Ohio CDL Practice Tests

Getting your CDL in Ohio

Commercial drivers in Ohio apply for their CDL through the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles. The standard CDL classes (A, B, and C) follow federal definitions — Class A for combination vehicles over 26,001 lbs GCWR with a towed unit over 10,000 lbs, Class B for single vehicles over 26,001 lbs, and Class C for vehicles transporting 16+ passengers or hazardous materials in placardable amounts. The same federal rules apply across every state, but the way you schedule your test and the local fees vary.

The Ohio CDL knowledge exam

Like every U.S. state, Ohio requires you to pass a written knowledge exam before you can attempt the road test. The General Knowledge exam is required for every applicant. If your truck has air brakes (most do), you must also pass the Air Brakes test or a restriction will be placed on your license. Pursuing a Class A combination license? Add the Combination Vehicles test. Want to drive a tanker, haul hazmat, pull doubles, transport passengers, or operate a school bus? Each of those has its own endorsement exam.

Most states — Ohio included — require a passing score of 80% or better on each knowledge exam. You can take all the required and endorsement tests in a single visit if you are prepared. Use the practice tests above to confirm you're consistently scoring above 85% before you sit for the real thing.

What to bring to the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles

• Proof of identity, residency, and U.S. citizenship or lawful presence
• Proof of medical certification (DOT medical card / MER form)
• Self-Certification of driving category (interstate non-excepted is most common)
• Proof of completed Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) for Class A or B initial applicants, or for Hazmat, Passenger, or School Bus endorsements
• Application fee (varies; Ohio CDL fees are typically in the $80–$120 range across permit, license, and endorsement charges)

Tips for Ohio CDL applicants

Spend at least one focused study session per endorsement before testing. Read the General Knowledge chapter of the CDL Manual first; many of its concepts (vehicle inspection, basic control, space management, hazard perception) appear in the endorsement tests too. After you can pass the General Knowledge practice test on this site three times in a row, move on to Air Brakes and Combination Vehicles. Then add the endorsements that match the job you want.

Find a quiet 30-minute block, take the practice test, and read every explanation — even on the questions you got right. Repeating a test in Ohio means another fee and, in some cases, a waiting period, so the small time investment now saves money later.