb GVWR, or one towing a vehicle no heavier than 10,000 lb | dmv.dc.gov |
| CMV Group C | Vehicles built to carry 16 or more passengers, or used to transport materials classified as hazardous | dmv.dc.gov |
| Intrastate CDL | At least 18 years old, a valid NCDL, at least 2 years of driving experience and a good driving history | dmv.dc.gov |
| Intrastate CDL restrictions | Class C vehicles only, and no H, N, P, S or T endorsements | dmv.dc.gov |
| CDL validity | Eight years, renewable | dmv.dc.gov |
| Renewing a DC CDL | Renewable 6 months before expiry at the Deanwood Commercial Driver License Center; expired more than 60 calendar days means retaking the knowledge and road skills tests | dmv.dc.gov |
| Out-of-state CDL holders | Must convert to a DC CDL after more than 30 days in the District | dmv.dc.gov |
| Military road skills test waiver | Active-duty members who drove a CMV-equivalent military vehicle in the last 90 days skip the road skills test but still pass every knowledge testAlso needs two years of military commercial driving and a commanding officer’s certification | dmv.dc.gov |
| Who DC DMV issues a CDL to | Professional drivers who reside in the District | dmv.dc.gov |
| Wearable devices during testing | Smart glasses, AR eyewear and other wearable recording or communication devices are restricted during any DC DMV test | dmv.dc.gov |
| Licensing agency | District of Columbia Department of Motor Vehicles (DC DMV)The District is its own licensing jurisdiction; all CDL testing runs out of the Deanwood Road Test/CDL Services Office | dmv.dc.gov |
How to get a CDL in Washington D.C.
- Hold a valid DC non-commercial driver license (NCDL) and be at least 21 years old — 18 if you are applying for the District’s intrastate-only CDL. Source
- Complete the mandatory Human Trafficking Awareness training — District law requires it before DC DMV will issue a commercial learner permit. It is an online film that takes about 15 minutes and prints a certificate. Source
- Have a DOT medical examination by a certified medical examiner; since June 23, 2025 the examiner submits the result electronically through FMCSA’s NR-II portal and DC DMV no longer accepts a paper DOT card from you. Source
- Bring your valid DC NCDL, proof of US citizenship or a valid permanent resident card and a 10-year driver history report from every state that has licensed you in the past 10 years. Source
- Go to the Deanwood Road Test/CDL Services Office (1421 Kenilworth Avenue NE) and take the knowledge tests for the class and endorsements you want. All knowledge tests are in English only and cost $10 per test, payable whether you pass or fail. Source
- Pay the $78 commercial driver learner permit fee. You leave with a 45-day temporary paper permit; the permanent permit is mailed to your address of record and is valid for one year, non-renewable. Source
- Hold the CLP for at least 30 calendar days — DC will not even let you schedule the road skills test before then. Source
- Complete Entry-Level Driver Training with an FMCSA-registered provider if this is your first Class A or B CDL, a Class B to Class A upgrade, or a first S, P or H endorsement. Source
- Book the road skills test with the online Road Test Appointment Scheduler (or call 311) using the driver license number on your CLP. Cancel at least 48 hours ahead or you are charged a cancellation fee and recorded as failed. Source
- Take the test at the Commercial Driver License Road Test Lot at 3000 Pennsy Drive, Landover, MD (the Landover Metro overflow lot). Arrive 15 minutes early with your CLP, your NCDL, your DOT medical certification card and a correctly classed vehicle carrying valid registration and insurance — and bring a money order, which is the only payment taken there. Source
- Bring a CDL-licensed driver 21 or older who holds at least the class and endorsements you are testing for. The test takes about two hours and the $10 road skills test fee is charged whether you pass or fail. Source
- When you pass, take the printed test result to the Deanwood Commercial Driver License Center and pay the $117 commercial driver license fee to upgrade the permit to an eight-year CDL. Source
Official District of Columbia Department of Motor Vehicles (DC DMV) links
- DC DMV: Commercial Driver License
- DC DMV: Driver License Fees
- DC DMV: CDL Eligibility and Documentation
- DC DMV: CDL Knowledge Tests
- DC DMV: CDL Learner Permits
- DC DMV: CDL Road Skills Tests
- DC DMV: CMV Group and CDL Class and Endorsements
- DC DMV Commercial Driver License Manual (PDF)
- DC DMV: Deanwood Road Test/CDL Services Office
- DC DMV: Commercial Driver License Road Test Lot (Landover, MD)
- DC DMV: Online Road Test Appointment Scheduler
As of September 2, 2026, verified against District of Columbia Department of Motor Vehicles (DC DMV).
Washington D.C. CDL questions
- How much does a CDL cost in Washington, DC?
- Per DC DMV’s driver license fee schedule: $78 for the commercial driver learner permit, $10 per knowledge test, $10 for the road skills test, and $117 for the commercial driver license itself (first-time or renewal, all classes). Adding an endorsement is $20. Test fees are charged whether you pass or fail, and since December 15, 2025 a 2.5% service fee applies to card payments. Training and medical-exam costs are separate. Source
- How long is a DC commercial learner permit valid, and how long must I hold it?
- One year, and it cannot be renewed — once it expires you must retest. You must hold it at least 30 calendar days before you can even schedule the CDL road skills test, which is more than the 14-day federal minimum. The permit only lets you drive the designated class when a driver licensed for that class is with you, and it can carry only the S and P endorsements. Source
- What happens if I fail the DC CDL knowledge test?
- You wait three calendar days and are eligible again on the fourth day — fail on a Tuesday and the earliest retake is Saturday. Fail six times in a 12-month period and you cannot take a seventh test until 12 months after the first failure. You pay the $10 test fee each time. Tests are in English only, the general knowledge test has a 90-minute limit and endorsement tests 60 minutes, and running out of time is an automatic fail. Source
- Where do I take the DC CDL tests?
- Knowledge tests are given only at the Deanwood Road Test/CDL Services Office, 1421 Kenilworth Avenue NE — knowledge exams run Tuesday to Saturday and close at 2 pm. The road skills test is held at the Commercial Driver License Road Test Lot at 3000 Pennsy Drive, Landover, MD (the Landover Metro overflow lot), by appointment only, and money order is the only payment accepted there. Source
- How old do you have to be to get a CDL in the District of Columbia?
- 21, with a valid DC non-commercial driver license. The District also issues an intrastate-only CDL from age 18, but it needs two years of driving experience, covers Class C vehicles only, and cannot carry the H, N, P, S or T endorsements. Source
Save your misses — the app re-asks them at the right time
Web progress isn't saved when you finish. With a subscription, the app keeps every missed question and brings it back with spaced review — and unlocks all 2,500+ questions. Free to start.
4.95,800+ ratingsacross app stores