Ohio CDL Study Guide
Ohio issues commercial driver licenses (CDLs) through the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV). The process starts with a Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP) and ends with a skills test at a state CDL testing site. You must be at least 18 to drive in Ohio and 21 to drive across state lines.
Key Ohio numbers
- Minimum age (intrastate): 18
- Minimum age (interstate or hazmat): 21
- CLP hold before skills test: at least 14 days
- General Knowledge passing score: 80%
- General Knowledge test: ~50 questions
- Air Brakes test: ~25 questions (required if your vehicle has air brakes)
- Combination Vehicles test: ~20 questions (required for Class A)
Topics on the Ohio General Knowledge test
- Vehicle inspection (pre-trip, en-route, post-trip)
- Driving safely (speed management, space management, hazard perception)
- Transporting cargo safely
- Air brakes (if your vehicle is air-braked)
- Combination vehicles (Class A)
If you fail a test
If you fail a CDL knowledge test in Ohio, you can usually retake it after waiting at least one business day, and you must pay the test fee again. The Ohio BMV publishes current retake rules on its CDL pages and at driver exam stations.
Frequently asked questions
How old do I have to be to get an Ohio CDL?
You must be at least 18 to get an Ohio CDL for driving inside Ohio. You must be 21 to drive across state lines or carry hazardous materials.
How long must I hold the Ohio CLP before testing?
You must hold your Commercial Learneru0027s Permit for at least 14 days before you can take the CDL skills test. This is the federal minimum that Ohio follows.
How many questions are on the Ohio CDL general knowledge test?
The Ohio General Knowledge test has 50 questions. You need to answer at least 80% correctly (40 out of 50) to pass.
Do I need ELDT in Ohio?
Yes. If you are getting your first CDL, upgrading classes, or adding H, P, or S endorsements, you must complete federal Entry-Level Driver Training before taking the skills test.
What does an Ohio CDL cost?
Ohio charges $31.50 for the Commercial Learneru0027s Permit and $46.50 for a first-time CDL. Each endorsement is $12.00. The state skills test costs $50.00.
Where do I take the Ohio CDL skills test?
Skills tests are given at Ohio CDL skills testing locations. Knowledge tests are given at Ohio driver exam stations. The Ohio BMV lists locations on its website.
Free practice
Start an Ohio General Knowledge quiz →
Sources: Ohio BMV Forms u0026 Manuals (CDL Manual HSY 7605) Ohio BMV Driver License u0026 ID Cards (CDL Classes) Ohio BMV Documents u0026 Fees FMCSA Entry-Level Driver Training (49 CFR Part 380)