Ohio CDL General Knowledge Practice Test

The Ohio CDL General Knowledge test has 50 questions. You must answer at least 40 correctly — an 80% passing score — to pass.

Ohio issues Class A (combination vehicles with GCWR over 26,001 lbs and towed unit over 10,000 lbs GVWR), Class B (single vehicles over 26,001 lbs GVWR, or towing under 10,001 lbs), and Class C (16+ passengers or HazMat requiring placards). Each class requires the General Knowledge test plus endorsement tests and a skills test.

Ohio CDL holders operating a commercial motor vehicle are subject to a 0.04% BAC limit — half the standard adult threshold. An OVI conviction in any vehicle triggers a 1-year CDL disqualification for a first offense. A second offense results in a lifetime CDL disqualification. Ohio's OVI law also interacts with federal CDL disqualification rules under FMCSA regulations.

An Ohio CDL is valid for 4 years. Your DOT medical certificate must remain current throughout the CDL's validity period. HazMat endorsement holders must renew their TSA security threat assessment every 5 years. Ohio also requires CDL holders to self-certify their medical status category annually.

Ohio CDL skills tests are conducted at approved third-party testing sites authorized by the Ohio BMV. You must provide your own vehicle (or arrange for one) for the skills test, which includes a pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control (backing and maneuvering), and an on-road driving test. Contact the Ohio BMV at bmv.ohio.gov for a list of approved testing sites.

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 Ohio 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 Ohio DMV for available language options.

In most states, a CDL is valid for 4–8 years (commonly 4–5 years). To renew your Ohio 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 Ohio, 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.