New Jersey CDL General Knowledge Practice Test

The NJ CDL General Knowledge test has 50 questions. You must answer at least 40 correctly — 80% — to pass and advance to endorsement tests and the skills test.

The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) administers CDL testing at regional service centers across NJ. CDL knowledge tests are taken at MVC offices; skills tests are conducted at approved third-party testing sites. Visit nj.gov/mvc for CDL testing information and locations.

CDL drivers must understand and follow jug handle turn requirements on NJ divided highways — moving to the right lane well in advance of a 'Jug Handle' sign, exiting via the ramp, and proceeding at the jug handle signal. Missing a jug handle with a large truck creates hazardous situations. Route planning for CDL operators in NJ should account for jug handle locations on planned routes.

A New Jersey CDL is valid for 4 years. Your DOT medical certificate must remain current. HazMat endorsement requires TSA security clearance renewal every 5 years. NJ CDL holders must self-certify their medical status annually. NJ CDLs may be renewed online for eligible drivers at nj.gov/mvc.

Yes. New Jersey has posted weight limits on many state and county roads, especially older bridges. The NJ Turnpike and Garden State Parkway have specific truck restrictions on inner roadways. CDL drivers must know the GVWR and axle weights of their vehicle and loads, and plan routes to comply with posted limits. Overweight violations in NJ carry significant fines and can result in out-of-service orders.

A Class A CDL allows you to operate any combination of vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 26,001 lbs or more, provided the towed unit exceeds 10,000 lbs — this includes tractor-trailers and double/triple trailer rigs. A Class B CDL covers single vehicles with a GVWR of 26,001 lbs or more, or any such vehicle towing a unit not exceeding 10,000 lbs — this includes straight trucks and large buses. A Class C CDL is required for vehicles designed to carry 16 or more passengers (including the driver) or for vehicles transporting hazardous materials that require placarding, when those vehicles do not qualify for Class A or B.

CDL fees vary by state and by the class and endorsements you obtain. Most states charge separate fees for the CDL knowledge test ($10–$30 per attempt), the CDL skills test ($50–$150), and the CDL license itself ($50–$100). Additional fees apply for each endorsement (HazMat, Tanker, Passenger, etc.). The HazMat endorsement also requires a TSA security threat assessment fee of approximately $86. Check your New Jersey DMV website for current fee schedules.

Federal regulations (49 CFR 383.133) require that CDL applicants be able to read and speak the English language sufficiently to understand highway traffic signs and signals and to respond to official inquiries. Many states offer CDL knowledge tests in Spanish and other languages for non-commercial knowledge questions, but the actual CDL test must be taken in a language that allows the driver to meet the English proficiency requirement. Check with the New Jersey DMV for available language options.

In most states, a CDL is valid for 4–8 years (commonly 4–5 years). To renew your New Jersey CDL, you typically need to visit a DMV office, pass a vision test, pay the renewal fee, and update your medical certification (DOT physical). If you hold a HazMat endorsement, your TSA background check must also be current. CDLs cannot generally be renewed online due to federal requirements for in-person verification of medical certification.

If you fail the CDL General Knowledge test in New Jersey, you are typically required to wait a specified period (commonly 1–7 days) before retaking it. Most states allow 2–3 attempts before requiring additional waiting periods or study requirements. There is usually a retest fee for each attempt. Focus on the areas you missed — most states provide a score sheet showing which topic areas you need to review.