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Pennsylvania CDL Knowledge Practice Test

Pennsylvania's CDL knowledge tests are set by PennDOT rules in Title 67 of the Pennsylvania Code. Here is what those rules say and how to practice.

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General Knowledge test

Every CDL applicant takes the General Knowledge test. Pennsylvania's rule says it has at least 50 questions taken from the current Pennsylvania Commercial Driver's Manual, and you pass with 80% or more.

Specialized tests

Air Brakes, Combination Vehicles and each endorsement (such as Tanker, Doubles/Triples, Passenger, School Bus and HazMat) have their own test. Pennsylvania's rule says each has at least 20 questions from the manual, and you need 80% or more to pass.

After you pass

You get a commercial learner permit. Federal rules say you must hold it for 14 days before the skills test.

How passMarker helps

Practice General Knowledge, Air Brakes, Combination and each endorsement, with explanations based on the CDL manual topics. Start with the free diagnostic.

Original sample practice questions

Study examples from the learner-approved practice bank. These are not live exam questions. Open each answer to see the explanation and source reference.

1. Before leaving on a delivery, a driver measures tread depth in every major groove of a front tire and finds 3/32 inch. What should the driver conclude?

  1. The front tire is acceptable because all non-front tires need only 2/32 inch.
  2. The tire is acceptable if its valve stem and cap are secure.
  3. The front tire is acceptable if no fabric shows through the tread.
  4. The front tire does not meet the stated minimum tread-depth requirement.
Show answer and explanation

Answer D. The excerpt requires at least 4/32-inch tread depth in every major groove on front tires. The 2/32-inch minimum applies to other tires.

Source: PUB 223 (6-26), Section 2, PDF pp. 30–37

2. Before starting a truck with an air compressor that has its own oil supply, what should the driver do?

  1. Pull out the parking-brake control
  2. Test the safety valve by holding it open
  3. Drain the service brake chambers
  4. Check the compressor oil level
Show answer and explanation

Answer D. The excerpt states that if the air compressor has its own oil supply, the driver should check the oil level before driving.

Source: PUB 223 (6-26), Section 5, PDF pp. 95–98

3. A driver is loading a tractor-trailer for a route with several ramps and sharp corners. Which loading approach best reduces rollover risk?

  1. Concentrate cargo along one side to reduce trailer sway
  2. Leave open space between cargo groups so the load can shift less
  3. Place the heaviest cargo high and toward the rear to improve steering response
  4. Keep cargo as close to the ground as possible and centered across the rig
Show answer and explanation

Answer D. Keeping cargo low and centered helps reduce rollover risk. A load placed to one side can make the trailer lean and makes rollover more likely.

Source: PUB 223 (6-26), Section 6, PDF pp. 107–112

4. A Class B driver plans to haul nonhazardous liquid in ten permanently attached tanks. Each tank is rated at 120 gallons, for an aggregate rated capacity of 1,200 gallons. Which credential is required under the excerpt?

  1. No additional endorsement because the liquid is nonhazardous
  2. A passenger endorsement
  3. A tank (N) endorsement
  4. A hazardous-materials endorsement only
Show answer and explanation

Answer C. For a Class A or B vehicle, a tank endorsement is required to haul liquid or liquid gas in tanks with an individual rated capacity over 119 gallons and an aggregate rated capacity of 1,000 gallons or more. The liquid does not have to be hazardous.

Source: PUB 223 (6-26), Section 8, PDF pp. 131–132

5. A driver plans to operate a small vehicle carrying a quantity of hazardous material that requires placarding. Which credential is required before the driver may operate that vehicle?

  1. Only a standard driver license because the vehicle is small
  2. A CDL only if the vehicle is a tanker
  3. A CDL with a HAZMAT endorsement
  4. A HAZMAT learner's permit with no knowledge test
Show answer and explanation

Answer C. The manual requires a CDL with HAZMAT before driving any size vehicle used to transport material that requires hazardous-material placarding.

Source: PUB 223 (6-26), Section 9, PDF pp. 135–143

6. Before starting a route, a bus driver reviews the previous driver's inspection report and finds a listed steering defect. The report does not show that the defect was repaired or that repair was unnecessary. What should the driver do?

  1. Sign the report because the defect was found by the previous driver
  2. Sign the report after checking only the bus interior
  3. Disregard the report if the steering seems normal during startup
  4. Decline to sign the previous driver's report until the defect is certified as repaired or not needing repair
Show answer and explanation

Answer D. The driver must review the previous driver's inspection report and should sign it only if earlier reported defects have been certified as repaired or not needing repair.

Source: PUB 223 (6-26), Section 4, PDF pp. 89–91

7. While planning a safety talk for new riders, a driver asks which area around the school bus is identified as the danger zone. What should the driver teach?

  1. The area behind the bus only
  2. The 10-foot area immediately around the bus
  3. Any area within one traffic lane of the bus
  4. The area from the front bumper to the crossing arm only
Show answer and explanation

Answer B. The manual defines the danger zone as the 10-foot area immediately around the bus, where children entering or exiting are at greatest risk.

Source: PUB 117 (2-24), Unit C — student loading and unloading, PDF pp. 39–50

8. While driving a set of doubles on a highway curve, a driver realizes that the speed would be safe for a straight truck but may be too high for the combination. What should the driver do?

  1. Steer gently and go slowly through the curve
  2. Use quick steering corrections to keep the trailers centered
  3. Speed up to keep both trailers aligned
  4. Brake hard at the start of the curve
Show answer and explanation

Answer A. The manual says to prevent trailer rollover, drivers of doubles and triples must steer gently and go slowly around corners, ramps, off-ramps, and curves. A speed safe for a straight truck or single trailer may be too fast for doubles or triples.

Source: PUB 223 (6-26), Section 7, PDF pp. 124–127

9. Before stepping down from a CDL test vehicle to begin the walk-around, what action is required?

  1. Release the parking brake so the wheels can be checked
  2. Turn on the four-way flashers and leave the transmission in drive
  3. Chock every wheel and leave the engine running
  4. Set the parking brake(s) and place the vehicle in neutral
Show answer and explanation

Answer D. The excerpt states that when exiting the vehicle, the driver must set the parking brake(s) and place the vehicle in neutral.

Source: PUB 223 (6-26), Section 10M — vehicle inspection, PDF pp. 162–166

10. A driver begins a trip with a loaded flatbed. When must the driver inspect the cargo and its securing devices again for the first time?

  1. Only after driving 3 hours
  2. After 150 miles
  3. At the first fuel stop, regardless of distance
  4. Before completing the first 50 miles of the trip
Show answer and explanation

Answer D. The manual requires cargo and securing devices to be inspected again within the first 50 miles after beginning a trip.

Source: PUB 223 (6-26), Section 3, PDF pp. 83–85

Frequently asked questions

How many questions are on the PA CDL General Knowledge test?

At least 50, according to 67 Pa. Code 75.23.

What score passes the PA CDL test?

80% or more on each test.

How many questions are on PA endorsement tests?

At least 20 each, according to 67 Pa. Code 75.24.

Official sources

Source information reviewed November 11, 2026. Policies can change; confirm requirements with the licensing agency before booking.

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