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District of Columbia · DC
District of Columbia CDL
Knowledge Test
Everything you need to pass the District of Columbia CDL knowledge test. The same FMCSA-standardized questions used across all 50 states.
Total CDL fee
$67
CLP wait
14 days
Min age
21+
To pass
80%
CDL Test Sections
The CDL knowledge test is administered by section. Passing score for all sections is 80%.
✓
General KnowledgeREQUIRED
50 questions · Pass with 40+
A
Air Brakes
25 questions · Pass with 20+
C
Combination Vehicles
20 questions · Pass with 16+
H
Hazardous Materials (HazMat)
30 questions · Pass with 24+
D
Doubles & Triples
20 questions · Pass with 16+
T
Tanker Vehicles
20 questions · Pass with 16+
P
Passenger Transport
20 questions · Pass with 16+
S
School Bus
20 questions · Pass with 16+
What to Know About CDL in District of Columbia
DC CDL fees: approximately $67 total (CLP $20 + CDL $47)
The District requires CDL applicants to be at least 21 — most DC commercial routes connect to interstate freight
DC DMV administers the CDL knowledge test by computer at its Service Centers
Washington, DC sits at the center of a major Mid-Atlantic logistics hub — strong last-mile and delivery CDL demand
CDL holders must hold the commercial learner's permit (CLP) for at least 14 days before the skills test
DC uses the same FMCSA-standardized CDL knowledge test as all 50 states
Legal notice
This information is provided for educational purposes only. Requirements can change. Always verify with DC DMV for the most current information.
How to Get Your CDL in District of Columbia
The steps to earn a commercial driver's license in District of Columbia, from your DOT medical card to your CDL.
- 1
Get your DOT medical card
Visit a certified medical examiner, pass the DOT physical, and keep the certificate on file with DC DMV.
- 2
Study and pass the knowledge test
Cover General Knowledge plus any endorsements you need (Air Brakes, Combination, HazMat). Practice every section on Koydo until you're scoring 80%+.
- 3
Get your CLP
Pass the District of Columbia knowledge test at a DC DMV Service Center (Rhode Island Ave or Georgetown) and pay the ~$20 permit fee to receive your commercial learner's permit.
- 4
Hold your CLP for 14 days
Federal rules require a minimum 14-day wait while you practice driving with a licensed CDL holder.
- 5
Pass the skills test
Schedule the pre-trip inspection, basic control, and road test with DC DMV (or an approved third-party tester).
- 6
Get your District of Columbia CDL
Pay the ~$47 CDL fee and you're licensed to drive commercially.
District of Columbia CDL — Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a CDL cost in District of Columbia?
District of Columbia CDL fees come to about $67 total — roughly $20 for the commercial learner's permit (CLP) and $47 for the CDL itself, paid at DC DMV. Testing and endorsement fees can add to this, so always confirm current amounts with DC DMV.
What score do I need to pass the District of Columbia CDL knowledge test?
You need 80% on each CDL knowledge section. District of Columbia uses the same FMCSA-standardized question pool as every other state, so General Knowledge, Air Brakes, Combination Vehicles, and the endorsement tests are federally consistent.
How old do I have to be to get a CDL in District of Columbia?
District of Columbia issues a CDL at 21 for driving within the state (intrastate) and 21 for driving across state lines (interstate) or hauling hazardous materials.
How long must I hold a CLP before the District of Columbia skills test?
At least 14 days. You pass the knowledge test first to earn your CLP, hold it for 14 days while practicing with a licensed CDL holder, then take the behind-the-wheel skills test.
Where do I take the CDL written test in District of Columbia?
At a DC DMV Service Center (Rhode Island Ave or Georgetown). The knowledge test is computerized. Practice every section on Koydo before you go so you walk in ready.
Is the Koydo CDL practice test accurate for District of Columbia?
Yes. Koydo's questions follow the FMCSA CDL standard that District of Columbia tests on, plus state-rule practice — with no ads, and your first 15 questions a day are free.
Ready to get your CDL in District of Columbia?
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