Oregon's CDL manual and DMV CDL Practice Tests

for all endorsements

Oregon's CDL Manual

Commercial Driver Handbook

The Oregon Driver and Motor Vehicle Services Division (DMV) requires a CDL for operation of vehicles weighing 26,001 lbs. or more, vehicles carrying 16 passengers or more including the driver, or vehicles used to transport hazardous materials. There are a few exceptions including recreational vehicles (RVs) operated for personal use, farm vehicles when the driver is operating within a farm property, emergency fire vehicles operated by firefighters, and other emergency vehicles operated by emergency service workers. More information can be found at the Oregon Driver and Motor Vehicle site. Testing for your Oregon CDL:

  • Commercial Knowledge test - Oregon requires a knowledge test for commercial driver license or commercial learner permits. Applicants need to take one or more knowledge tests depending on the class of license or permit and the endorsements needed. DMV will waive all Commercial Knowledge Tests EXCEPT the Hazardous Materials Endorsement Test if you surrender a current, valid commercial driver license from another jurisdiction for a comparable Oregon Commercial Driver License. Commercial learner permits from other jurisdictions may not be used to waive Commercial Knowledge Tests.
  • CDL Road Skills Test - You must get and hold an Oregon Commercial Learner Permit for 14 days before the test. After successful completion of the knowledge test, the applicant can then take the road test which consists of three parts: a Pre-Trip Inspection, Basic Vehicle Control, and Road Test. The Pre-Trip inspection includes a full walk-around of the vehicle and it requires the driver to point out vehicle components and explain what is being checked and why to the examiner. In the Basic Vehicle Control test applicants will be asked to perform backing exercises to show your ability to control your vehicle. The road test is conducted on streets and requires the driver to demonstrate his/her skills in normal traffic situations.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.