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  • Updated for January 2025
  • Based on 2025 NY commercial driver's license manual

Free New York CDL Permit Practice Test: General Knowledge 2025

While driving in the great state of New York, you can be awed by the spectacular and frustrated by the difficult at the same time. The sights of New York State include the diverse metropolis of New York City and the beautiful lands along the Adirondack Northway. Unfortunately, they also include some of the worst traffic jams in America, notably the roads leading to the George Washington Bridge, where delays of up to 45 minutes are routine even in non-rush hours. New York City is consistently among the five cities with the worst traffic congestion in America. So along with your Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), a few relaxation techniques might be useful!

There are three classes of CDLs. A Class A CDL allows you to operate combination vehicles with a Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) of 26,001 pounds or more in which the towed vehicle weighs more than 10,000 pounds. To drive semi-trucks or tractor-trailers, this is the class of CDL you want. A Class B CDL allows you to operate a single vehicle with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more, or to tow a vehicle that does not exceed 10,000 pounds. This license is suitable for buses and straight trucks, including most dump trucks. A Class C CDL allows you to operate relatively smaller vehicles designed to transport hazardous materials or 16 or more occupants (including the driver). Unique to New York State, you also need a Class C CDL to drive a stretch limousine that can carry nine or more occupants, including yourself. Decide which class of CDL you want to apply for, based on the types of vehicles you expect to be driving in your career.

Before you can obtain a CDL, you must first master the theory and practice of commercial driving. To show you’ve mastered the theory, you must pass the official General Knowledge test. And we can help. This free New York CDL permit practice test contains 50 questions on such topics as driving skills, hazard perception, and driving regulations. It’s based on the official New York Commercial Driver’s Manual, just like the official knowledge test. And it’s structured similarly and up to date as of January, 2025. But unlike theirs, ours comes with an available hint to lead you to the correct answer and an explanation of the correct answer. There’s no pressure to pass our tests; their purpose is to help you learn and memorize the theory. But your scores will track your progress so that you’ll know when you’re ready for the official knowledge test.

[faq]

FAQs

How can I obtain a NYS CDL?

To get a CDL in New York State, first obtain a CDL permit by passing the required knowledge tests. Then, you must complete CDL training and pass the CDL road test. Specific endorsements may require additional tests. Ensure you meet all medical and age-related requirements.

What is the cost of getting a CDL?

The cost to get a CDL in New York State varies. It includes the application fee ($10), permit fee ($5 per endorsement), and the road test fee ($40). Additional costs for CDL training programs vary by school.

How long does CDL training last?

CDL training duration in New York State varies by program. It typically ranges from a few weeks to several months, depending on the type of license and full-time or part-time schedules.

How long is the CDL permit valid?

A CDL permit in New York State is valid for 180 days. You may renew the permit once for an additional 180 days without retaking the general knowledge test.

Can I take the CDL permit test online?

No, in New York State, the CDL permit test must be taken in person at a DMV office. Online testing for the CDL permit is not available.

How many questions are on the CDL permit test?

The New York State CDL general knowledge permit test consists of 50 questions. Additional endorsement tests vary in the number of questions.

What is the maximum age for obtaining a CDL?

There is no upper age limit for obtaining a CDL in New York State, as long as you meet the medical certification requirements and possess the necessary driving skills.

[/faq]

Commercial Driver's License
  • Perfect for first-time and renewal CDL/CLP applicants, and those adding endorsements
  • Triple-checked for accuracy

What you need to know

Available in EN and ES
Verified by Steven Litvintchouk, M.S., Chief Educational Researcher, Member of ACES. See our detailed commitment to accuracy and quality in our practice tests.
Ensuring the accuracy and quality of our program is paramount. Learn more about our rigorous standards in our Commitment to Accuracy article.

What to expect on the actual NY DMV exam

50

questions

40

correct answers to pass

80%

passing score

List of questions (classic view)

  1. As you inspect each tire, you should check
  2. What colors should your side marker lights be?
  3. If you are convicted of railroad grade crossing violations twice within a three-year period, you will receive
  4. How can you determine if your vehicle is equipped with an antilock braking system (ABS)?
  5. Whenever you drive a heavily loaded vehicle on __________, you should pay special attention to the space below your vehicle.
  6. If you are convicted of __________, you will lose your CDL for at least one year if it was your first offense.
  7. You should inspect wheel bearing seals for
  8. If your vehicle has an automatic transmission, when should you select a low range?
  9. On which of the following types of fires should you NOT use a B:C fire extinguisher?
  10. When you start to drive down a steep downgrade, which of the following should influence your choice of speed?
  11. You have two tiedowns on a 17-foot load. How many MORE tiedowns do you need?
  12. How often must you stop to check your cargo while on the road?
  13. To use a fire extinguisher to put out a fire, you should
  14. How should you test a parking brake?
  15. Why is it important to use a helper when backing?
  16. What might happen if you swing wide to the left before you turn right?
  17. What are the main differences between aggressive driving and road rage?
  18. If you are driving a 30-foot vehicle at 55 mph, you should leave how many seconds of following distance?
  19. Total stopping distance equals
  20. Perception distance is the distance that your vehicle travels
  21. If you are convicted of any traffic violations except __________, you must notify your employer within 30 days.
  22. How do you test a vehicle's hydraulic brakes for leaks?
  23. If you are being tailgated, you should do all of the following EXCEPT
  24. You will lose your CDL for at least 60 days if you are convicted of two serious traffic violations involving a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) within a three-year period. Such violations include which of the following?
  25. If you are convicted of driving a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) that federal or state inspectors have ordered out of service,
  26. When driving on packed snow, you should reduce your speed by at least
  27. What will help a drunk sober up?
  28. To obtain a New York CDL, you must be
  29. Which of the following is NOT something you should check during a trip?
  30. An antilock braking system (ABS) will
  31. Which of the following is a key steering component?
  32. Letting the air out of hot tires
  33. If you're going to carry an oversized load, you must have all of the following EXCEPT
  34. When can you transport hazardous materials without a hazardous materials (HazMat) endorsement on your CDL?
  35. How many reflective warning triangles must you carry with you for emergencies?
  36. What is a particular risk associated with transporting livestock?
  37. What is a particular risk associated with transporting hanging meat?
  38. What is the main reason to perform a vehicle inspection?
  39. In very hot weather, you see tar "bleeding" through the pavement. What effect may this have?
  40. What is the gross vehicle weight (GVW)?
  41. Hazardous materials placards are
  42. Which is NOT one of the four basic skills that operating a commercial motor vehicle requires?
  43. When there's a hazard ahead, it's almost always quicker for you to _________ than to come to a full stop.
  44. Why should you cover your cargo?
  45. During your pre-trip test, when examining hoses with the instructor, you need to look for
  46. To help you stay alert and safe while driving, you should
  47. Which of these is NOT part of the basic method for shifting up?
  48. Always try to back toward the driver's side because
  49. When should you NOT use retarders?
  50. What is a “header board?"
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