Commercial Driver's License

CDL Knowledge Test

The first step to getting your CDL is to pass the knowledge test(s) required for the type of commercial vehicle you want to operate.

You can study for the knowledge test with the:


Types of CDL knowledge tests (number of questions/allowed to miss)

  • General knowledge for any CDL (50/10)
  • Combination vehicle for Class A (20/04)
  • Air brake (25/05)
  • Passenger (20/04)
  • School bus (20/04)
  • Doubles/Triples (20/04)
  • Hazmat (30/06)
  • Tank (20/04)
  • Iowa operator (if applicable) (25/5)

Where can I take the CDL knowledge test?

You can take your CDL knowledge test(s) at any of the following locations:

How do I get a CDL?

Pass the CDL knowledge tests.

Get a CLP.

Complete ELDT.

Pass the CDL skills and driving tests.

Obtain your CDL!


CDL Skills and Drive Test

After you’ve held the commercial learner's permit (CLP) for at least 14 days and completed the Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT), the next step is to pass the required skills and drive test. You must provide a vehicle that is in good working order and is representative of the class of license you are applying for.

There are three phases of the drive test:

  1. Pre-trip vehicle inspection test.
    A pre-trip vehicle inspection test is required to show the vehicle is safe to drive. You will have to walk around the vehicle and point to or touch each item and explain to the license examiner what you are checking and why.

    You must successfully demonstrate all components of the airbrake check before you start the pre-trip vehicle inspection test – prepare for this by reviewing the information in section 11 of the CDL Manual.

    If you do not pass the airbrake check and/or the pre-trip vehicle inspection test, you must make another appointment to retake the test – that could be two or three weeks out, which will delay the issuance of your CDL.

    View the pre-trip inspection memory aid you can use during the test.

    You can also study for the pre-trip inspection test using the CDL test app. The app has videos and exam-like questions designed to assist you in successfully preparing for the pre-trip vehicle inspection test.
  2. Skills test (maneuvers around cones and backing maneuvers).

    See section 12 in the Commercial Driver License manual for a description of the skills test exercises and scoring.
  3. Driving test (on public roads with examiner).

How do I get a CDL?

Pass the CDL knowledge tests.

Get a CLP.

Complete ELDT.

CDL skills and drive test

Obtain your CDL!

Study Resources


Testing Locations

Use the search box below to search for a location near you.

Location Test Types Contact
Iowa Lakes Community College Skills & Drive 712-580-8628
Website
CDL4ALL, LLC, Waterloo Skills & Drive 563-581-7793
Facebook
Rides Regional Transit Authority, Spencer Skills - Class B CDL and lower Website
Des Moines Area Community College, Des Moines Skills & Drive 515-965-7450
Website
Eastern Iowa Community College, Davenport Skills & Drive 888-336-3907
Website
Hawkeye Community College, Waterloo Knowledge, Skills & Drive 319-296-2329
Website
Indian Hills Community College, Ottumwa Skills & Drive 641-683-5216 
Website
Iowa Central Community College, Fort Dodge Knowledge, Skills & Drive 800-362-2793
Website
Iowa Motor Truck Association, Des Moines Skills & Drive 515-244-2204
Website
Kirkwood Community College, Cedar Rapids Skills & Drive 319-398-1022
Website
North Iowa Area Community College, Mason City Skills & Drive 641-422-4358
Website
Northeast Iowa Community College, Peosta Skills & Drive 844-642-2338
Website
Northwest Iowa Community College, Sheldon Skills & Drive 712-324-5061
Website
Southwest Iowa Community College, Creston Skills & Drive 641-728-7081
Website
Western Iowa Tech Community College, Sioux City Skills & Drive 712-274-6400
Website
Iowa Western Community College, Council Bluffs Skills & Drive 712-325-3200
Website
Allamakee County Treasurer, Waukon Knowledge, Skills & Drive 563-568-3793
Website
Audubon County Treasurer, Audubon Knowledge, Skills & Drive 712-563-2293
Website
Cass County Treasurer, Atlantic Knowledge, Skills & Drive 712-243-5503
Website
Crawford County Treasurer, Denison Knowledge, Skills & Drive 712-263-1280
Website
Kossuth County Treasurer, Algona Knowledge, Skills & Drive 515-295-7402
Website
Ames DMV Knowledge, Skills & Drive Request knowledge appointment
Request skills & drive appointment
Ankeny DMV Knowledge, Skills & Drive Request knowledge appointment
Request skills & drive appointment
Burlington DMV Knowledge, Skills & Drive Request knowledge appointment
Request skills & drive appointment
Cedar Rapids DMV Knowledge, Skills & Drive Request knowledge appointment
Request skills & drive appointment
Clinton DMV Knowledge, Skills & Drive Request knowledge appointment
Request skills & drive appointment
Coralville DMV Knowledge, Skills & Drive Request knowledge appointment
Request skills & drive appointment9
Council Bluffs DMV Knowledge, Skills & Drive Request knowledge appointment
Request skills & drive appointment
Davenport DMV Knowledge, Skills & Drive Request knowledge appointment
Request skills & drive appointment
Des Moines DMV Knowledge Request knowledge appointment
Dubuque DMV Knowledge, Skills & Drive Request knowledge appointment
Request skills & drive appointment
Fort Dodge DMV Knowledge, Skills & Drive Request knowledge appointment
Request skills & drive appointment
Marshalltown DMV Knowledge, Skills & Drive Request knowledge appointment
Request skills & drive appointment
Mason City DMV Knowledge, Skills & Drive Request knowledge appointment
Request skills & drive appointment
Muscatine DMV Knowledge, Skills & Drive Request knowledge appointment
Request skills & drive appointment
Sioux City DMV Knowledge, Skills & Drive Request knowledge appointment
Request skills & drive appointment
Waukee DMV Knowledge Request knowledge appointment
Waterloo DMV Knowledge, Skills & Drive Request knowledge appointment
Request skills & drive appointment
Ottumwa DMV Knowledge, Skills & Drive Request knowledge appointment
Request skills & drive appointment

Use the search box below to search for a location near you.

Name Location
Alltown Bus Service Davenport
Cambus Iowa City
Cy-Ride Ames
TMC Transportation Des Moines

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