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Free New York CDL Permit Practice Test: General Knowledge 2025

Average pass rate for CDL tests in New York: 62%.
Average pass rate for this test: 51%.
Hard
Score distribution:
90-100=>10%
80-89=>18%
70-79=>24%
60-69=>25%
<60%=>24%
Avg. first-try score: 66%

While driving in the great state of New York, you can be awed by the spectacular and frustrated by the difficult at the same time. The sights of New York State include the diverse metropolis of New York City and the beautiful lands along the Adirondack Northway. Unfortunately, they also include some of the worst traffic jams in America, notably the roads leading to the George Washington Bridge, where delays of up to 45 minutes are routine even in non-rush hours. New York City is consistently among the five cities with the worst traffic congestion in America. So along with your Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), a few relaxation techniques might be useful!

There are three classes of CDLs. A Class A CDL allows you to operate combination vehicles with a Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) of 26,001 pounds or more in which the towed vehicle weighs more than 10,000 pounds. To drive semi-trucks or tractor-trailers, this is the class of CDL you want. A Class B CDL allows you to operate a single vehicle with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more, or to tow a vehicle that does not exceed 10,000 pounds. This license is suitable for buses and straight trucks, including most dump trucks. A Class C CDL allows you to operate relatively smaller vehicles designed to transport hazardous materials or 16 or more occupants (including the driver). Unique to New York State, you also need a Class C CDL to drive a stretch limousine that can carry nine or more occupants, including yourself. Decide which class of CDL you want to apply for, based on the types of vehicles you expect to be driving in your career.

Tricky exam topics covered here:
Towing & Trailers
Snow & Ice
Curves & Hills
Free New York CDL Permit Practice Test: General Knowledge 2025
NY commercial driver's license
Based on the official NY CDL HandbookHandbook‑based (2025) + exam‑taker feedback
69 tests completed today

Accuracy & authorship

Steven Litvintchouk, M.S., Chief Educational Researcher at Driving-Tests.org

Reviewed for legal and handbook accuracy:

Steven Litvintchouk

M.S., Chief Educational Researcher (ACES member)

Last verified for accuracy on

Andrei Zakhareuski, Co-founder & CEO at Driving-Tests.org

Test design and learning experience oversight:

Andrei Zakhareuski

Co-founder & CEO, Driving-Tests.org

How to use this practice test

  1. Start here. One of 4 free New York tests. Read explanations as you go.
  2. Cover more ground. All tests have different questions - no repeats.
  3. Finish strong. Try the Exam Simulator for a full-length run.

Why this works

  • Exam-like questions from the current handbook + real test-taker patterns. Explanations cite the manual.
  • AI Assistant explains tricky items in plain language.
  • Performance Insights show your weak topics and what to study next.
  • Challenge Bank™ saves your mistakes for targeted practice.

Actual DMV permit test: What to expect?

The New York permit test has 50 questions. You must get 40 correct (80%) to pass.
  • Where: Any New York DMV office (find locations)
  • Bring: ID + SSN + residency proof + permit/license fee (see checklist)
  • If you fail: Retake after 1 day.
  • Commonly missed: legal blood alcohol limits and DUI rules, safe following distance (3-second rule).
  • Ready to schedule? Book your NY DMV appointment

Real New York drivers who passed first try

Verified student reviews • Shared with permission

About the New York CDL

Before you can obtain a CDL, you must first master the theory and practice of commercial driving. To show you’ve mastered the theory, you must pass the official General Knowledge test. And we can help. This free New York CDL permit practice test contains 50 questions on such topics as driving skills, hazard perception, and driving regulations. It’s based on the official New York Commercial Driver’s Manual, just like the official knowledge test. And it’s structured similarly and up to date as of December, 2025. But unlike theirs, ours comes with an available hint to lead you to the correct answer and an explanation of the correct answer. There’s no pressure to pass our tests; their purpose is to help you learn and memorize the theory. But your scores will track your progress so that you’ll know when you’re ready for the official knowledge test.

We know what it takes to pass. And we’ve got the proof.

Driver’s Ed is - nobody wants to set foot inside the DMV. That’s why millions of learners trust us for simple, visual, effective prep.

An official & trusted partner in driver education

We are an officially recognized FMCSA Entry-Level Driver Training provider and a proud partner to over 2,500 libraries. We work with safety organizations like GHSA and the National Safety Council to help create safer roads for everyone.

A smarter way to study

Challenge Bank™

Our trademarked system automatically saves questions you miss, creating personalized tests that target your weak spots until you’ve mastered the material.

AI-powered feedback

Get smarter as you study. Our new AI-powered feedback provides detailed, question-level insights to help you understand the why behind each answer.

Interactive handbook

Go beyond the boring black-and-white manual. Our interactive handbook lets you read, listen with an MP3 audio version, or even chat with it to find the information you need, faster.