7CDLFree CDL permit study for every state
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States

PAPennsylvania CDL permit test guide

The core course follows the national manual text most states use. When your state manual gives a different number, it wins.

Licensing agency
Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, Driver and Vehicle Services
Official CDL page
pa.gov ↗
Official CDL manual
pa.gov ↗
Testing, fees and appointments
pa.gov ↗
Knowledge-test language
Confirm with the agency

We have not confirmed this state's current language policy from an official source. Ask the agency before you book.

Source collection date

Steps to your CDL (federal minimums)

  1. Choose your class (A, B or C) and endorsements.
  2. Get a DOT medical exam from a provider on the National Registry and a medical examiner's certificate.
  3. Pass the knowledge tests at the state agency to get your commercial learner's permit (CLP).
  4. Hold the CLP at least 14 days and practice with a qualified CDL holder. A CLP is valid for up to one year (some states less).
  5. Complete entry-level driver training (ELDT) with a registered provider.
  6. Pass the skills test: pre-trip inspection, basic control and road test, in English.
  7. Get your CDL. You must be 21 to drive across state lines.

What is different in this state

State manual

PennDOT posts translated copies of the CDL manual (PUB 223) in about 30 languages, including Spanish and Arabic, for study.

Source: pa.gov

Learner permit (CLP)

Pennsylvania law requires a 15-day wait (not 14) after the learner's permit is issued before a Class A, B or C skills test; any change to the permit restarts the 15 days.

Source: pa.gov

Knowledge tests

PennDOT issues a Knowledge Test Authorization (KTA) valid for 1 year with 3 tries; you have 1 year to pass all knowledge and skills tests.

Source: pa.gov

Also important

A new school bus endorsement needs at least 14 hours of classroom and 6 hours of in-bus training, and must be recertified every 4 years.

Source: pa.gov

State-only topics in the manual

  • Section 1 Pennsylvania rules: applying when already licensed in PA, new residents, medical certificate rules (Title 67, Chapter 231) and school bus certification.

Source collection date:

The three permit tests

General Knowledge

Required for every CDL class.

Mock exam

Air Brakes

Needed to drive a vehicle with air brakes without an "L" restriction.

Mock exam

Combination Vehicles

Needed for Class A (tractor-trailers).

Mock exam
Study the core course

7CDL is an independent study aid. It is not a government website, not affiliated with any state agency, FMCSA or AAMVA, and not an ELDT provider. Always check your state's official CDL manual and agency.