New York CDL practice test
To get a commercial learner's permit in New York you pass the New York DMV knowledge tests for your vehicle class and endorsements. The tests are based on the state's commercial driver manual; our CDL practice tests follow the same national model manual that New York's manual is based on.
New York CDL knowledge tests
| Test | Questions | To pass |
|---|---|---|
| General (Core) Knowledge | – | 80% |
| Combination Vehicles | – | 80% |
| Air Brakes | – | 80% |
| Passenger Transport | – | 80% |
| School Bus | – | 80% |
| Tank Vehicles | – | 80% |
| Doubles/Triples | – | 80% |
| Hazardous Materials | – | 80% |
"–" means the DMV doesn't publish the figure.
Getting a CDL in New York
- Decide your class (A, B or C) and endorsements, and read those sections of the manual.
- Pass the knowledge tests at the DMV to get your commercial learner's permit (CLP). Federal rules also require a medical certificate for most drivers.
- Hold the CLP for at least 14 days. First-time Class A and B applicants, and anyone adding the passenger, school bus or hazmat endorsement, must finish entry-level driver training with a provider on the FMCSA Training Provider Registry before the skills test.
- Pass the skills test: pre-trip inspection, basic control and an on-road drive.
You must be at least 21 to drive a commercial vehicle across state lines or carry hazardous materials that need placards. More about CDL classes and tests.
Practise for each test
- General knowledgeRequired for every CDL: inspection, vehicle control, space and speed, hazards, emergencies, cargo.
- Air brakesNeeded to drive vehicles with air brakes; without it you get an air brake restriction.
- Combination vehiclesFor tractor-trailers and other combinations (Class A).
- Hazardous materialsFor the H endorsement; also needs a TSA background check.
- Tanker vehiclesFor the N endorsement: liquids and gases in bulk.
- Passenger transportFor the P endorsement: buses and vehicles for 16 or more people.
- School busFor the S endorsement, together with the passenger endorsement.
- Doubles and triplesFor the T endorsement: pulling two or three trailers.
Which tests do you need?
- Everyone: general knowledge.
- Tractor-trailers and other Class A combinations: combination vehicles, plus air brakes if the vehicle has them.
- Buses: passenger transport, and school bus for school buses.
- Endorsements: hazardous materials (H), tank vehicles (N) and doubles/triples (T) each have their own test.
If you don't pass the air brakes test, your CDL gets an air brake restriction.
The New York CDL manual
Download the official commercial driver manual from the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles. Read the sections for the tests you're taking.
All CDL questions are multiple choice with three choices. You need 80% to pass each knowledge test, and there is no limit on retakes (at the office's discretion). You must already hold a NY Class D, E or non-CDL C license. The $10 application fee covers all written tests taken at the same time; $5 for each test not taken or passed at the first application; $40 road (skills) test fee. Written CDL tests are in English, Spanish, Chinese and Russian (HazMat in English only). Skills test: wait at least 14 days after getting the CLP. You fail with more than 50 points deducted, a crash, or any traffic violation or dangerous action.
Source: New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, checked 2026-10-27.