Free Vermont CDL Practice Tests — Your Complete Study Guide
Pass your Vermont CDL permit exam with 80%+ on the first try
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.
What Are You Preparing For?
Select one or more options so we can show you exactly which tests you need to take.
Most drivers choose Class A CDL. It's required for any combination vehicle over 26,001 lbs — tractor-trailers, semis, and 18-wheelers. If you're not sure, this is the safest pick.
Class A CDL
Combination vehicles over 26,001 lbs GVWR. Required for tractor-trailers, tanker trucks, flatbeds, and most long-haul jobs.
Class B CDL
Single vehicles over 26,001 lbs GVWR. Common for straight trucks, large buses, dump trucks, and box trucks.
Endorsements
HazMat, Tanker, Doubles & Triples, and Passenger are add-ons for specific job requirements. If you're unsure, you don't need them — they can be added later.
What You Need to Study
Endorsement Tests
Additional endorsements you may need depending on the type of vehicle or cargo you plan to operate.
CDL Requirements in Vermont
- 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).
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.
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.