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Texas CDL Knowledge Practice Test

Getting a Texas CDL starts with the knowledge tests at a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office. Pass them and you get your commercial learner permit. This page explains how the Texas tests work, which ones you need, and how passMarker helps you practice for each one.

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How the Texas CDL knowledge tests work

DPS gives the knowledge tests in a set order: Texas Commercial Rules, General Knowledge, Combination (Class A only), Air Brakes (if your vehicle has them), then any endorsements. The Texas handbook says the tests use multiple choice and matching questions, and you need 80% or higher to pass each one. Since June 1, 2026, DPS gives all CDL knowledge tests in English only. If you fail a test, your application stays open for 90 days. After 90 days or three failed attempts, whichever comes first, you must apply again and pay again.

Which tests you need

Class A: Texas Commercial Rules, General Knowledge, Combination, and Air Brakes if your truck has air brakes. Class B or C: Texas Commercial Rules, General Knowledge, and Air Brakes if needed. Endorsements each have their own test: Doubles/Triples, Passenger, School Bus, Tanker and HazMat.

After you pass

You receive a commercial learner permit (CLP). Federal rules say you must hold the CLP for 14 days before you can take the skills test. The skills test has three parts taken in order: vehicle inspection, basic vehicle control and the on-road test.

How passMarker helps

Your Texas CDL practice follows the same topics as the handbook: Texas Commercial Rules (Section 14), General Knowledge, Combination Vehicles, Air Brakes and each endorsement. Every answer comes with an explanation and the handbook section it is based on. Start with the free diagnostic to see which test you are ready for and which needs work.

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 beginning a delivery route, a driver sees fresh fuel dripping beneath the engine area during the walk-around. What is the safest response?

  1. Investigate the leak as part of the inspection before operating the vehicle
  2. Add engine oil because all under-vehicle leaks indicate low oil
  3. Drive to the first stop and check again after unloading
  4. Ignore the leak if the engine starts normally
Show answer and explanation

Answer A. The inspection method calls for looking under the vehicle for fresh leaks, including fuel. A defect found before travel may prevent a breakdown or crash.

Source: DL-7C (revised March 2026), Section 2, PDF pp. 28–34

2. During a pretrip inspection, a driver finds that the air compressor has a separate oil reservoir. What should the driver do before operating the vehicle?

  1. Release the safety relief valve
  2. Check the compressor oil level
  3. Drain the brake chambers
  4. Apply the spring brakes repeatedly
Show answer and explanation

Answer B. When an air compressor has its own oil supply, its oil level should be checked before driving.

Source: DL-7C (revised March 2026), Section 5, PDF pp. 81–84

3. A driver is loading a combination vehicle for a route with several ramps and curves. Which cargo arrangement best helps reduce rollover risk?

  1. Stack cargo toward the rear until the trailer leans slightly
  2. Place the heaviest cargo high so it is easier to unload
  3. Concentrate most of the cargo along one side of the trailer
  4. Place the heaviest cargo low and distribute it evenly across the rig
Show answer and explanation

Answer D. Keeping cargo close to the ground, centered, and spread out helps reduce rollover risk.

Source: DL-7C (revised March 2026), Section 6, PDF pp. 91–94

4. During a pre-trip inspection of a tank vehicle, a driver notices dampness forming at a hose connection near a joint. What should the driver do before transporting the load?

  1. Drive slowly to the first available service location
  2. Treat it as a leak and do not carry the liquid or gas in the leaking tank
  3. Wait to see whether the connection leaks after the tank is moving
  4. Tighten only the nearest valve and continue the trip
Show answer and explanation

Answer B. Leaks are the most important item to check on tank vehicles. The driver should check pipes, connections, and hoses, especially around joints, and should not carry liquids or gases in a leaking tank.

Source: DL-7C (revised March 2026), Section 8, PDF pp. 109–110

5. A driver with a Class B CDL is assigned a vehicle of any size that will transport a material defined as hazardous under 49 CFR 383.5. What credential is required before the driver operates that vehicle?

  1. A tank vehicle endorsement only
  2. No additional credential because the vehicle is not Class A
  3. A passenger endorsement
  4. A hazardous materials endorsement on the CDL
Show answer and explanation

Answer D. The excerpt states that a CDL with a hazardous materials endorsement is required before driving any size vehicle used to transport hazardous material as defined in 49 CFR 383.5.

Source: DL-7C (revised March 2026), Section 9, PDF pp. 112–119

6. During a pretrip inspection, a driver sees several defects listed on the previous driver's inspection report. What should the driver do before signing that report?

  1. Sign if the defects do not involve the passenger compartment
  2. Sign only after the listed defects are certified as repaired or not needing repair
  3. Sign only after every passenger seat has been occupied
  4. Sign after checking that the bus has enough fuel
Show answer and explanation

Answer B. The driver should sign the previous report only when earlier reported defects have been certified as repaired or as not requiring repair.

Source: DL-7C (revised March 2026), Section 4, PDF pp. 77–78

7. Before beginning a morning route, a driver wants the best view of the areas where students could be near the bus. What should the driver do regarding the mirrors?

  1. Wait to adjust mirrors until students are visible at the first stop
  2. Adjust only the left-side flat mirror because passing traffic is on that side
  3. Check each mirror before operating and have any needed adjustment made
  4. Rely on the inside rearview mirror because it covers the danger zones
Show answer and explanation

Answer C. The section says every mirror should be checked before operating so the driver has the maximum viewing area, with adjustment made if needed.

Source: DL-7C (revised March 2026), Section 10, PDF pp. 135–140

8. While driving a set of doubles through a highway curve, what approach best reduces rollover risk?

  1. Steer smoothly and reduce speed before the curve
  2. Maintain the same curve speed used with a straight truck
  3. Accelerate through the curve to stabilize the rear trailer
  4. Steer sharply to keep the trailers tightly aligned
Show answer and explanation

Answer A. Doubles and triples require gentle steering and slow speeds on corners, ramps, and curves because they are less stable.

Source: DL-7C (revised March 2026), Section 7, PDF pp. 103–105

9. During a modernized vehicle-inspection practice, a driver needs to step out of the cab to continue the walk-around. What should the driver do before exiting?

  1. Set the parking brake(s) and place the vehicle in neutral
  2. Turn on the high beams and release the parking brakes
  3. Leave the vehicle in drive so it cannot roll backward
  4. Apply the service brake with one foot while climbing down
Show answer and explanation

Answer A. Before exiting the vehicle during the inspection, the vehicle should be in neutral and the parking brake(s) should be set.

Source: DL-7C (revised March 2026), Section 11 — modernized vehicle inspection, PDF pp. 147–150

10. A driver begins a trip with a loaded cargo van. When should the driver first stop to inspect the cargo and its securing devices again?

  1. At the end of the driver’s shift
  2. After 3 hours of driving only
  3. Only if the vehicle begins to handle poorly
  4. Within the first 50 miles of the trip
Show answer and explanation

Answer D. The cargo and its securing devices must be inspected again within the first 50 miles after starting a trip.

Source: DL-7C (revised March 2026), Section 3, PDF pp. 72–74

Frequently asked questions

Which Texas CDL test do I take first?

Texas Commercial Rules. It covers Section 14 of the Texas commercial driver handbook, the rules that are special to Texas.

What score do I need to pass?

80% or higher on each knowledge test, according to the Texas handbook and federal rule 49 CFR 383.135.

Can I take the Texas CDL test in Spanish?

No. Since June 1, 2026, Texas DPS gives all CDL knowledge tests in English only.

What happens if I fail?

Your application stays active for 90 days. If you have not passed everything within 90 days, or you fail three times, you need a new application and new fees.

How many questions are on each test?

The Texas handbook does not list a question count for each test, so we do not guess. Ask your DPS office if you want the exact number.

Official sources

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

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