Connecticut CDL practice test

Getting a commercial driver's licence in Connecticut starts with the CDL knowledge tests. The content is federal: every state, Connecticut included, writes its tests from the FMCSA CDL manual, so the general knowledge test has 50 questions, the endorsement tests have 20 to 30, and the passing score is 80% on each. The Connecticut driver licensing agency administers the test; the rules behind it are published by the FMCSA. Try the free Connecticut CDL practice questions below, then pick a full test.

50general knowledge questions
80%passing score on every test
8knowledge tests covered
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Free Connecticut CDL practice questions

Five questions from the general knowledge, air brakes and combination vehicles banks, the three tests most Connecticut Class A applicants take first. Show the answer to read the explanation.

If one-fourth or more of the leaves in any leaf spring are missing, the vehicle:
- May be driven if the load is light
- May be driven to the next terminal
- Is fine as long as the other springs are good
- Must be placed out of service
Show answer
Answer: D. Must be placed out of service
Losing a quarter of the leaves in a spring puts the vehicle out of service. Any broken leaf that could touch a tire, cracked spring hangers, and leaking shock absorbers are also suspension defects.
Source: FMCSA CDL Manual, Section 2.1.2 (Suspension System Defects)
Why is a loose or leaking exhaust system dangerous?
- Poisonous fumes can get into the cab or sleeper berth
- It raises fuel costs
- It makes the engine run too cold
- It wears out the tires faster
Show answer
Answer: A. Poisonous fumes can get into the cab or sleeper berth
Exhaust contains carbon monoxide, which you cannot smell. A broken or loose exhaust part can leak fumes into the cab, and parts rubbing on fuel lines or wiring can also start a fire.
Source: FMCSA CDL Manual, Section 2.1.2 (Exhaust System Defects)
Which set of emergency equipment must a commercial vehicle carry?
- A tow chain, a tire pump, and a flashlight
- Jumper cables, a spare tire, and a first-aid kit
- A fire extinguisher, spare electrical fuses (unless it has circuit breakers), and warning devices such as three reflective triangles
- A CB radio, a road atlas, and a shovel
Show answer
Answer: C. A fire extinguisher, spare electrical fuses (unless it has circuit breakers), and warning devices such as three reflective triangles
The manual lists three required items: a fire extinguisher, spare fuses if the vehicle uses fuses, and warning devices for parked vehicles such as three reflective triangles, six fusees, or three liquid-burning flares.
Source: FMCSA CDL Manual, Section 2.1.2 (Emergency Equipment)
Step 1 of the seven-step inspection method is the vehicle overview. What should you do during this step?
- Start the engine and check all the gauges
- Crawl under the vehicle and check the brakes
- Test the service brakes at 5 mph
- Review the last vehicle inspection report and look at the vehicle's general condition
Show answer
Answer: D. Review the last vehicle inspection report and look at the vehicle's general condition
Before you touch anything, read the previous driver's report so you know what was flagged and whether it was fixed. Then look at the vehicle's general condition, including leaks under it and any lean to one side.
Source: FMCSA CDL Manual, Section 2.1.5 (Seven-Step Inspection Method: Vehicle Overview)
When checking the engine compartment, the engine oil level must be:
- Above the Low or Add mark on the dipstick
- Exactly at the Full mark, no higher and no lower
- Below the Add mark so the engine is not overfilled
- Checked only after the engine is hot
Show answer
Answer: A. Above the Low or Add mark on the dipstick
Oil below the Low/Add mark means the engine may not be getting enough lubrication. Also check coolant, power steering fluid, windshield washer fluid, and the condition of belts and hoses.
Source: FMCSA CDL Manual, Section 2.1.5 (Check Engine Compartment)

Every CDL test for Connecticut drivers

Each page has ten free sample questions, the real question count, the 80% pass mark and what the test covers.

How the Connecticut CDL knowledge test works

You take the general knowledge test first; it is required for every CDL class. Class A drivers add the combination vehicles test. Almost everyone takes the air brakes test, because skipping it puts an air brake restriction on the licence. Endorsements (hazmat, tanker, doubles/triples, passenger, school bus) each have their own knowledge test. Pass the tests and you hold a commercial learner's permit; the skills test in a truck comes later.

Fees, appointment rules and test centre locations are set by Connecticut and change over time, so check the state driver licensing agency before you go. What does not change is the content, and that is what PassRig drills.

Connecticut CDL test questions

How many questions are on the Connecticut CDL test?

The Connecticut CDL general knowledge test follows the federal model: 50 questions, 40 correct to pass. Endorsement tests are shorter: air brakes 25, hazmat 30, and combination vehicles, tanker, doubles/triples, passenger and school bus 20 each.

What is the passing score on the Connecticut CDL permit test?

80% on every knowledge test, the same pass mark used across the United States.

Where do I take the CDL knowledge test in Connecticut?

At the Connecticut state driver licensing agency (the DMV, DOT or equivalent). Check its website for locations, appointments and current fees; the test content itself comes from the FMCSA CDL manual.

Does PassRig have Connecticut CDL practice questions?

Yes. Pick Connecticut in the app and you get practice sets and mock exams built from the knowledge test content your state uses, with the real counts and the 80% line.