Ohio's CDL manual and DMV CDL Practice Tests

for all endorsements

Ohio's CDL Manual

Commercial Driver Handbook

Ohio's CDL Manual

Minimum Requirements For Getting A CDL In Ohio:

  • You must be at least 18 years of age and must meet requirements for an Ohio driver’s license. Some employers may ask for higher age requirements and additional conditions.
  • Certify that you are in agreement with state motor carrier safety regulations.
  • Provide a valid Medical Examiner’s Certificate.
  • Proof of legal presence and Ohio residency.
  • Provide your Social security number. This is required for identification purposes. This is a mandatory requirement.
  • You must meet the requirements for an Ohio driver’s license.
  • Fill out the CDL application form and hand in in-person to a BMV office. For more information see Instruction Permit section below.
  • Pass the CDL knowledge exams.
  • Attend and then provide proof that you have taken a Commercial driver’s education program specifically for commercial motor vehicles.
  • Take the road test at your local BMV office.

Ohio CDL Disqualifications

  • Alcohol or drug test refusal in any motor vehicle - one year for first offense/ lifetime for second offense
  • Alcohol positive test in commercial motor vehicle - any detectible amount, 24 hours out of service for first offense. For .04 breath test, .048 blood test or .056 urine test one year for first offense/ lifetime for second offense
  • OVI conviction in any motor vehicle - one year for fist offense/ lifetime for second offense
  • Under influence of a controlled substance in any motor vehicle - one year first offense/ lifetime for second offense
  • Driving under suspension / disqualification / revocation in commercial motor vehicle - one year for fist offense/ lifetime for second offense
  • Cause fatality by negligent operation of a commercial motor vehicle - one year for fist offense/ lifetime for second offense
  • Failure to stop after an accident (Hit / Skip) in any motor vehicle - one year for fist offense/ lifetime for second offense
  • Using any motor vehicle in commission of a felony - one year for fist offense/ lifetime for second offense
  • Any two or three serious traffic violations include driving a commercial motor vehicle without a CDL, texting while driving, using a hand-held mobile phone, speeding 15 MPH or more over posted speed limit, willful disregard of safety, traffic violation resulting in fatality, violation of CDL Class Restrictions, driving CMV without CDL in possession, marked lane violation, or following too close - 60 days first offense/ one year second offense.

DMV CDL Practice Tests

General Knowledge

The general knowledge test is the first of several tests that you will have to complete in order to get your CDL. The questions cover general information about commercial vehicles, driving, and vehicle inspections. The test has a total of 50 questions, and requires at least 40 correct answers to pass.

Test 1
50 questions
Test 2
50 questions
Test 3
50 questions
Test 4
50 questions
Test 5
50 questions
Test 6
50 questions
Test 7
50 questions
Test 8
50 questions

Air Brakes

You must have an Air brake endorsement on your driver's license to drive a vehicle equipped with an air brake system. This test will test your knowledge of the function, parts, and braking distance of air brakes. The test will consist of 25 questions, and at least 20 correct answers are needed to pass.

Test 1
25 questions
Test 2
25 questions
Test 3
25 questions
Test 4
25 questions

Combination

The combination endorsement allows you to drive a vehicle with a power unit and one trailer. This test will cover the "ins and outs" of operating articulated vehicles. The exam consists of 25 questions, and requires at least 20 correct to pass.

Test 1
25 questions
Test 2
25 questions
Test 3
25 questions
Test 4
25 questions

Hazardous Material

The Hazardous Material endorsement allows the driver to operate a vehicle containing items such as poisons, explosives, flammables, etc. You will also have to pass the TSA Hazardous Material Threat Assessment to get this endorsement. There are 30 questions, 24 correct required to pass.

Test 1
30 questions
Test 2
30 questions
Test 3
30 questions
Test 4
30 questions

Tanker

The Tanker endorsement allows the driver to operate a vehicle weighing more than 26,000 pounds designed to transport any liquid or gaseous material within a tank that is permanently or temporarily attached to the vehicle. There are 20 questions, 16 correct required to pass.

Test 1
20 questions
Test 2
20 questions
Test 3
20 questions

Doubles / Triples

The Doubles/Triples endorsement is required for drivers to pull 2 trailers (doubles) or 3 trailers (triples) connected to a single power unit. There are 20 questions on this test, and 16 correct answers are required to pass.

Test 1
20 questions
Test 2
20 questions
Test 3
20 questions

Passenger

Bus drivers must have a commercial driver's license with a passenger endorsement in order to operate a vehicle which seats 16 or more, including the driver. There are 20 questions on this test, and 16 correct answers are required to pass.

Test 1
20 questions
Test 2
20 questions
Test 3
20 questions
Test 4
20 questions

School Bus

School Bus Endorsement is required for any driver who operates a school bus. After the permit tests the training can be only completed by a local school district. There are 20 questions on this test, and 16 correct answers are required to pass.

Test 1
20 questions
Test 2
20 questions
Test 3
20 questions
Test 4
20 questions

Pre Trip Inspection

The Pre-Trip exam is an oral exam where you are expected to check the vehicle parts to insure it is safe for road use. The amount of parts you need to check increase with the size of the vehicle, and by type of vehicle.

Test 1
20 questions
Test 2
20 questions
Test 3
20 questions
Test 4
10 questions