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CDL tests, the learner permit (CLP) and entry-level training (ELDT)

General Knowledge4 minManual section 1.1, 1.1.1, 1.1.2, 1.1.3

To get a CDL you pass knowledge tests, get a learner permit, finish required training, and then pass a three-part skills test. This lesson shows the order and the current federal rules. Some printed manuals still show older text from before 2022.

Knowledge tests (written tests)

Which tests you take depends on your class and endorsements:

  • General Knowledge — taken by every applicant.
  • Passenger Transport — all bus driver applicants.
  • Air Brakes — if your vehicle has air brakes, including air-over-hydraulic brakes.
  • Combination Vehicles — if you want to drive combination vehicles (Class A).
  • Hazardous Materials — to haul hazmat as defined in 49 CFR 383.5. Also needs ELDT and a TSA background check.
  • Tank Vehicles — to haul liquid or gas in tanks over 119 gallons each and 1,000 gallons or more in total.
  • Doubles/Triples — to pull double or triple trailers.
  • School Bus — to drive a school bus.

What to study: every applicant studies the general knowledge sections. Then add the section for each test you need (air brakes, combination, passenger, school bus, tank, doubles/triples, hazmat). Study the air brakes section if you plan to drive a vehicle with air brakes.

The learner permit (CLP) — current federal rules

After passing the knowledge tests you get a CLP. It lets you practice driving a CMV on public roads only with a CDL holder who has the right class and endorsements for that vehicle, sitting in the front seat next to you (on a bus, directly behind you or in the first row).

  • You must hold the CLP at least 14 days before you may take the skills test.
  • Federally, a CLP is valid for no more than 1 year. Some states issue it for 180 days with one renewal — check your state.
  • You must also have your regular (base) driver license; a CLP alone is not valid.
  • To drive CMVs across state lines you must be at least 21; many states allow intrastate CDLs at 18.

Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT)

Since February 7, 2022, federal rules require Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) before you may take the skills test (or, for H, the hazmat knowledge test) if you are:

  • getting a Class A or Class B CDL for the first time;
  • upgrading a CDL (for example, B to A);
  • getting the P, S or H endorsement for the first time.

The school must be listed on the FMCSA Training Provider Registry (TPR). The provider reports your completion to the registry, and the state checks it electronically. Hazmat (H) training is theory (classroom) only; the others include theory and behind-the-wheel training.

Formal training is the most reliable way to learn the special skills a professional driver needs. A manual helps you pass the tests but does not replace a training program.

The three-part skills test

The skills test has three parts, taken in this order. You must pass each part before you go on to the next:

  • 1. Vehicle Inspection. Show you know whether the vehicle is safe. You must point to or touch each item, name it, and explain what you are checking and why.
  • 2. Basic Vehicle Control. Move the vehicle forward, backward and through turns inside an area marked with lanes, cones or barriers. The examiner explains each exercise.
  • 3. On-road Test. Drive in real traffic while the examiner gives directions. Expect things like turning left and right, intersections, railroad crossings, curves, hills (going up and down), and roads with one lane or several lanes, from city streets to highways.

You must test in the same type of vehicle you want to be licensed for. A vehicle with parts marked or labeled (stickers naming components) cannot be used for the skills test.

Check your state

Utah: the Utah handbook says CDL applicants must have at least one year of experience as a licensed driver and a current medical certificate, and you surrender your regular license when you get the Utah permit (CDIP), which also lets you drive your regular car. Utah applicants under 21 cannot get the Passenger, School Bus or Hazmat endorsements. Your manual may still show older (pre-2022) wording about permits and training — the current federal rules above apply. Check your state manual for local details.

References and scope

The topic reference is listed below. Sources support verification; the lesson itself is here. The current content needs technical and language review before public launch.

Manual reference: 1.1, 1.1.1, 1.1.2, 1.1.3

Official CDL handbook · Utah ↗StatesOur editorial approach

Put it into practice

Educational questions with explanations. The answer review also works without the interactive quiz.

Preparing your questions…

Review questions with answers

  1. Which knowledge test must EVERY CDL applicant take?
    1. General Knowledge
    2. Air Brakes
    3. Combination Vehicles
    4. Passenger Transport
    Show answer
    General Knowledge

    All applicants take the general knowledge test.

  2. You must take the air brakes test if your vehicle has:
    1. Only hydraulic brakes
    2. Antilock brakes
    3. Air brakes, including air-over-hydraulic brakes
    4. A retarder
    Show answer
    Air brakes, including air-over-hydraulic brakes

    The air brakes test covers full air and air-over-hydraulic systems.

  3. In what order are the three parts of the CDL skills test taken?
    1. Road test, basic control, inspection
    2. Vehicle inspection, basic vehicle control, on-road test
    3. Basic control, inspection, road test
    4. Any order the driver chooses
    Show answer
    Vehicle inspection, basic vehicle control, on-road test

    The order is inspection, basic control, then on-road, and you must pass each before the next.

  4. During the vehicle inspection test, you must:
    1. Only say "everything looks good"
    2. Fill out a written checklist without speaking
    3. Let the examiner point to the parts
    4. Point to or touch each item, name it, and explain what you check and why
    Show answer
    Point to or touch each item, name it, and explain what you check and why

    You must point/touch, name the item, and explain what and why.

  5. Can you use a vehicle with parts labeled by stickers for the CDL skills test?
    1. Yes, labels help the examiner
    2. No, vehicles with marked or labeled components cannot be used
    3. Yes, but only for Class C
    4. Only if the examiner agrees
    Show answer
    No, vehicles with marked or labeled components cannot be used

    Any vehicle with marked or labeled components cannot be used for the skills test.

  6. Under current federal rules, how long must you hold a CLP before taking the skills test?
    1. 7 days
    2. 10 days
    3. 14 days
    4. 30 days
    Show answer
    14 days

    A CLP must be held at least 14 days before the skills test.

  7. When practicing on public roads with a CLP, who must be with you?
    1. A CDL holder with the proper class and endorsements, seated beside you
    2. Any licensed adult
    3. A police officer
    4. No one, if you stay off highways
    Show answer
    A CDL holder with the proper class and endorsements, seated beside you

    A qualified CDL holder with the right class and endorsements must accompany you in the front seat.

  8. Under the federal rule, a CLP is valid for no more than:
    1. 30 days
    2. 90 days
    3. 6 months, never renewable
    4. 1 year
    Show answer
    1 year

    Federally, a CLP may be valid up to 1 year; some states use 180 days with a renewal.

  9. Since February 7, 2022, who must complete Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) before testing?
    1. Every driver renewing a CDL
    2. First-time Class A or B applicants, those upgrading, and first-time P, S or H applicants
    3. Only school bus drivers
    4. Only drivers under 21
    Show answer
    First-time Class A or B applicants, those upgrading, and first-time P, S or H applicants

    ELDT applies to first Class A/B, upgrades, and first-time P, S and H endorsements.

  10. ELDT must be taken from a provider listed on:
    1. The state DMV website only
    2. The CDLIS system
    3. The FMCSA Training Provider Registry
    4. The TSA watch list
    Show answer
    The FMCSA Training Provider Registry

    Training providers must be on the FMCSA Training Provider Registry (TPR), which reports your completion.

  11. Which situations may be part of the on-road skills test?
    1. Turns, intersections, railroad crossings, curves and grades
    2. Only straight highway driving
    3. Only parking lot maneuvers
    4. Only city streets with no turns
    Show answer
    Turns, intersections, railroad crossings, curves and grades

    The on-road test may include turns, intersections, railroad crossings, curves, up/down grades, and various roads.

  12. You may take the skills test in a smaller vehicle than the one you plan to drive, and still get the higher class.
    1. True
    2. False
    Show answer
    False

    False. You must test in the type of vehicle you want to be licensed for.

  13. In the basic vehicle control test, you will be asked to:
    1. Drive on the freeway at top speed
    2. Inspect the engine
    3. Recite the hours-of-service rules
    4. Move the vehicle forward, backward and turn it within a marked area
    Show answer
    Move the vehicle forward, backward and turn it within a marked area

    Basic control tests moving forward, backing and turning inside an area marked with lanes, cones or barriers.

  14. What is the minimum age to drive a CMV in interstate commerce?
    1. 16
    2. 18
    3. 21
    4. 25
    Show answer
    21

    Interstate CMV drivers must be at least 21; many states allow intrastate at 18.