CDL endorsement tests are separate exams you take after passing your commercial driver's license, each one covering a specific type of cargo or driving task

A CDL endorsement is a certification added to your commercial driver's license that permits you to operate certain types of vehicles or transport specific cargo. The endorsement test is a written exam — usually 20 to 30 questions — that covers the rules, safety procedures, and regulations for that endorsement category. You must pass the written test before you can add the endorsement to your license. Some endorsements also require a skills test (backing, braking, turning) performed by an examiner, but the written portion comes first.

Each state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent agency administers these tests. The content is based on the Commercial Driver's License Manual published by the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVTA), so the core material is consistent across states, though specific rules and fees vary by location.

Key Takeaways

  • Endorsement tests are written exams taken after you hold a valid CDL, each one tied to a specific cargo type or driving task like hazmat, tanker, or passenger transport.
  • Most endorsement tests contain 20 to 30 questions and you must score at least 80 percent to pass, though some states set the passing score at 70 percent.
  • You study from your state's CDL manual, which covers the endorsement-specific rules; many states also offer practice tests online or at the DMV office.
  • Some endorsements require only a written test, while others (like air brake or passenger) also require a skills test performed by a state examiner.
  • Test fees range from $10 to $50 per endorsement depending on your state, and you can take multiple endorsement tests on the same day.

The seven main CDL endorsements and what each test covers

The most common endorsements are Hazmat (H), Tanker (T), Passenger (P), Doubles/Triples (N), Air Brake (X), School Bus (S), and Motorcycle (M). Not all states offer every endorsement, and some endorsements are only available if you already hold another one.

The Hazmat endorsement test covers the rules for transporting hazardous materials — how to identify hazmat placards, what you can and cannot load together, emergency procedures, and documentation requirements. The Tanker endorsement focuses on the physics and handling of liquid cargo in tank vehicles, including how weight distribution changes during braking and turning. The Passenger endorsement covers pre-trip inspections specific to buses, passenger safety procedures, and how to handle emergencies with multiple occupants on board.

The Doubles/Triples endorsement tests your knowledge of coupling and uncoupling multiple trailers, weight distribution across axles, and braking differences with extra trailers. The Air Brake endorsement covers the air brake system itself — how it works, maintenance, and failure procedures — and is required if you operate any vehicle with air brakes. The School Bus endorsement includes student safety, loading and unloading procedures, and state-specific school transportation laws. The Motorcycle endorsement (available in only a few states) covers motorcycle-specific operation and safety.

How endorsement tests are structured and scored

Written endorsement tests are multiple-choice, administered on a computer at your state DMV office or testing center. Most tests have 20 to 30 questions, though the exact number varies by endorsement and state. You typically have 60 minutes to complete the test, and you can review and change your answers before submitting.

The passing score is usually 80 percent — meaning you can miss no more than 4 to 6 questions on a 20 to 30 question test — though some states set it at 70 percent. Your score is displayed when ready after you finish, and if you pass, the endorsement is added to your CDL within a few days. If you fail, you can retake the test; most states allow you to retake it the same day or within a few days, though some impose a waiting period of 24 to 48 hours.

For endorsements that also require a skills test — Passenger, School Bus, and Air Brake in most states — you schedule a separate appointment with a state examiner. The skills test includes a pre-trip inspection, basic control (backing, turning, braking), and on-road driving. You must pass the written test before you can take the skills test.

What to study and where to find practice materials

Your state's CDL manual is the primary study resource. Each state publishes its own manual, available free online through the DMV website or in print at the DMV office. The manual includes a section dedicated to each endorsement, with diagrams, regulations, and sample questions. Read the endorsement section thoroughly — the test questions come directly from the material in the manual.

Many states offer practice tests online through their DMV website or third-party testing platforms. These practice tests use the same format and question style as the real test and help you identify weak areas. Some DMV offices also provide paper practice tests at the office itself. Private CDL training companies and apps offer additional practice materials, though these vary in quality and accuracy — stick with your state's official manual and practice tests first.

Study time depends on your familiarity with the subject. If you already operate the type of vehicle covered by the endorsement, you may need only a few hours of review. If the material is new to you, plan for 10 to 20 hours of study spread over a week or two. Focus on the areas that are tested most heavily — hazmat placards and cargo rules for Hazmat, coupling procedures for Doubles/Triples, and air brake system operation for Air Brake.

Fees, scheduling, and state-by-state differences

Endorsement test fees range from $10 to $50 per endorsement, depending on your state. Some states charge a flat fee per endorsement; others charge based on the number of endorsements you add at once. A few states include the endorsement test in your CDL renewal fee rather than charging separately. Check your state DMV website for the exact fee and payment methods accepted.

You schedule the test by visiting your state DMV office in person, calling the DMV, or booking online through your state's DMV portal. Some states allow you to schedule weeks in advance; others operate on a first-come, first-served basis. You can take multiple endorsement tests on the same day, though you will pay a fee for each one. Most states require you to bring your current CDL, a form of ID, and proof of residency.

Waiting times for test appointments vary widely. In rural areas, you may be able to test within days; in busy urban centers, you might wait several weeks. If you need a skills test as well, that appointment is typically scheduled after you pass the written test, and the wait for skills testing can be longer — sometimes 4 to 8 weeks depending on examiner availability in your area.

Endorsements that require a skills test in addition to the written exam

Three endorsements typically require both a written test and a skills test: Passenger (P), School Bus (S), and Air Brake (X). The written test must be passed first; you cannot schedule a skills test until you have a passing score on the written portion.

The skills test is performed by a state-certified examiner and takes 45 minutes to an hour. It includes three parts: a pre-trip inspection (you walk around the vehicle and point out safety features and maintenance items), basic control (backing in a straight line, backing into a dock or alley, turning, and braking), and on-road driving (typically 10 to 15 minutes on public roads). You must demonstrate safe operation and knowledge of the vehicle type. Failing any part of the skills test means you do not receive the endorsement, though your written test score remains valid and you can retake the skills test without retaking the written exam.

Some states also require a skills test for Tanker (T) and Doubles/Triples (N), though this is less common. Check your state's CDL manual or DMV website to confirm which endorsements in your state require skills testing.

What happens if you fail an endorsement test

If you fail the written test, you receive a score report showing which topics you missed. You can retake the test after a waiting period — usually 24 to 48 hours, though some states allow same-day retakes. There is no limit to the number of times you can retake the test, but you pay the fee each time. Review the failed topics in your state's CDL manual before retaking.

If you fail a skills test, the examiner provides feedback on which maneuvers or safety procedures you did not perform correctly. You can schedule another skills test appointment, and there is no limit to retakes. However, skills test appointments often have longer wait times than written tests, so plan accordingly. Your written test score remains valid indefinitely (in most states), so you only need to retake the skills portion.

A failed endorsement test does not affect your current CDL or any endorsements you already hold. It straightforward means you cannot add that endorsement until you pass the test.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to pass a skills test for every endorsement?

No. Most endorsements require only a written test. Passenger, School Bus, and Air Brake typically require both written and skills tests in most states, but rules vary by state. Check your state's CDL manual to see which endorsements in your state require skills testing.

Can I take multiple endorsement tests on the same day?

Yes. You can take as many endorsement written tests as you want on the same day, though you pay a fee for each one. Skills tests are usually scheduled separately and on different days due to examiner availability.

How long is an endorsement test score valid if I fail?

Your written test score is not stored — if you fail, you straightforward retake the test. If you pass the written test but fail the skills test, your written test score remains valid, and you can retake the skills test without retaking the written exam. The time frame for retaking varies by state.

What if my state does not offer the endorsement I need?

Not all states offer all endorsements. If your state does not offer an endorsement you need, you may be able to obtain it in another state and then transfer it to your home state, though transfer rules vary. Contact your state DMV to ask about reciprocity agreements with other states.

Do I have to renew my endorsements?

Endorsements are renewed along with your CDL. When your CDL expires, you renew the entire license, including all endorsements. You do not retake the endorsement tests unless your state requires periodic retesting, which is rare.