Class A is the top-tier commercial license - semis, tractor-trailers, the works. Four written tests to pass, and you're on your way. Practice with 2026 exam-like questions.
The DMV will quiz you on four subjects: General Knowledge, Air Brakes, Combination Vehicles, and Pre-Trip Inspection. That Combination Vehicles test is what separates Class A from B. We have 1,100+ practice questions covering all four exams, with instant scoring and explanations.
Practice tests for all 4 knowledge exams. Select your state to begin.
You take these at your state DMV to get your Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP). You need 80% or higher on each one.
The foundation of your CDL. Covers vehicle inspection, basic control, shifting, hazard perception, night driving, emergencies, and cargo handling. You'll also need to know Hours of Service rules (including the Split Sleeper Berth provision) and why you disengage the Jake Brake on ice. 50 questions, 80% to pass, and the longest exam - give it the most study time.
Every tractor-trailer runs on air brakes. You need to understand how the system builds pressure, dual air brakes, failure modes, and inspection procedures. One thing that trips people up: brake lag adds about 32 feet to your stopping distance at 55 mph because of the half-second air delay. Know snub braking vs. steady pressure, and never manually ratchet an automatic slack adjuster.
The Class A exam. Coupling and uncoupling, rollover prevention, jackknife recovery, trailer skid control. You'll need to understand off-tracking vs. tail swing, and how sliding tandems shifts weight (roughly 250-500 lbs per hole). This is the test that separates A from B.
Class A pre-trip is longer than Class B because you're also inspecting the coupling system and trailer. Engine, cab, lights, walk-around, air brakes, fifth wheel, trailer body, doors - know them all.
New drivers start around $50K. Specialized haulers and owner-operators clear $100K+. No other CDL class has this range.
One test series, and you can drive anything commercial. That's why most drivers skip straight to Class A.
Long-haul, regional, local, flatbed, tanker, refrigerated. Class A is what the job postings ask for. And the federal Coercion Rule protects you from dispatchers pressuring you to violate safety rules.
Add hazmat or tanker endorsements for higher pay. Go owner-operator. Move into training or logistics. It all starts with Class A.
Class A is the CDL you need for tractor-trailers, semis, and any combination vehicle where the GCWR exceeds 26,001 lbs and the trailer weighs over 10,000 lbs. Basically, if you're pulling a heavy trailer, you need Class A.
It's also the only CDL that covers everything below it. Class A holders can drive Class B and Class C vehicles too, which is why most drivers skip straight to A even if they're not sure about long-haul yet. Full breakdown: CDL classes compared.
Pay range is wide. New drivers start around $50,000. With experience and the right endorsements (hazmat, tanker, oversized), $80,000-$100,000+ is realistic. Owner-operators can earn more than that.
| CDL Class | Vehicle Type | Weight Requirements | Common Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class A | Combination vehicles (tractor + trailer) | GCWR 26,001+ lbs, towed vehicle 10,000+ lbs | Long-haul trucking, tankers, flatbeds |
| Class B | Single vehicles or small trailers | GVWR 26,001+ lbs, towed vehicle under 10,000 lbs | Buses, delivery trucks, dump trucks |
| Class C | Vehicles not meeting A or B criteria | Under 26,001 lbs with 16+ passengers or hazmat | Small buses, hazmat vans |
Study and pass 4 knowledge exams at your state DMV: General Knowledge, Air Brakes, Combination Vehicles, Pre-Trip Inspection. Score 80% or higher on each test. Select your state above to start practicing with our free tests.
Once you pass the written tests, you get your CLP. It's a learner's permit for commercial vehicles - you can drive, but only with a licensed CDL holder in the passenger seat. You have to hold it for at least 14 days before you can take the skills test.
Federal law requires ELDT (Entry-Level Driver Training) for all first-time CDL applicants. You'll need two parts: theory training, which you can do online, and behind-the-wheel training with a registered provider. Our ELDT theory course is FMCSA-registered and 100% online - finish it whenever works for you.
Three parts here. Pre-Trip Inspection: you walk around the vehicle and explain what you're checking. Basic Control: backing up, parking, that kind of thing. Road Test: actual driving in traffic. Pro tip for backing maneuvers: use GOAL (Get Out And Look) - examiners actually want to see you do it. Clear all three and your CLP becomes a full Class A CDL. More on CDL requirements and classifications.
Once you pass the written exams and get your CLP, there's one more step before the skills test: ELDT (Entry-Level Driver Training). We offer the theory portion online - no classroom required.