Written by Andrei Zakhareuski. With over 16 years of expertise, Andrei leads Driving-Tests.org, a top online resource for driver education. His leadership has established vital partnerships with over 2,600 libraries, educational bodies, and state agencies.

What’s the CDL Combination Test?

  • It’s a specific part of the CDL exam focusing on operating combination vehicles (these typically consist of a combination of a tractor and one or more trailers). It’s a multiple-choice test where you’ll deal with questions about coupling and uncoupling trailers, air brakes, and the physics of a big rig. Other topics include combination vehicle control, rollover risks, proper turning, and managing the vehicle’s space, speed, and lane position.

Why It Matters

  • This isn’t just about driving; it’s about safety, mechanics, and logistics. Handling a combination vehicle requires skill and knowledge, which this test ensures you have.

Start a free Combination Vehicles practice test:

  • Alabama - AL - Alabama Combination Vehicles Practice Test
  • Alaska - AK - Alaska Combination Vehicles Practice Test
  • Arizona - AZ - Arizona Combination Vehicles Practice Test
  • Arkansas - AR - Arkansas Combination Vehicles Practice Test
  • California - CA - California Combination Vehicles Practice Test
  • Colorado - CO - Colorado Combination Vehicles Practice Test
  • Connecticut - CT - Connecticut Combination Vehicles Practice Test
  • Delaware - DE - Delaware Combination Vehicles Practice Test
  • District of Columbia - DC - District of Columbia Combination Vehicles Practice Test
  • Florida - FL - Florida Combination Vehicles Practice Test
  • Georgia - GA - Georgia Combination Vehicles Practice Test
  • Hawaii - HI - Hawaii Combination Vehicles Practice Test
  • Idaho - ID - Idaho Combination Vehicles Practice Test
  • Illinois - IL - Illinois Combination Vehicles Practice Test
  • Indiana - IN - Indiana Combination Vehicles Practice Test
  • Iowa - IA - Iowa Combination Vehicles Practice Test
  • Kansas - KS - Kansas Combination Vehicles Practice Test
  • Kentucky - KY - Kentucky Combination Vehicles Practice Test
  • Louisiana - LA - Louisiana Combination Vehicles Practice Test
  • Maine - ME - Maine Combination Vehicles Practice Test
  • Maryland - MD - Maryland Combination Vehicles Practice Test
  • Massachusetts - MA - Massachusetts Combination Vehicles Practice Test
  • Michigan - MI - Michigan Combination Vehicles Practice Test
  • Minnesota - MN - Minnesota Combination Vehicles Practice Test
  • Mississippi - MS - Mississippi Combination Vehicles Practice Test
  • Missouri - MO - Missouri Combination Vehicles Practice Test
  • Montana - MT - Montana Combination Vehicles Practice Test
  • Nebraska - NE - Nebraska Combination Vehicles Practice Test
  • Nevada - NV - Nevada Combination Vehicles Practice Test
  • New Hampshire - NH - New Hampshire Combination Vehicles Practice Test
  • New Jersey - NJ - New Jersey Combination Vehicles Practice Test
  • New Mexico - NM - New Mexico Combination Vehicles Practice Test
  • New York - NY - New York Combination Vehicles Practice Test
  • North Carolina - NC - North Carolina Combination Vehicles Practice Test
  • North Dakota - ND - North Dakota Combination Vehicles Practice Test
  • Ohio - OH - Ohio Combination Vehicles Practice Test
  • Oklahoma - OK - Oklahoma Combination Vehicles Practice Test
  • Oregon - OR - Oregon Combination Vehicles Practice Test
  • Pennsylvania - PA - Pennsylvania Combination Vehicles Practice Test
  • Rhode Island - RI - Rhode Island Combination Vehicles Practice Test
  • South Carolina - SC - South Carolina Combination Vehicles Practice Test
  • South Dakota - SD - South Dakota Combination Vehicles Practice Test
  • Tennessee - TN - Tennessee Combination Vehicles Practice Test
  • Texas - TX - Texas Combination Vehicles Practice Test
  • Utah - UT - Utah Combination Vehicles Practice Test
  • Vermont - VT - Vermont Combination Vehicles Practice Test
  • Virginia - VA - Virginia Combination Vehicles Practice Test
  • Washington - WA - Washington Combination Vehicles Practice Test
  • West Virginia - WV - West Virginia Combination Vehicles Practice Test
  • Wisconsin - WI - Wisconsin Combination Vehicles Practice Test
  • Wyoming - WY - Wyoming Combination Vehicles Practice Test

Understanding the CDL Combination Test

Exam FeatureDetails
Number of QuestionsTypically 20-30 multiple-choice
Passing Score80% or higher
Time LimitVaries by state, often around 60 minutes
Key TopicsCombination vehicle control, air brakes (if applicable), rollover risks, coupling and uncoupling, vehicle inspection
Test FormatComputer-based in most locations
Retake PolicyVaries by state; often a waiting period and additional fee for retakes
PrerequisiteValid CDL; specific requirements may vary by state

How to Prepare for the Exam

1

Study the Relevant Sections in the CDL Manual

Focus on the sections of your state’s CDL manual that pertain specifically to combination vehicles.

2

Practice with Sample Questions

Familiarize yourself with the types of questions you might encounter on the exam through online resources like Driving-Tests.org.

3

Understand Coupling and Uncoupling Procedures

Pay special attention to the process of safely coupling and uncoupling trailers, as this is a crucial aspect of operating combination vehicles.

Sample Combination Exam Questions

Test your knowledge with these sample questions.

FAQs to Fuel Your Journey

Pro Tip: Take the time to understand each concept thoroughly. Practical understanding is key to not only passing the exam but also safely operating combination vehicles.


Ready to hit the road? Head over to Driving-Tests.org and take free combination endorsement practice tests for your state. Remember, the road to becoming a pro driver starts with acing that CDL combination test. Good luck, future roadmasters! 🚚💨

Was this page helpful?