Start Free Practice

CDL Test: License rules questions and answers

Every question we use, with the correct answer, an explanation and the source it comes from.

Take a practice test 44 questions · Why trust us

License rules

44 questions

  1. #1

    A Class A CDL is required for a combination vehicle with a GCWR of 26,001 lbs or more when the towed unit's GVWR is more than:

    1. 1,000 lbs
    2. 5,000 lbs
    3. 10,000 lbs
    4. 26,000 lbs

    Answer: C. Class A: GCWR 26,001+ lbs, towing a unit with GVWR over 10,000 lbs.

    Source: North Dakota CDL Manual (2025-2027), Section 1

  2. #2

    A Class B CDL covers a single vehicle with a GVWR of:

    1. 26,001 lbs or more
    2. 10,001 lbs or more
    3. Exactly 26,000 lbs
    4. Under 10,000 lbs only

    Answer: A. Class B: single vehicle 26,001+ lbs GVWR, which may tow a vehicle up to 10,000 lbs.

    Source: North Dakota CDL Manual (2025-2027), Section 1

  3. #3

    A CDL is required for a vehicle designed to transport how many passengers, including the driver?

    1. 9 or more
    2. 16 or more
    3. 25 or more
    4. 50 or more

    Answer: B. Vehicles designed to carry 16 or more people including the driver need a CDL.

    Source: North Dakota CDL Manual (2025-2027), Section 1designed to transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver

  4. #4

    Which CDL endorsement is needed to haul placarded hazardous materials?

    1. N
    2. T
    3. P
    4. H

    Answer: D. H = hazardous materials (knowledge test plus a federal background check).

    Source: North Dakota CDL Manual (2025-2027), Section 1

  5. #5

    The N (tank vehicle) endorsement is needed when individual tanks over 119 gallons have a total capacity of at least:

    1. 1,000 gallons
    2. 500 gallons
    3. 119 gallons
    4. 5,000 gallons

    Answer: A. N endorsement: tanks over 119 gallons totaling 1,000 gallons or more.

    Source: North Dakota CDL Manual (2025-2027), Section 1

  6. #6

    Which endorsement is required to pull double or triple trailers?

    1. P
    2. T
    3. S
    4. N

    Answer: B. T = doubles/triples (knowledge test).

    Source: North Dakota CDL Manual (2025-2027), Section 1

  7. #7

    For a CMV driver, it becomes illegal to drive starting at a blood alcohol concentration of:

    1. .08%
    2. .10%
    3. .04%
    4. .15%

    Answer: C. For CMV drivers the limit is .04% — driving at .04% or more is illegal.

    Source: North Dakota CDL Manual (2025-2027), Section 1

  8. #8

    A CMV driver with any detectable alcohol below .04% will be:

    1. Allowed to keep driving
    2. Fined only
    3. Disqualified for life
    4. Put out of service for 24 hours

    Answer: D. Any detectable alcohol under .04% means 24 hours out of service.

    Source: North Dakota CDL Manual (2025-2027), Section 1You will be put out-of-service for 24 hours if you have any detectable amount of alcohol under .04%.

  9. #9

    A first offense of driving a CMV under the influence (not hauling hazmat) results in disqualification for at least:

    1. One year
    2. 30 days
    3. Three years
    4. Life

    Answer: A. First offense: at least one year; three years if in a placarded hazmat vehicle; a second offense: life.

    Source: North Dakota CDL Manual (2025-2027), Section 1

  10. #10

    A first major offense (such as DUI) while operating a placarded hazmat vehicle disqualifies you for at least:

    1. 60 days
    2. One year
    3. Three years
    4. Six months

    Answer: C. In a placarded hazardous materials vehicle, a first major offense means at least three years.

    Source: North Dakota CDL Manual (2025-2027), Section 1

  11. #11

    Two serious traffic violations (such as speeding 15 mph or more over the limit) within three years disqualify a CDL holder for at least:

    1. 30 days
    2. 60 days
    3. 120 days
    4. One year

    Answer: B. Two serious violations in three years: at least 60 days; three: at least 120 days.

    Source: North Dakota CDL Manual (2025-2027), Section 1

  12. #12

    You must notify your employer of a conviction for any traffic violation (except parking) within:

    1. 24 hours
    2. 10 days
    3. 60 days
    4. 30 days

    Answer: D. Notify your employer within 30 days of any traffic conviction except parking.

    Source: North Dakota CDL Manual (2025-2027), Section 1

  13. #13

    When applying for a commercial driving job, you must list all driving jobs you have held in the past:

    1. 10 years
    2. 1 year
    3. 3 years
    4. 20 years

    Answer: A. Employers must get information on all driving jobs for the past 10 years.

    Source: North Dakota CDL Manual (2025-2027), Section 1all driving jobs you have held for the past 10 years

  14. #14

    A first conviction for a railroad-highway grade crossing violation disqualifies a CDL holder for at least:

    1. 10 days
    2. One year
    3. 60 days
    4. Life

    Answer: C. First violation: at least 60 days; second within 3 years: 120 days; third: one year.

    Source: North Dakota CDL Manual (2025-2027), Section 1

  15. #15

    How long must you hold the commercial learner’s permit before you can take the CDL skills tests?

    1. A minimum of 7 days
    2. A minimum of 30 days
    3. A minimum of 14 days
    4. A minimum of 60 days

    Answer: C. After passing the knowledge test(s), you must hold the permit at least 14 days before taking the skills tests.

    Source: North Dakota CDL Manual (AAMVA model), Section 1, p. 24If you pass the required knowledge test(s) and hold the commercial learner’s permit a minimum of 14 days, you can take the CDL skills tests.

  16. #16

    Which list gives the three types of general skills tested in the CDL skills test?

    1. Pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, on-road driving
    2. Pre-trip inspection, cargo securement, on-road driving
    3. Basic vehicle control, trip planning, hours-of-service logging
    4. Pre-trip inspection, air brake testing, fuel record keeping

    Answer: A. The skills test covers pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control and on-road driving.

    Source: North Dakota CDL Manual (AAMVA model), Section 1, p. 24There are three types of general skills that will be tested: pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and on-road driving.

  17. #17

    During the CDL skills test, what happens if an occupant is not wearing a seatbelt while the vehicle is in motion?

    1. The examiner gives a warning and the test continues
    2. Points are deducted but you can still pass
    3. The test is postponed for 14 days
    4. You fail the test

    Answer: D. Anytime the vehicle is moving, all occupants must wear seatbelts; failing to do so results in a failed test.

    Source: North Dakota CDL Manual (AAMVA model), Section 1, p. 24Please note anytime the vehicle is in motion all occupants must wear a seatbelt. Failure to do so will result in a failed test.

  18. #18

    You must take the airbrakes knowledge test if your vehicle has:

    1. Only full air brakes, not air over hydraulic
    2. Airbrakes, including air over hydraulic brakes
    3. Hydraulic brakes with a vacuum booster
    4. Air brakes on the trailer only

    Answer: B. The airbrakes test is required for vehicles with airbrakes, including air over hydraulic brakes.

    Source: North Dakota CDL Manual (AAMVA model), Section 1, p. 24The airbrakes test, which you must take if your vehicle has airbrakes, including air over hydraulic brakes.

  19. #19

    Which CDL knowledge test is taken by all applicants?

    1. The airbrakes test
    2. The general knowledge test
    3. The combination vehicles test
    4. The passenger transport test

    Answer: B. All applicants take the general knowledge test; the others depend on class and endorsements.

    Source: North Dakota CDL Manual (AAMVA model), Section 1, p. 24The general knowledge test, taken by all applicants.

  20. #20

    The hazardous materials test is required to haul a select agent or toxin listed in 42 CFR 73 in what quantity?

    1. Only amounts that require placarding
    2. More than 119 gallons
    3. Only 1,000 pounds or more
    4. Any quantity

    Answer: D. A select agent or toxin requires the hazmat test in any quantity; other hazmat only when the amount requires placarding.

    Source: North Dakota CDL Manual (AAMVA model), Section 1, p. 24The hazardous materials test, required if you want to haul hazardous materials or waste in amounts that require placarding or any quantity of a material listed as a select agent or toxin in 42 CFR 73.

  21. #21

    You will lose your CDL for at least how long if you have committed two violations of an out-of-service order in a ten-year period?

    1. Two years
    2. 180 days
    3. One year
    4. Three years

    Answer: A. Two out-of-service order violations in ten years mean at least two years of disqualification.

    Source: North Dakota CDL Manual (AAMVA model), Section 1, p. 25For two years if you have committed two violations of an out-of-service order in a ten-year period.

  22. #22

    You will lose your CDL for at least how long for a first violation of an out-of-service order?

    1. 60 days
    2. 120 days
    3. 180 days
    4. One year

    Answer: C. A first out-of-service order violation costs you your CDL for at least 180 days.

    Source: North Dakota CDL Manual (AAMVA model), Section 1, p. 25For 180 days if you have committed your first violation of an out-of-service order.

  23. #23

    Three or more violations of an out-of-service order in a ten-year period cost you your CDL for at least:

    1. Two years
    2. One year
    3. Life
    4. Three years

    Answer: D. Three or more violations in ten years mean at least three years of disqualification.

    Source: North Dakota CDL Manual (AAMVA model), Section 1, p. 25For three years if you have committed three or more violations of an out-of-service order in a ten-year period.

  24. #24

    Which of these will cost you your CDL for at least one year for a first offense?

    1. Refusing to undergo blood alcohol testing
    2. Parking in a no-parking zone
    3. Failing to complete a pre-trip inspection
    4. Driving with an expired medical card

    Answer: A. Refusing blood alcohol testing is a first-offense, one-year disqualification.

    Source: North Dakota CDL Manual (AAMVA model), Section 1, p. 25Refusing to undergo blood alcohol testing.

  25. #25

    What is the penalty for a second or subsequent major offense (such as DUI)?

    1. Loss of your CDL for three years
    2. Loss of your CDL for life
    3. Loss of your CDL for ten years
    4. Loss of your CDL for 180 days

    Answer: B. A second or later major offense means a lifetime CDL disqualification.

    Source: North Dakota CDL Manual (AAMVA model), Section 1, p. 25You will lose your CDL for life for a second offense or subsequent major offense.

  26. #26

    You will lose your CDL for life if you:

    1. Receive a first speeding ticket of 15 mph over the limit
    2. Fail to notify your employer of a conviction
    3. Use a CMV to commit a felony involving controlled substances
    4. Drive a CMV with a BAC below .04%

    Answer: C. Using a CMV to commit a felony involving controlled substances results in lifetime disqualification.

    Source: North Dakota CDL Manual (AAMVA model), Section 1, p. 25You will lose your CDL for life if you use a CMV to commit a felony involving controlled substances.

  27. #27

    You will lose your CDL for at least how long for providing false information when applying for a commercial permit or license?

    1. 60 days
    2. 30 days
    3. 120 days
    4. One year

    Answer: A. Giving false information related to a commercial permit or license costs you your CDL for at least 60 days.

    Source: North Dakota CDL Manual (AAMVA model), Section 1, p. 25You will lose your CDL for at least 60 days for providing false information related to the issuance of a commercial permit or commercial license.

  28. #28

    A conviction of fraud related to the issuance of a commercial permit or license will cost you your CDL for at least:

    1. 60 days
    2. 120 days
    3. One year
    4. Three years

    Answer: C. Fraud related to getting a commercial permit or license means at least one year of disqualification.

    Source: North Dakota CDL Manual (AAMVA model), Section 1, p. 25You will lose your CDL for at least one year if convicted of fraud related to the issuance of a commercial permit or commercial license.

  29. #29

    Three serious traffic violations within a three-year period involving a CMV cost you your CDL for at least:

    1. 60 days
    2. 180 days
    3. One year
    4. 120 days

    Answer: D. Two serious violations mean 60 days; three within three years mean at least 120 days.

    Source: North Dakota CDL Manual (AAMVA model), Section 1, p. 25For at least 120 days for three serious traffic violations within a three-year period involving a CMV.

  30. #30

    Which of these is listed as a serious traffic violation?

    1. Parking in a restricted zone
    2. Following a vehicle too closely
    3. Driving with a burned-out dome light
    4. Using a CB radio while driving

    Answer: B. Following too closely, along with reckless driving and improper lane changes, is a serious traffic violation.

    Source: North Dakota CDL Manual (AAMVA model), Section 1, p. 25Serious traffic violations are excessive speeding (15 mph or more above the posted limit), reckless driving, improper or erratic lane changes, following a vehicle too closely

  31. #31

    You will lose your CDL for at least how long for your second railroad-highway grade crossing violation within any three-year period?

    1. 60 days
    2. 180 days
    3. One year
    4. 120 days

    Answer: D. A second grade crossing violation within three years means at least 120 days.

    Source: North Dakota CDL Manual (AAMVA model), Section 1, p. 25For at least 120 days for your second violation within any three-year period.

  32. #32

    How many specific offenses at a railroad-highway grade crossing does the manual list as disqualifying violations?

    1. Four
    2. Six
    3. Five
    4. Eight

    Answer: B. The manual lists six railroad-highway grade crossing offenses.

    Source: North Dakota CDL Manual (AAMVA model), Section 1, p. 25These violations include violation of a federal, state or local law or regulation pertaining to one of the following six offenses at a railroad-highway grade crossing:

  33. #33

    What must you submit to get a hazardous materials endorsement?

    1. Your fingerprints, and be subject to a background check
    2. A letter from your employer, and a copy of your last three pay stubs
    3. A second road skills test in a tanker, plus a separate vehicle inspection test
    4. A drug test taken within 24 hours, and a signed affidavit from your company

    Answer: A. A hazmat endorsement requires fingerprints and a background check.

    Source: North Dakota CDL Manual (AAMVA model), Section 1, p. 25If you require a hazardous materials endorsement you will be required to submit your fingerprints and be subject to a background check.

  34. #34

    Your privilege to drive your personal vehicle is suspended due to alcohol, controlled substance or felony violations. What happens to your CDL?

    1. Nothing, because it was not a CMV
    2. You lose your CDL for 60 days
    3. You lose your CDL for one year
    4. You lose your CDL for life

    Answer: C. Such a suspension in your personal vehicle also costs you your CDL for one year.

    Source: North Dakota CDL Manual (AAMVA model), Section 1, p. 26If your privilege to operate your personal vehicle is revoked, cancelled, or suspended due to alcohol, controlled substance, or felony violations, you will lose your CDL for one year.

  35. #35

    You lost your CDL for one year because of an alcohol violation in your personal vehicle. If you are convicted of a second violation in your personal vehicle or CMV, you will lose your CDL:

    1. For three years
    2. For life
    3. For five years
    4. For another year

    Answer: B. A second such conviction, in a personal vehicle or CMV, means a lifetime loss of the CDL.

    Source: North Dakota CDL Manual (AAMVA model), Section 1, p. 26If you are convicted of a second violation in your personal vehicle or CMV, you will lose your CDL for life.

  36. #36

    If your privilege to operate your personal vehicle is revoked, cancelled or suspended, may you get a “hardship” license to operate a CMV?

    1. No, you may not
    2. Yes, if your employer requests it
    3. Yes, but only for intrastate driving
    4. Yes, if you complete a defensive driving course

    Answer: A. A revoked, cancelled or suspended personal driving privilege rules out a hardship license for a CMV.

    Source: North Dakota CDL Manual (AAMVA model), Section 1, p. 26If your privilege to operate your personal vehicle is revoked, cancelled, or suspended, you may not obtain a “hardship” license to operate a CMV.

  37. #37

    An employer lets a driver operate a CMV while the driver’s CDL is suspended. What may a court do to the employer?

    1. Only issue a written warning and require the driver to retrain
    2. Fine the employer up to $500, with no possible jail time
    3. Fine the employer up to $5,000 or put him/her in jail
    4. Revoke the employer's own CDL and ban him/her from driving

    Answer: C. Employers may not let drivers with a suspended or revoked CDL drive; penalty is a fine up to $5,000 or jail.

    Source: North Dakota CDL Manual (AAMVA model), Section 1, p. 26Your employer may not let you drive a commercial motor vehicle if you have more than one license or if you’re CDL is suspended or revoked. A court may fine the employer up to $5,000 or put him/her in jail for breaking this rule.

  38. #38

    If you do not wear a seat belt, how much more likely are you to be fatally injured if thrown from the vehicle?

    1. Two times more likely
    2. Three times more likely
    3. Ten times more likely
    4. Four times more likely

    Answer: D. Without a seat belt you are four times more likely to be fatally injured if thrown from the vehicle.

    Source: North Dakota CDL Manual (AAMVA model), Section 1, p. 26If you do not wear a seat belt, you are four times more likely to be fatally injured if you are thrown from the vehicle.

  39. #39

    If a driver is found to have more than one license, what happens to the licenses?

    1. The home state license is kept and any others are returned
    2. All licenses are kept by the court
    3. The newest license is kept and the others returned
    4. The driver may choose which license to keep

    Answer: A. The driver may be fined up to $5,000 or jailed, and the home state license is kept while others are returned.

    Source: North Dakota CDL Manual (AAMVA model), Section 1, p. 26You cannot have more than one license. If you break this rule, a court may fine you up to $5,000 or put you in jail and keep your home state license and return any others.

  40. #40

    Within how many days must you notify your motor vehicle licensing agency if you are convicted in another jurisdiction of any traffic violation (except parking)?

    1. 10 days
    2. 15 days
    3. 60 days
    4. 30 days

    Answer: D. Notify your licensing agency within 30 days of a traffic conviction in any other jurisdiction.

    Source: North Dakota CDL Manual (AAMVA model), Section 1, p. 26You must notify your motor vehicle licensing agency within 30 days if you are convicted in any other jurisdiction of any traffic violation (except parking).

  41. #41

    A hazmat endorsement holder is convicted or indicted for a disqualifying crime. Within what time must the endorsement be surrendered to the state that issued the CDL?

    1. Within 7 days
    2. Within 24 hours
    3. Within 30 days
    4. Within 60 days

    Answer: B. You must notify and surrender the hazmat endorsement within 24 hours of conviction or indictment.

    Source: North Dakota CDL Manual (AAMVA model), Section 1, p. 26If you have a hazardous materials endorsement you must notify and surrender your hazardous materials endorsement to the state that issued your CDL within 24 hours of any conviction or indictment in any jurisdiction, civilian or military,

  42. #42

    Under the IFTA, how often does the licensee file a fuel tax return with the base jurisdiction?

    1. Monthly
    2. Twice a year
    3. Quarterly
    4. Once a year

    Answer: C. An IFTA licensee files one quarterly return with the base jurisdiction covering all member jurisdictions.

    Source: North Dakota CDL Manual (AAMVA model), Section 1, p. 27The licensee files one quarterly tax return with the base jurisdiction by which the licensee will report all operations through all IFTA member jurisdictions.

  43. #43

    The original Individual Vehicle Distance Records (IVDR) must be maintained for a minimum of:

    1. Four years
    2. One year
    3. Two years
    4. Seven years

    Answer: A. IVDR originals are the source for fees and taxes and must be kept at least four years.

    Source: North Dakota CDL Manual (AAMVA model), Section 1, p. 28The IVDR serves as the source document for the calculation of fees and taxes that are payable to the jurisdictions in which the vehicle is operated, so these original records must be maintained for a minimum of four years.

  44. #44

    What must you do for every fuel purchase when keeping an Individual Vehicle Distance Record (IVDR)?

    1. Write the amount on the log; receipts are optional
    2. Obtain a receipt and include it with the completed IVDR
    3. Keep the receipt only for purchases over a certain amount
    4. Give the receipt to the fuel seller

    Answer: B. You must get a receipt for all fueling and include it with your completed IVDR.

    Source: North Dakota CDL Manual (AAMVA model), Section 1, p. 27You must obtain a receipt for all fueling and include it with your completed IVDR.
Take a practice test