CDL General Knowledge Test: State-by-State DMV Requirements Guide

Getting your Commercial Driver’s License starts with one foundational step that every aspiring truck driver, bus operator, or hazmat hauler must complete: passing the CDL General Knowledge test. While the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets the baseline standards that apply across all 50 states, each state DMV layers its own specific procedures, fees, scheduling requirements, and supplemental rules on top of those federal minimums. Understanding both the federal framework and your specific state’s requirements can save you time, money, and frustration before you ever walk into a testing center.

This guide breaks down what the General Knowledge test covers, how FMCSA rules apply universally, and what you need to know when dealing with your specific state’s DMV process.

What the CDL General Knowledge Test Actually Covers

The General Knowledge test is required for every CDL applicant regardless of the class of license or endorsements being sought. It is not optional, and there are no waivers for prior driving experience. The test is derived from the FMCSA’s Commercial Driver’s License Standards, Requirements, and Penalties found under 49 CFR Part 383.

Federal regulations mandate that the General Knowledge test must cover the following subject areas:

Shifting and backing techniques for commercial vehicles
Pre-trip vehicle inspection procedures
Basic vehicle control and handling
Braking and stopping distances for heavy vehicles
Coupling and uncoupling of trailers (where applicable)
Visual search and mirror usage
Space management and following distance
Night driving and adverse weather conditions
Mountain driving and managing grades
Emergencies, skids, and accident procedures
Hazardous materials general awareness
Alcohol and drug regulations under DOT rules
Hours of Service (HOS) regulations

Most states administer a 50-question version of the General Knowledge test, and a passing score requires getting at least 40 questions correct, which equals 80 percent. Some states use a slightly longer version, but the 80 percent passing threshold is federally mandated and consistent across all jurisdictions.

The Federal Foundation: FMCSA and 49 CFR Part 383

Before looking at state-specific rules, it is essential to understand that the FMCSA’s regulations create the floor, not the ceiling, for CDL testing requirements. Under 49 CFR Part 383, the federal government establishes minimum knowledge and skills standards that all states must meet. States cannot lower these standards, but they can add additional requirements on top of them.

Key federal requirements that apply in every state include:

Applicants must hold a valid non-commercial driver’s license before applying for a CDL
A Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) must be held for a minimum of 14 days before taking the CDL skills test
Applicants must certify their type of driving operation (interstate, intrastate, non-excepted, or excepted)
Medical certification is required for most CDL holders operating in interstate commerce, per 49 CFR Part 391
The FMCSA’s Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse registration is required for CDL holders subject to DOT drug testing
No person may hold a CDL in more than one state simultaneously

The FMCSA also mandates specific disqualifying offenses. A conviction for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, leaving the scene of an accident, or using a commercial motor vehicle to commit a felony results in automatic CDL disqualification. These rules are uniform and non-negotiable across all 50 states.

Applying for Your CLP: The Step Before the CDL

To take the General Knowledge test, you must first apply for a Commercial Learner’s Permit at your state DMV. The CLP application process is where state-specific requirements begin to diverge significantly. Here is what is typically required in most states, along with notable variations:

Standard CLP Application Requirements (Most States)

Proof of identity (U.S. birth certificate, valid U.S. passport, or permanent resident card)
Proof of Social Security Number
Two proofs of state residency (utility bills, bank statements, lease agreements)
Current valid non-commercial driver’s license
Completed medical certification form (MCSA-5876 self-certification)
Application fee payment

For applicants seeking a CDL with a hazardous materials endorsement, a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) threat assessment and fingerprinting is required before that endorsement can be added. This is a federal requirement under 49 CFR Part 1572 and applies in every state without exception.

State-by-State DMV Requirements: Key Variations

While the test content is federally standardized, the administrative process, fees, testing format, and residency requirements vary considerably from state to state. Below is a breakdown of requirements in major states and regions.

California (DMV)

California’s DMV requires CDL applicants to schedule knowledge tests through the DMV office system. The state uses a computerized testing format at DMV field offices. California charges a $76 fee for a Class A or Class B CDL application, which covers the knowledge tests and one skills test attempt. Additional skills test attempts cost extra.

California also requires that applicants with a medical condition listed under California Vehicle Code Section 12804.9 obtain additional medical review before receiving a CDL. The state has its own medical waiver process for certain conditions that differs from the federal process. Additionally, California has stricter intrastate HOS regulations for drivers operating solely within the state, so intrastate drivers in California must be familiar with both federal and California-specific HOS rules.

Texas (DPS)

In Texas, CDL applications and knowledge testing are handled through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) rather than a DMV (Texas does not have a DMV by that name). Texas uses a computerized testing system at DPS driver license offices and regional service centers. The CDL application fee in Texas is $97 for a four-year CDL.

Texas requires applicants to schedule appointments through the DPS online system, and walk-in testing availability is extremely limited in major metro areas like Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio. Texas also has specific requirements for school bus (S endorsement) applicants, including a background check administered through DPS and a separate school bus knowledge test.

Florida (DHSMV)

Florida’s CDL program is administered by the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV). Florida charges a $75 Class A CDL application fee and requires all knowledge tests to be taken at a Florida driver license office or authorized third-party testing provider.

Florida is one of the states that has significantly expanded its third-party CDL skills testing network, allowing commercial driving schools and trucking companies to administer the skills test independently under FHSMV oversight. Florida also requires that all CDL applicants complete a self-certification of their driving category before the CLP is issued.

New York (DMV)

New York’s DMV requires CDL applicants to visit a DMV office to obtain a CLP application packet and complete the knowledge test on-site. New York charges $164.50 for a Class A CDL license fee (covering the full five-year license period). The state requires applicants to bring proof of New York residency and will not accept P.O. boxes as proof of address.

New York City presents additional complexity for CDL applicants due to the city’s local regulations. NYC has specific permit requirements for commercial vehicles operating on certain routes, and applicants planning to work in New York City should familiarize themselves with NYC DOT’s commercial vehicle rules in addition to state and federal standards.

Illinois (SOS)

In Illinois, CDL functions are handled by the Secretary of State’s office, not a DMV. Illinois uses a computerized testing system and requires applicants to visit a Secretary of State facility. The CDL application fee in Illinois is $60 for a Class A license.

Illinois has implemented a background screening requirement for school bus and child transport vehicle endorsement holders that goes beyond federal minimums, including a check through the Illinois State Police criminal history database.

Pennsylvania (PennDOT)

Pennsylvania’s CDL program is administered by PennDOT. Pennsylvania charges a $34.50 fee for the CLP and requires applicants to pass the knowledge test before the CLP is issued. Pennsylvania uses a network of driver license centers for knowledge testing and has authorized a limited number of third-party skills testing locations.

Pennsylvania is one of several states that has implemented additional English language proficiency requirements for CDL applicants. Under FMCSA rules (49 CFR 391.11), CDL holders in interstate commerce must be able to read and speak English sufficiently to understand highway signs and communicate with the public and law enforcement. Pennsylvania actively enforces this standard during the application process.

Georgia (DDS)

Georgia’s CDL applications are processed through the Department of Driver Services (DDS). Georgia charges $32 for a CDL application and requires the knowledge test to be taken at a DDS customer service center. Georgia has one of the more streamlined third-party skills testing programs in the Southeast, with many private CDL training schools authorized to conduct the road skills test.

Ohio (BMV)

Ohio processes CDL applications through the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV). Ohio charges $25.75 for a CDL license fee and administers computerized knowledge tests at deputy registrar locations statewide. Ohio has an extensive network of testing locations, making scheduling generally easier than in larger coastal states.

CDL Class Differences and Additional Knowledge Tests

The General Knowledge test is the foundation, but depending on the class of CDL and endorsements you are seeking, additional knowledge tests are required. Understanding these before your DMV visit will help you prepare properly.

Class A CDL

A Class A CDL is required to operate any combination of vehicles with a gross combination weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 pounds or more, provided the towed vehicle weighs more than 10,000 pounds. Class A applicants must pass the General Knowledge test plus the Combination Vehicles knowledge test. Those seeking additional endorsements must also pass the corresponding endorsement tests.

Class B CDL

A Class B CDL covers single vehicles with a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more, or any such vehicle towing a vehicle not exceeding 10,000 pounds GVWR. Class B applicants must pass the General Knowledge test. Additional endorsement tests apply based on what the driver will be hauling or operating.

Class C CDL

A Class C CDL covers vehicles that do not meet Class A or B criteria but are designed to transport 16 or more passengers (including the driver) or are used in hazardous materials transportation requiring placarding. Class C applicants must pass the General Knowledge test plus the relevant endorsement knowledge tests.

CDL Endorsements and Their Knowledge Tests

Endorsements add specific operational permissions to a CDL. Each endorsement requires a separate written knowledge test. The endorsements recognized by the FMCSA and required to be tested by all states are:

H – Hazardous Materials: Requires passing the HazMat knowledge test