The New Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Knowledge
& Skills Exam 2026
1. What is the minimum age to drive a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) interstate in the U.S.?
a. 18
b. 19
c. 20
d. 21
Answer: d
Interstate CMV operation requires a minimum age of 21 under federal law.
2. What does GVWR stand for?
a. Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
b. General Vehicle Weight Ratio
c. Gross Volume Weight Rating
d. General Vehicle Width Rating
Answer: a
GVWR is the maximum operating weight of a single vehicle as specified by the manufacturer.
3. Which endorsement is required to haul hazardous materials?
a. T
b. N
c. H
d. P
Answer: c
The H endorsement authorizes transportation of hazardous materials.
4. What document must a driver carry when transporting placarded hazardous materials?
a. Bill of sale
b. Shipping papers
,c. Vehicle title
d. Trip log
Answer: b
Shipping papers identify the hazardous material and emergency response information.
5. When backing, you should generally use which method?
a. Fast backing
b. Only mirrors
c. Get out and look (GOAL)
d. Steering only
Answer: c
GOAL helps prevent backing accidents by checking space and obstacles.
6. What does the air compressor do in an air brake system?
a. Releases brakes
b. Builds air pressure
c. Applies parking brakes
d. Controls brake balance
Answer: b
The compressor builds and maintains air pressure in the system.
7. Low air pressure warning devices must activate at approximately:
a. 20 psi
b. 40 psi
c. 60 psi
d. 100 psi
Answer: c
Federal standards require warning devices to activate at about 60 psi.
8. What happens if air pressure continues to drop below safe levels?
a. Brakes disengage
b. Vehicle speeds up
, c. Spring brakes apply
d. Engine shuts off
Answer: c
Spring brakes engage automatically to stop the vehicle.
9. What is the main cause of skids?
a. Poor mirrors
b. Driving too fast for conditions
c. Wide turns
d. Heavy loads
Answer: b
Speed inappropriate for conditions reduces traction and causes skids.
10. Which brake should be used for normal stops in a CMV?
a. Engine brake only
b. Parking brake
c. Service brake
d. Spring brake
Answer: c
Service brakes are designed for controlled normal stopping.
11. What is the purpose of a CDL medical certificate?
a. Vehicle registration
b. Verify driver fitness
c. Insurance proof
d. Endorsement approval
Answer: b
It certifies the driver is medically qualified to operate a CMV.
12. What is the minimum tread depth on front steering axle tires?
a. 1/32 inch
b. 2/32 inch
& Skills Exam 2026
1. What is the minimum age to drive a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) interstate in the U.S.?
a. 18
b. 19
c. 20
d. 21
Answer: d
Interstate CMV operation requires a minimum age of 21 under federal law.
2. What does GVWR stand for?
a. Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
b. General Vehicle Weight Ratio
c. Gross Volume Weight Rating
d. General Vehicle Width Rating
Answer: a
GVWR is the maximum operating weight of a single vehicle as specified by the manufacturer.
3. Which endorsement is required to haul hazardous materials?
a. T
b. N
c. H
d. P
Answer: c
The H endorsement authorizes transportation of hazardous materials.
4. What document must a driver carry when transporting placarded hazardous materials?
a. Bill of sale
b. Shipping papers
,c. Vehicle title
d. Trip log
Answer: b
Shipping papers identify the hazardous material and emergency response information.
5. When backing, you should generally use which method?
a. Fast backing
b. Only mirrors
c. Get out and look (GOAL)
d. Steering only
Answer: c
GOAL helps prevent backing accidents by checking space and obstacles.
6. What does the air compressor do in an air brake system?
a. Releases brakes
b. Builds air pressure
c. Applies parking brakes
d. Controls brake balance
Answer: b
The compressor builds and maintains air pressure in the system.
7. Low air pressure warning devices must activate at approximately:
a. 20 psi
b. 40 psi
c. 60 psi
d. 100 psi
Answer: c
Federal standards require warning devices to activate at about 60 psi.
8. What happens if air pressure continues to drop below safe levels?
a. Brakes disengage
b. Vehicle speeds up
, c. Spring brakes apply
d. Engine shuts off
Answer: c
Spring brakes engage automatically to stop the vehicle.
9. What is the main cause of skids?
a. Poor mirrors
b. Driving too fast for conditions
c. Wide turns
d. Heavy loads
Answer: b
Speed inappropriate for conditions reduces traction and causes skids.
10. Which brake should be used for normal stops in a CMV?
a. Engine brake only
b. Parking brake
c. Service brake
d. Spring brake
Answer: c
Service brakes are designed for controlled normal stopping.
11. What is the purpose of a CDL medical certificate?
a. Vehicle registration
b. Verify driver fitness
c. Insurance proof
d. Endorsement approval
Answer: b
It certifies the driver is medically qualified to operate a CMV.
12. What is the minimum tread depth on front steering axle tires?
a. 1/32 inch
b. 2/32 inch
