Pennsylvania (PA) CDL Practice Tests

Drivers preparing for a Pennsylvania (PA) CDL can use these five practice questions to reinforce key concepts covered on the Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) written exam.

Pennsylvania (PA) CDL Practice Tests: General Knowledge, Combination Vehicle & Air Brakes

Drivers preparing for a Pennsylvania Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) should focus on three core CDL practice tests. These align with the written knowledge exams used in Pennsylvania and help reinforce the material covered in the official Pennsylvania Commercial Driver’s Manual.

• General Knowledge CDL Practice Test
• Combination Vehicle CDL Practice Test
• Air Brakes CDL Practice Test

For best results, use these practice tests alongside the PA CDL manual and revisit any sections where you miss questions (especially air brake system checks, combination vehicle coupling/uncoupling, and safe braking procedures).

Preparing for the Pennsylvania CDL Exam

Commercial driver licensing standards are established at the federal level by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Each state administers its own CDL testing and licensing process.

In Pennsylvania, CDL licensing and testing information is published by PennDOT Driver and Vehicle Services (PA DMV). The official CDL manual used for written and skills testing is:

• Pennsylvania Commercial Driver’s Manual (PUB 223) (PDF)

The Pennsylvania CDL manual applies to all commercial license classes, including:

• Class A CDL
• Class B CDL
• Class C CDL

Pennsylvania CDL Eligibility Requirements

Age Requirements:
You must be at least 18 years old to operate a commercial motor vehicle within Pennsylvania (intrastate).
You must be at least 21 years old to operate interstate or transport hazardous materials.

Valid Pennsylvania Driver’s License

You must hold a valid non-commercial driver’s license before applying for a Pennsylvania Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP).

Medical Certification

All Pennsylvania CDL applicants must meet DOT medical requirements. You must complete a DOT physical with a certified medical examiner listed on the National Registry.

FMCSA medical certification requirements

CDL Knowledge Tests and Endorsements

Applicants must pass written knowledge tests covering general CDL topics, air brakes (if applicable), and any endorsements required for the type of driving they plan to do.

Common CDL endorsements include:

• Hazardous Materials (H)
• Tank Vehicles (N)
• Passenger (P)
• School Bus (S)

Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT)

Federal Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) requirements apply to many Pennsylvania CDL applicants. ELDT includes classroom instruction and behind-the-wheel training completed through an FMCSA-registered training provider.

ELDT is required for:

• First-time CDL applicants
• Drivers upgrading from Class B to Class A
• Applicants adding Hazardous Materials (H), Passenger (P), or School Bus (S) endorsements

FMCSA Training Provider Registry

Background Checks and Documentation

Certain endorsements, including Hazardous Materials, require a federal background check. Applicants must also provide documentation for identity, Pennsylvania residency, and lawful presence.

Pennsylvania CDL Application Process

To get a CDL in Pennsylvania, applicants generally obtain a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP), complete any required ELDT training, and then pass the CDL skills test. Pennsylvania also requires CDL applicants to submit a Self-Certification form describing the type of driving they plan to do.

Apply for a Pennsylvania Commercial Driver’s License (PennDOT / PA DMV)

Pennsylvania Commercial Drivers: testing, ELDT, and regulatory updates

Pennsylvania CDL Fees

CDL fees in Pennsylvania are published by PennDOT and can vary depending on the transaction and the specific class/endorsement privileges selected. Initial CDL permit and licensing fees may vary based on what you apply for, and additional fees can apply for Hazmat, additional permits, or restrictions/endorsements.

• Commercial License Renewal (4-year): $127.50
• Commercial License Renewal with Hazmat (4-year): $149.50
• Commercial License Renewal (2-year, age 65+): $71.50
• Commercial License Renewal with Hazmat (2-year, age 65+): $93.50
• Upgrade from Non-Commercial to Commercial: $43.50 to $109.50 (based on months remaining before license expiration)
• Upgrading Existing CDL Privileges (e.g., class/endorsement) or Removing Restrictions: $21.50

Hazmat note: A separate federal fee applies to Hazmat requests.

Because Pennsylvania commercial permit fees can vary by the number of privileges requested, always confirm current costs before applying.

View PennDOT’s official Payments & Fees page

PennDOT Driver Licensing Fee Chart (Fact Sheet PDF)