Pennsylvania CDL Test Questions 2026: Official Counts and Test Structure
Pennsylvania CDL knowledge-test question counts for 2026, including Class A/B/C, endorsements, air brakes, language options, KTA attempts, and skills-test structure.
Pennsylvania publishes official knowledge-test counts by license class and endorsement, so there is no need to guess from generic CDL websites. The number of questions depends on the credential you are seeking.
Official Pennsylvania knowledge-test counts
- Class A: 70 questions.
- Class B: 50 questions.
- Class C: 50 questions.
- Passenger endorsement: 20 questions.
- School Bus endorsement: 25 questions, with Passenger also required.
- Doubles/Triples endorsement: 20 questions.
- Tank Vehicle endorsement: 20 questions.
- Hazardous Materials endorsement: 30 questions.
- L/Z Air Brake restriction removal: 25 questions.
What the tests cover
The required material comes from the Pennsylvania Commercial Driver’s Manual. General knowledge covers safe commercial operation and CDL rules; class, air-brake, passenger, school-bus, tanker, HazMat and other tests add the material relevant to the vehicle or job.
Language options are narrower than “all tests in Spanish”
PennDOT’s current CDL FAQ says certain oral and Spanish tests are available by appointment only. That is more precise than older guides that broadly describe every CDL knowledge test as freely available in Spanish. Check the Driver License Center before relying on a particular language or oral format.
KTA attempt window
The Knowledge Test Authorization is valid for one year and gives three tries on that KTA for the requested knowledge testing. If you do not finish the required knowledge and skills testing in the state’s one-year window, PennDOT requires additional permit paperwork to extend the process.
What comes after the written tests
After passing the applicable knowledge tests, you receive the CLP and must wait at least 15 days before the skills-test date. The modernized skills test consists of vehicle inspection, basic control skills, and road driving.
Use practice questions correctly
Use practice tests to find gaps, then return to the current Pennsylvania manual for the rule behind every missed answer. Memorizing a practice-test letter is not enough when the real exam randomizes questions.
Sources: PennDOT Commercial Driver’s License FAQ, CDL Learner’s Permit FAQ, and Pennsylvania Commercial Driver’s Manual. Reviewed October 2026.