Pennsylvania CDL Study Guide
Pennsylvania issues commercial driver licenses through PennDOT Driver and Vehicle Services. The state follows federal CDL rules in Publication 223, the Commercial Driver's Manual. You can drive a commercial vehicle inside Pennsylvania at 18. You must be 21 to drive across state lines or carry hazardous materials.
Key Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania 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 or skills test in Pennsylvania, you may schedule a retake. PennDOT may require additional fees for retake attempts. See PennDOT's CDL page or Publication 223 for current retake details.
Frequently asked questions
How old do I need to be to get a CDL in Pennsylvania?
You must be at least 18 to drive a commercial vehicle inside Pennsylvania. You must be 21 to drive across state lines or carry hazardous materials.
How long must I hold my Pennsylvania CLP before the skills test?
You must hold your Commercial Learneru0027s Permit for at least 14 days before you can take the CDL skills test.
What is the official Pennsylvania CDL manual?
PennDOT Publication 223, the Commercial Driveru0027s Manual, is the official study guide. You can download it free from the PennDOT website.
Do I need to take Entry-Level Driver Training in Pennsylvania?
Yes. If you are getting your first Class A or B CDL, or your first H, P, or S endorsement, you must complete federal ELDT from an FMCSA-registered provider.
Do I need a DOT medical card to get a Pennsylvania CDL?
Yes. You must complete a DOT medical exam and submit your Medical Examineru0027s Certificate to PennDOT.
How much does a Pennsylvania CDL cost?
The CLP application is about $29.50, the 4-year CDL is $102.50, and the skills test is $91.50. Endorsement add-ons cost extra.
Free practice
Start a Pennsylvania General Knowledge quiz →
Sources: Pennsylvania Commercial Driveru0027s Manual (PUB 223) PDF Pennsylvania Commercial Driveru0027s Manual page Apply for a Pennsylvania Commercial Driveru0027s License PennDOT Driver Licensing Fee Chart Fact Sheet