Loading…
Pennsylvania · PA
Pennsylvania CDL
Knowledge Test
Everything you need to pass the Pennsylvania CDL knowledge test. The same FMCSA-standardized questions used across all 50 states.
Total CDL fee
$48
CLP wait
14 days
Min age
18+
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 Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania CDL fees: approximately $48 total (CLP $24 + CDL $24)
Philadelphia and Pittsburgh are major freight hubs — I-76 (PA Turnpike) is a primary east-west route
Pennsylvania has strict vehicle inspection requirements — CDL holders must pass annual PA inspections
The Port of Philadelphia handles significant break-bulk and bulk cargo requiring CDL truck drivers
CDL holders must hold CLP for at least 14 days before taking the CDL skills test
Pennsylvania requires CDL knowledge tests at PennDOT driver license centers statewide
Legal notice
This information is provided for educational purposes only. Requirements can change. Always verify with Pennsylvania PennDOT for the most current information.
How to Get Your CDL in Pennsylvania
The steps to earn a commercial driver's license in Pennsylvania, 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 Pennsylvania PennDOT.
- 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 Pennsylvania knowledge test at a Pennsylvania PennDOT Driver License Center and pay the ~$24 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 Pennsylvania PennDOT (or an approved third-party tester).
- 6
Get your Pennsylvania CDL
Pay the ~$24 CDL fee and you're licensed to drive commercially.
Pennsylvania CDL — Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a CDL cost in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania CDL fees come to about $48 total — roughly $24 for the commercial learner's permit (CLP) and $24 for the CDL itself, paid at Pennsylvania PennDOT. Testing and endorsement fees can add to this, so always confirm current amounts with Pennsylvania PennDOT.
What score do I need to pass the Pennsylvania CDL knowledge test?
You need 80% on each CDL knowledge section. Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania issues a CDL at 18 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 Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania?
At a Pennsylvania PennDOT Driver License Center. 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 Pennsylvania?
Yes. Koydo's questions follow the FMCSA CDL standard that Pennsylvania tests on, plus state-rule practice — with no ads, and your first 15 questions a day are free.
Ready to get your CDL in Pennsylvania?
Start with 15 free questions. Premium adds state rules, parked-study audio, mock exam, and progress tracking.
Choose Premium →
Monthly, 6-month, and annual plans; Premium access starts after payment
Other states
AL CDL →AK CDL →AZ CDL →AR CDL →CA CDL →CO CDL →CT CDL →DE CDL →DC CDL →FL CDL →GA CDL →HI CDL →ID CDL →IL CDL →IN CDL →IA CDL →KS CDL →KY CDL →LA CDL →ME CDL →MD CDL →MA CDL →MI CDL →MN CDL →MS CDL →MO CDL →MT CDL →NE CDL →NV CDL →NH CDL →NJ CDL →NM CDL →NY CDL →NC CDL →ND CDL →OH CDL →OK CDL →OR CDL →RI CDL →SC CDL →SD CDL →TN CDL →TX CDL →UT CDL →VT CDL →VA CDL →WA CDL →WV CDL →WI CDL →WY CDL →