Free Vermont CDL practice test online
Take a free Vermont CDL practice exam online with clear explanations—no sign-up. Coverage includes general knowledge, vehicle systems, combination vehicles, cargo, and endorsements. Then verify current requirements with Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles.
CDL knowledge tests are federally regulated, so the passing score in Vermont is the same as everywhere else: 80% correct on every knowledge test. You must also hold a commercial learner’s permit for 14 days before the skills test.
New to the knowledge test? CDL endorsements explained · One-week study plan
Requirements before you test
Vermont CDL test requirements
Commercial licensing is largely federal. Any figure above credited to a 49 CFR section applies in every state — see 49 CFR 383.135(a)(1) and 49 CFR 383.25(e). A figure credited to Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles is Vermont’s own, and may be stricter than the federal floor. Test length, fees, and scheduling are set by Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles (official source).
Entry-Level Driver Training comes first
Since February 7, 2022, a new Class A or Class B CDL, a class upgrade, or a first passenger, school bus, or hazardous materials endorsement requires training from a provider on the FMCSA Training Provider Registry (49 CFR 380.600). Practice questions are study material and do not satisfy that requirement.
FMCSA Training Provider RegistryYou need a Vermont licence first
A commercial learner’s permit only counts if you already hold an ordinary licence from the same state (49 CFR 383.25(a)(2)). The Vermont non-commercial knowledge test runs 20 questions and needs 16 correct, with permits issued from age 15.
Vermont permit practice testWhat you will practice
Build coverage topic by topic.
Each question carries a topic, difficulty, explanation, and source section so your review has context.
Sample questions
5 Vermont CDL practice questions
Try these Vermont sample questions now — each shows the correct answer with a plain-language explanation and a source section. The full 600-question bank is in the practice run.
1. At a drawbridge with no signal light or attendant on duty, a bus driver must:
- Stop before crossing and check that the span is safe
- BSound the horn and proceed
- CWait for another vehicle to cross first
- DCross at reduced speed without stopping
Answer: Stop before crossing and check that the span is safe. Without a traffic light showing green or an attendant controlling traffic, you must stop and verify the draw is fully closed before crossing.
Source: Commercial Driver License Manual — Passenger vehicles — drawbridges
2. If you cannot account for a student outside the bus, the correct action is to:
- AWait thirty seconds and then depart
- BCreep forward while sounding the horn
- Secure the bus, take the key, and check around and underneath
- DAsk nearby traffic to search for you
Answer: Secure the bus, take the key, and check around and underneath. Taking the ignition key ensures nobody can move the bus while you search the danger zone.
Source: Commercial Driver License Manual — School buses — student loading
3. On a tractor-trailer, the trailer brake hand valve can help:
- ACharge the tractor tanks faster
- BDisconnect the fifth wheel
- CReplace the parking brake when leaving the vehicle
- Prevent rollback when starting by holding the trailer briefly
Answer: Prevent rollback when starting by holding the trailer briefly. Use it as a starting aid when appropriate, but never as the parking brake for a parked combination.
Source: Commercial Driver License Manual — Combination vehicles — starting / hand valve
4. A required 30-minute interruption of driving may be satisfied by:
- AOnly sleeper-berth time
- Off-duty, sleeper berth, on-duty not driving, or a combination of those
- COnly off-duty time in a motel
- DDriving under 30 mph
Answer: Off-duty, sleeper berth, on-duty not driving, or a combination of those. 49 CFR 395.3(a)(3)(ii) allows the break to be off-duty, sleeper berth, on-duty not driving, or a combination.
Source: Commercial Driver License Manual — Hours of service — rest breaks (49 CFR 395.3(a)(3)(ii))
5. What is the primary purpose of a pre-trip inspection?
- To find safety problems before driving
- BTo warm the engine
- CTo estimate fuel cost
- DTo avoid completing a log
Answer: To find safety problems before driving. A systematic inspection identifies defects that could cause a breakdown or crash before the vehicle enters service.
Source: Commercial Driver License Manual — Vehicle inspection
CDL knowledge areas
Classes and endorsements, organized.
Each area below scopes the reviewed question bank to one knowledge test. The material is federal, so it applies in Vermont just like everywhere else — the endorsement guide explains how the codes fit together.
The foundation for commercial driving: inspections, space, speed, communication, hazards, and safe operation.
- Pre-trip inspection
- Space and speed management
- Railroad crossings
- Emergency procedures
Understand air-brake components, inspections, warning devices, stopping distance, and controlled braking.
- Dual air systems
- Low-air warnings
- Brake lag and fade
- Applied-leak and static checks
Prepare for safe coupling, inspection, turning, backing, and handling of tractor-trailer combinations.
- Fifth-wheel inspection
- Coupling and uncoupling
- Off-tracking
- Trailer skid prevention
Study hazard communication, shipping papers, placards, loading rules, parking, and emergency response responsibilities.
- Hazard classes
- Placards and labels
- Shipping papers
- Loading and segregation
Learn how liquid surge, outage, bulkheads, and high centers of gravity change vehicle handling.
- Liquid surge
- Outage requirements
- Smooth braking
- Rollover prevention
Practice converter-dolly inspection, coupling order, rearward amplification, and stability principles.
- Coupling sequence
- Converter dollies
- Rearward amplification
- Space management
Prepare to inspect, load, and operate buses while keeping passengers, aisles, and exits safe.
- Vehicle inspection
- Passenger loading
- Emergency exits
- Prohibited practices
Review student loading, danger zones, mirrors, emergency procedures, and special railroad-crossing duties.
- Danger zones
- Student loading
- Mirror use
- Railroad crossings
More northeast practice
Nearby CDL practice tests
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Common questions
What this practice can—and cannot—tell you.