CDL training yard with trucks and students

Free Vermont CDL Practice Tests — Your Complete Study Guide

Pass your Vermont CDL permit exam with 80%+ on the first try

Trusted by CDL drivers — 65,000+ downloads
4 years helping drivers get their permit
Based on official Vermont CDL handbook

Updated: June 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 Vermont CDL Practice Tests — Your Complete Study Guide

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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
  8. 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.
  9. 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.
  10. 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

Semi truck on highway representing general CDL knowledge
1

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.

Section 1

50 questions

Fifth wheel coupling mechanism on a semi truck
2

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.

Section 1

20 questions

Air brake supply and parking brake controls in a truck cab
3

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.

Section 1

25 questions

Endorsement Tests

Additional endorsements you may need depending on the type of vehicle or cargo you plan to operate.

Hazardous materials placards for CDL endorsement test

HazMat

9 sections · 202 questions

Required for transporting hazardous materials. Covers placarding, labeling, loading procedures, emergency response, and compliance with federal hazmat regulations.

Section 1

30 questions

Tanker truck for CDL endorsement test

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.

Section 1

20 questions

Double trailer truck for CDL endorsement test

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.

Section 1

20 questions

Passenger bus for CDL endorsement test

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.

Section 1

20 questions

CDL Help app on mobile device showing a practice test question

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 Vermont, you must pass three written permit tests — General Knowledge, Combination Vehicles, and Air Brakes — at the Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles. Similar to a regular driver's license permit exam, these are timed, multiple-choice tests based on the official Vermont CDL handbook.

All of our practice material is built from the official Vermont 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. For the full question bank and additional study features, download the CDL Help app.

Vermont CDL Knowledge Test: Format & Requirements

The CDL knowledge (written) test follows the same federal standards in Vermont as nationwide. Here's what to expect.

80%
Passing score (every test)
50
General Knowledge questions
18/21
Min. age — in-state / interstate
14
Days holding permit before road test

Questions by test

General Knowledge50 questions
Air Brakes25 questions
Combination Vehicles20 questions
HazMat30 questions
Tanker20 questions
Passenger20 questions
Doubles & Triples20 questions
School Bus20 questions

Passing score, question counts, and test format are federal standards (FMCSA, 49 CFR Part 383). Always confirm current details with your state's official CDL handbook.

Vermont CDL Fees & Licensing

CDL permit (CLP)
$18
CDL license
$108

4-year term

State-charged fees as of June 2026. Amounts change — confirm current fees with the official agency.

CDL Requirements in Vermont

State DMV49 CFR §391.11

  • To obtain a Commercial Driver License (CDL) in Vermont, you must meet the following eligibility requirements:
  • Must be at least 18 years old for intrastate (within Vermont) CDL. An 18-20 year old may obtain a CDL restricted to operation solely within Vermont.
  • Must be at least 21 years old for interstate (crossing state lines) CDL.
  • Vermont must be the applicant's state of domicile. Must hold a valid Vermont Operator's License before applying.
  • Must comply with FMCSA medical standards. Must self-certify one of four categories: NI (Non-Excepted Interstate — current MEC required), EI (Excepted Interstate), NA (Non-Excepted Intrastate — "Vermont Only" MEC required), EA (Excepted Intrastate). Physical exams must be performed by a FMCSA National Registry-certified examiner. Standard MEC valid for up to 2 years.
  • CLP required before CDL. CLP valid for 1 year — no renewals allowed. If it expires, must restart the process. CLP holder must be accompanied by CDL holder at all times.
  • ELDT required for first-time Class A or Class B CDL, upgrades, and first-time S, P, or H endorsements. For H endorsement, ELDT must be completed before knowledge exam. For Class A/B/P/S, ELDT must be completed before skills test.
  • CDL Classes: Class A (GCWR 26,001+ lbs, towed vehicle over 10,000 lbs), Class B (single vehicle GVWR 26,001+ lbs), Class C (16+ passengers or hazmat placarding).
  • Endorsements: H (Hazmat — ELDT required before knowledge exam, TSA Federal Security Threat Assessment via universalenroll.dhs.gov or 855-347-8371), N (Tank Vehicle), T (Double/Triple Trailers), P (Passenger — ELDT + skills test), S (School Bus — ELDT + Vermont school bus clinic valid 6 months + skills test), X (Hazmat + Tank combo).
  • Fees: Knowledge test $39.00; Road test scheduling deposit $29.00; Road test $39.00; Endorsement test $17.00. CDL license fee charged per-year with 2-year or 4-year renewal terms.
  • CDL validity: 2 or 4 year terms. Renewal in person at Vermont DMV office, up to 6 months before expiration. No grace period after expiration.
  • Exemptions: Emergency vehicle operators (law enforcement, fire, ambulance, rescue), military personnel, and farm vehicle operators (restricted CDL for up to 180 days within 12-month period).

Official Vermont CDL Handbook

The official Vermont CDL Driver Manual covers every topic tested on the state's CDL knowledge exam — but it reads like a dense reference manual, not a structured study guide. A more effective way to prepare is with our General Knowledge practice tests. Our free Vermont CDL permit practice test mirrors the format and content of the official exam and is fully up to date as of February 2026. Each practice test features 20 questions covering essential topics such as vehicle inspection, safe driving techniques, air brakes, cargo securement, driving emergencies, hazardous conditions, and Vermont-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 actually learn from every question you answer.

  • Complete CDL regulations and Vermont-specific requirements
  • Safe driving techniques, vehicle inspection, and cargo handling
  • All endorsement categories and testing requirements

Non-Domiciled CDL Information

Important information about non-domiciled commercial driver's licenses in Vermont.

Federal regulations on non-domiciled CDLs are changing rapidly. The information below reflects the latest known state actions.

Vermont statute 23 V.S.A. § 4109 governs non-domiciled CDLs. The Vermont DMV Commissioner may issue a non-domiciled CDL or CLP in two circumstances: (1) the applicant is domiciled in a foreign jurisdiction whose CMV testing standards do not meet U.S. federal standards (as determined by FMCSA), or (2) the applicant is domiciled in a U.S. state prohibited from issuing CDLs per 49 C.F.R. § 384.405. The word "NONDOMICILED" must appear on the face of the credential. No proof of Vermont domicile is required. The applicant is not required to surrender their foreign license. Foreign country applicants must provide an unexpired EAD or foreign passport with an approved I-94 form. Under the FMCSA final rule published on February 13, 2026, eligibility for non-domiciled CLPs and CDLs is limited to foreign-domiciled individuals holding H-2A, H-2B, or E-2 visa statuses.[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 Vermont.

Vermont does not currently administer a separate state-level English Language Proficiency (ELP) test for CDL applicants. However, all Vermont CDL holders are subject to federal ELP enforcement, which took effect on June 25, 2025. Under this enforcement, roadside inspectors conduct a two-step assessment: first, a conversational interview in English — no interpreters or translation tools are permitted — to evaluate whether the driver can communicate sufficiently in English; second, the driver must demonstrate the ability to read and interpret standard U.S. traffic signs. Drivers who fail either step of the assessment are placed out of service under CVSA guidelines. Vermont CDL applicants should be prepared to demonstrate English proficiency during any roadside inspection or compliance review.