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Vermont CDL practice test

Getting a commercial driver's licence in Vermont starts with the CDL knowledge tests. The content is federal: every state, Vermont 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 Vermont driver licensing agency administers the test; the rules behind it are published by the FMCSA. Try the free Vermont CDL practice questions below, then pick a full test.

Free Vermont CDL practice questions

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

  1. In a combination vehicle, which wheels should lock up last in hard braking?

    • The steering axle wheels
    • The trailer wheels
    • The drive wheels
    • It does not matter
    Show answer
    Answer: A. The steering axle wheels

    You can still steer as long as the front wheels roll. A drive-wheel lockup can cause a tractor jackknife, and a trailer-wheel lockup can cause a trailer jackknife, but losing steering control is the worst outcome, so brakes are set up so the front wheels lock last.

    Source: FMCSA CDL Manual, Section 6.1.3 and 2.18 (Braking and Skids)

  2. Compared with driving a single vehicle, driving a combination vehicle:

    • Takes more skill, because the vehicle is usually longer and heavier
    • Is easier, because the trailer keeps the rig stable
    • Needs no special knowledge beyond a straight truck
    • Is the same as long as the trailer is empty
    Show answer
    Answer: A. Takes more skill, because the vehicle is usually longer and heavier

    A tractor-trailer has more weight, more length, and more parts that can fail. You need to know how it handles, how the brakes and air lines work, and how to couple and uncouple safely.

    Source: FMCSA CDL Manual, Section 6 (Combination Vehicles: Introduction)

  3. Which two things do the most to prevent a rollover in a combination vehicle?

    • Keep the fuel tanks full, and use the trailer hand valve in curves
    • Load the trailer nose-heavy, and brake hard in curves
    • Keep the cargo as close to the ground as possible, and drive slowly around turns
    • Keep the tires at low pressure, and steer quickly
    Show answer
    Answer: C. Keep the cargo as close to the ground as possible, and drive slowly around turns

    A high center of gravity makes the trailer tip easily, and so does speed in a turn. Low, evenly spread cargo and slow, smooth turns keep the rig upright.

    Source: FMCSA CDL Manual, Section 6.1.1 (Rollover Risks)

  4. Because of rearward amplification, a driver of a combination vehicle should:

    • Make quick steering moves to keep the trailer in line
    • Brake hard before every curve
    • Use the trailer hand valve when changing lanes
    • Steer gently and smoothly and avoid sudden lane changes
    Show answer
    Answer: D. Steer gently and smoothly and avoid sudden lane changes

    A quick steering move at the front is amplified at the rear, which can flip the trailer. If you must avoid something, a gentle move with the brakes applied is far safer than a sudden swerve.

    Source: FMCSA CDL Manual, Section 6.1.2 (Steer Gently)

  5. A bobtail tractor (one without a trailer):

    • Takes longer to stop than a tractor-semitrailer loaded to its maximum weight
    • Stops in a much shorter distance because it is lighter
    • Stops the same as a loaded rig
    • Cannot use its service brakes
    Show answer
    Answer: A. Takes longer to stop than a tractor-semitrailer loaded to its maximum weight

    Without the trailer's weight, the tractor's stiff suspension and strong brakes get poor traction and the wheels lock easily. Bobtails are hard to stop smoothly, so allow more room.

    Source: FMCSA CDL Manual, Section 6.1.3 (Brake Early)

Every CDL test for Vermont drivers

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

How the Vermont 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 Vermont 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.

Vermont CDL test questions

How many questions are on the Vermont CDL test?

The Vermont 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 Vermont 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 Vermont?

At the Vermont 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 Vermont CDL practice questions?

Yes. Pick Vermont 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.

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