The New Jersey CDL permit test

Steps to the CLP

1. Study the New Jersey CDL Manual. All CDL tests are based on it.
2. Make an appointment for a CDL permit and fill in form BA-208C.
3. Bring 6 points of ID, including your Social Security card, proof of address and proof of legal presence.
4. Pay the $125 commercial examination test receipt fee. It isn’t refundable.
5. Hand in the CDL Holder Self-Certification form (CDSC-1) and, if it applies, a medical examiner’s certificate.
6. Pass the vision test (20/40 in each eye, and you must tell red, green and amber apart) and the knowledge tests.

Which knowledge tests you take

You need at least 80% to pass. If you fail, wait seven days to try again. The CDL knowledge tests are in English and Spanish, but the hazmat test is English only, as of October 2026.

• General knowledge: everyone, 50 questions
• Air brakes: if your vehicle has them
• Combination vehicles: if you’ll drive combination vehicles
• Passenger, school bus, tank vehicle, doubles/triples or hazmat: for each endorsement you want

After the permit: training and the skills test

Before your skills test for a first Class A or B CDL, or a first P, S or H endorsement, you must finish Entry-Level Driver Training with a provider on the FMCSA Training Provider Registry. For hazmat, the training comes before the knowledge test.

You can take the skills test at least 14 days after getting your CLP. It has three parts, vehicle inspection, basic control and an on-road drive, in a vehicle of the class you’re testing for. The MVC doesn’t supply one. Under 21, your CDL is for driving within New Jersey only, with no hazmat or passenger endorsements.