Connecticut CDL Practice Test

50 questions; you need 40 right to pass (80%). The Hazmat test has 30 (24 to pass), Air Brakes 25 (20 to pass), and Combination, School Bus, Passenger, Tank and Doubles/Triples 20 each (16 to pass).

Everyone takes General Knowledge. Add Air Brakes if your vehicle has them, Combination for Class A, and a test for each endorsement you want: Passenger, School Bus, Hazmat, Tank or Doubles/Triples. Endorsement tests can be taken at the same visit as the permit test.

The Connecticut Commercial Driver License Manual (R-295, Rev. 12/2024), which the DMV uses for testing from July 1, 2025: Connecticut's licensing rules in Section 1, then the national CDL text on inspection, safe driving, cargo, passengers, air brakes, combinations, doubles and triples, tankers, hazmat and school buses.

Make a new appointment to retake it, complete a new commercial license application (Form R-229a) and pay the test fee again.

80% on each of the 8 tests, each graded on its own (General Knowledge: 40 of 50). Every test's numbers are in the table on this page. Always confirm the current tests with the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles. Why 80% in every state →

18 to drive within Connecticut. You must be 21 to drive interstate or haul hazardous materials, and the manual sets 21 for school bus drivers too.

One year from issue. If you don’t get your CDL in that year, you retake and pass all the required tests for a new permit. Hold the CLP at least 14 days before the skills test.

Yes. Besides vehicles of 26,001 pounds or more, those built for 16 or more people, and placarded hazmat loads, Connecticut counts a vehicle built for 11 or more people, driver included, that carries students under 21 to and from school.

Request a test date with Form R-405 by email; the DMV answers within three business days. Bring a representative empty vehicle, a CDL holder to drive it to and from the test, your license, permit and the validated R-229a copy. You’re scored on the pre-trip inspection, a static course and the road test; failing any part fails the test, and you wait at least seven days to retest.

Your National Registry medical examiner uploads it and the DMV receives it electronically. Since June 16, 2025, the DMV no longer accepts paper medical certificates from CDL and CLP holders. Without a current certificate your CDL may be downgraded.

Yes for a first Class A or B CDL, an upgrade from B to A or C to B, and a first passenger, school bus or hazmat endorsement: complete theory and behind-the-wheel training with a registered provider before the skills test (hazmat theory before the hazmat knowledge test).

Yes. Since October 21, 2024, every CDL holder and every CDL or CLP applicant must register with FMCSA’s Clearinghouse; the DMV checks your status before any CDL or CLP transaction and downgrades drivers in a prohibited status.

Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles lists the current fees for the commercial learner permit, the CDL tests and the license on its official fee page.

Farm vehicles used within 150 miles of the farm, fire-fighting apparatus, authorized emergency vehicles, recreational vehicles, and military vehicles driven by military personnel. Other vehicles that meet Connecticut's commercial vehicle definition need a CDL.

Proof of identity, your Social Security number and legal presence in the U.S., proof of Connecticut residence from two different sources, and name-change papers if your name changed. Undocumented applicants can't get a CLP or CDL. U.S. citizens whose license is already REAL ID verified (gold star) don't repeat this.

Your valid Connecticut driver's license, the REAL ID documents if your license isn't verified, your Social Security number, a printed confirmation of your self-certification with the DMV, and the commercial license application (Form R-229a). If you aren't a U.S. citizen, also bring proof of legal status.

Non-excepted interstate if you're 21 or older and any CMV you drive ever enters New York, Massachusetts or Rhode Island, even just to buy fuel. Non-excepted intrastate (Connecticut only) if you're under 21, need a W medical waiver restriction, or choose a K intrastate-only restriction.

Yes, if it weighs over 10,000 pounds GVWR, even on a Class D license. Connecticut asks for a medical certificate above that weight. Unlike CDL holders, whose certificate reaches the DMV electronically, Class D drivers upload the MCSA-5876 themselves through the state's online medical certification system.

An empty vehicle that represents the class you want. It can't have a trailer longer than 48 feet or farm, transport, dealer or repairer plates, and a truck-tractor can't stand in for a Class B vehicle. To remove an L restriction, test in an air-brake vehicle of the same or a higher class.

Yes. Your medical certificate now reaches the DMV electronically, but a state-issued medical waiver doesn't replace the paper: CDL and CLP holders keep carrying the waiver documents, since police may ask to see them at a stop.

Besides the national P and S, Connecticut uses F (taxicabs, livery, service and motor buses), A (activity vehicles), V (student transportation vehicles) and S (school buses). Each covers the ones before it: an S also allows A, F and V vehicles. Holders need an acceptable driving record and a medical certificate. Connecticut Commercial Driver License Manual p. 1-3

Pass the hazardous materials test again within the six months before renewal and send fingerprints to the TSA. Hazmat licenses are renewed at a full-service DMV hub. Connecticut Commercial Driver License Manual p. 1-4

Up to four years after your next birthday; renew it before your birth date. A CDL disqualified in any state isn’t renewed, and the renewal form goes only to the address on file. Connecticut Commercial Driver License Manual p. 1-4

Yes, if they are active duty, separated within the last year, or reservists, with two years of experience in a representative military vehicle. They still pass the knowledge tests, which are free for them, and meet the medical and self-certification rules.

K limits you to driving within Connecticut, W means a medical waiver is required, V that an R360 training certificate must be provided, and G daylight driving only. M allows only Group B or C passenger vehicles and N only Group C. P and X are learner's permit limits on passengers and tank cargo.

Yes. A public passenger endorsement needs an acceptable driving record and a criminal record check. A conviction or arrest for a serious criminal offense can stop the endorsement being issued, or get an existing one removed. The V endorsement for student transportation also needs an R360 training certificate.

Yes, for 90 days, but only at renewal: pass the hazmat knowledge test and show the IDEMIA receipt proving you finished the TSA application and fingerprints. First-time and returning applicants can't get one, and the full endorsement waits until the DMV receives TSA's result electronically, even if you have an approval letter.

You start over: get a new commercial learner's permit and pass the knowledge and skills tests again. A public passenger endorsement has a shorter limit: if it isn't valid for 60 days, you go through its application process again.