AK CDL Practice Tests

• Age: 21 for interstate, 19 for intrastate
• Valid Driver's License: Held for at least 1 year
• CDL Fee: $100.00
• Road Test Fee: $25.00 (non-refundable)
• Endorsement Fees: $10 for most endorsements (Hazmat, Tank, etc.)
• Medical Certificate: Required for most CDL holders
• Passing Score: 80%
• CLP Holding Period: 14 days before taking road skills test
• Written Tests Required: General Knowledge + endorsement tests

IMPORTANT: Alaska requires CDL holders to carry at least $200,000 in property damage and $500,000 in bodily injury or death in one occurrence when carrying passengers or freight for hire.

The Alaska CDL knowledge test assesses your knowledge of commercial driving regulations. You must pass this test to get a Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP) which is required before taking the skills test for a full CDL. The test covers vehicle operation, safety procedures, traffic laws and proper operating procedures. It's administered electronically at DMV offices throughout Alaska, with questions covering both federal and Alaska-specific rules.

You need to take the test if you're:

• Getting your first CLP
• Adding a new endorsement
• Upgrading your CDL class (from Class B to Class A, for example)
• Reinstating an expired CDL (over one year)
• Transferring a CDL from another state with new endorsements

All applicants must take the general knowledge test plus additional tests for specific endorsements like Passenger (P), School Bus (S), Tank Vehicles (N), Hazmat (H), or Doubles/Triples (T).

The test ensures commercial drivers have the knowledge to operate commercial vehicles safely. It verifies your understanding of regulations, safety procedures, technical knowledge, and emergency protocols. Commercial vehicles can cause significant damage in accidents due to their size and weight, so proper knowledge is essential before operating these vehicles. The knowledge test is your first step in demonstrating readiness for commercial driving responsibility.

The test follows Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration standards with added Alaska-specific regulations. This ensures national consistency in commercial driver qualifications while addressing state-specific requirements. Your Alaska CDL will be recognized throughout the United States, allowing you to operate commercial vehicles across state lines (provided you meet age and other requirements for interstate commerce).

• General Knowledge: 50 questions
• Air Brakes: 25 questions
• Combination Vehicles: 20 questions
• Passenger Endorsement: 20 questions
• School Bus Endorsement: 20 questions
• Hazmat Endorsement: 30 questions
• Tank Vehicles Endorsement: 20 questions
• Doubles/Triples Endorsement: 20 questions

All questions are multiple choice with 4 possible answers for each question.

Sample Question: When checking your trailer connection, you should make sure that:

A. The fifth wheel is tilted upward

B. There is no space between the upper and lower fifth wheel

C. The kingpin is bent

D. The apron is sitting on top of the fifth wheel

Answer: B. There is no space between the upper and lower fifth wheel

You must answer 80% of questions correctly on each test:

• General Knowledge: 40/50
• Air Brakes: 20/25
• Combination Vehicles: 16/20
• Passenger Endorsement: 16/20
• School Bus Endorsement: 16/20
• Hazmat Endorsement: 24/30
• Tank Vehicles Endorsement: 16/20
• Doubles/Triples Endorsement: 16/20

Each test is scored separately, and you must pass each one individually. If you fail one test but pass others, you'll only need to retest the failed portion.

The CDL test is only available in English. Federal regulations require commercial drivers to read and speak English sufficiently to understand traffic signs, communicate with officials, complete records, and understand shipping documents. This standardized approach to communication is essential for safety in all aspects of commercial motor vehicle operation.

No. Study aids are not allowed during the CDL test. You cannot bring notes, electronic devices, reference materials, or calculators into the testing area. Testing areas are monitored, and using prohibited materials will result in immediate test failure.

All personal items must be stored in a designated area during testing, including:

• Cell phones and electronic devices
• Notes or cheat sheets
• CDL manuals
• Reference materials
• Calculators (unless specifically authorized for certain questions)

There is no time limit to complete the CDL test. Most applicants complete the general knowledge test in 60-90 minutes and endorsement tests in 30-45 minutes each. The Alaska DMV gives you plenty of time without rushing. If you have documented learning disabilities or other special needs, accommodations may be available with proper documentation.

• General Knowledge (required for all CDLs)
• Air Brakes (for vehicles with air brakes)
• Combination Vehicles (for Class A licenses)
• Passenger (P) Endorsement (for buses)
• School Bus (S) Endorsement
• Doubles/Triples (T) Endorsement
• Tank Vehicle (N) Endorsement
• Hazmat (H) Endorsement

You only need to take the tests relevant to the type of commercial driving you plan to do.

Sample Question: When driving with air brakes, what is brake lag?

A. Time for brakes to wear out

B. Time for air to flow through lines when brake pedal is pressed

C. Time to move foot from accelerator to brake

D. Time to pull parking brake

Answer: B. Time for air to flow through lines when brake pedal is pressed

General Knowledge: Vehicle inspection, basic control, shifting, space management, night driving, adverse weather, emergency procedures, cargo handling, accident procedures, fires, fatigue, and basic hazmat regulations.

Air Brakes: System components, dual air brake systems, inspection, proper use, emergency stops, brake failures, and brake lag/fade.

Combination Vehicles: Coupling/uncoupling, inspection, handling, rollover prevention, jackknife avoidance, turning, and backing procedures.

Passenger (P): Loading/unloading, emergency exits, passenger communication, accessibility, disruptive passengers, and railroad crossing requirements.

School Bus (S): Student loading/unloading, emergency evacuation, operating around schools, danger zones, and railroad crossing procedures.

Doubles/Triples (T): Coupling/uncoupling multiple trailers, handling characteristics, inspection, and operating in adverse conditions.

Tank Vehicle (N): Liquid surge effects, tank types, loading/unloading, and braking techniques.

Hazmat (H): Material classification, documentation, loading/unloading, driving rules, emergency response, and security awareness.

• Study all sections of the Alaska CDL Manual relevant to your license class and endorsements
• Take our free practice tests to identify knowledge gaps
• Create a study schedule over several weeks rather than cramming
• Make flashcards for difficult concepts and technical terms
• Focus extra time on challenging topics (air brakes, hazmat)
• Review pre-trip inspection procedures thoroughly
• Pay attention to Alaska-specific regulations in the manual

Consistent study over time is more effective than last-minute cramming. Many applicants underestimate the technical knowledge required, especially for specialized endorsements.

Yes! Our free Alaska practice tests will help you:

• Identify knowledge gaps in your understanding
• Build confidence through repeated practice
• Simulate the actual test environment
• Track your progress as you improve
• Get explanations for both correct and incorrect answers
• Become familiar with the types of questions on the actual test

Practice tests cover all CDL test categories and are updated regularly to reflect current testing standards. Using practice tests has been shown to significantly increase first-attempt pass rates.

• Start studying at least 2-3 weeks before your test date
• Understand concepts rather than simply memorizing answers
• Take our practice tests to identify weak areas
• Get enough rest the night before your test
• Eat before testing to maintain concentration
• Read questions completely before selecting answers
• Look for keywords like "always," "never," or "except"
• Choose safety-oriented answers when unsure
• Review all answers before submitting if the system allows
• Stay calm and focused throughout the test

Our practice tests cover the same topics and format as the actual test, though specific questions differ. They're designed to reflect the style, difficulty level, and content of the actual Alaska CDL knowledge test. Practice tests help you become familiar with question formats, content coverage, time management, and critical thinking skills needed for test success.

Focus on understanding concepts rather than memorizing specific answers, as the actual test draws from a large question bank.

CDL knowledge tests are administered at designated Alaska DMV field offices and commission agent locations that offer commercial licensing services. Not all DMV offices offer CDL testing, so check the Alaska DMV website or call ahead to confirm.

Major testing locations are available in many cities throughout Alaska, including Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau, Wasilla, Kenai/Soldotna, Ketchikan, Homer, Bethel, Sitka, and Kodiak.

Yes, appointments are highly recommended for CDL knowledge tests in Alaska. Schedule through:

• Alaska DMV website
• Your local DMV office (phone)

Some locations may accept walk-ins, but wait times can be very long, and you may not be able to test that day if capacity is reached. Scheduling an appointment ensures you'll be tested at your preferred time and location.

No. All CDL knowledge tests must be taken in person at authorized DMV offices to ensure security, identity verification, and test integrity. This is a federal requirement that applies to all states, not just Alaska. In-person testing confirms the person receiving the CDL is the one who demonstrated the required knowledge.

Sample Question: What type of insurance must Alaska CDL holders carry when transporting passengers or freight for hire?

A. $50,000 for property damage and $100,000 for bodily injury

B. $100,000 for property damage and $250,000 for bodily injury

C. $200,000 for property damage and $500,000 for bodily injury or death in a single occurrence

D. $300,000 combined single limit for all liabilities

Answer: C. $200,000 for property damage and $500,000 for bodily injury or death in a single occurrence

Required documents:

• Valid Alaska driver's license
• Social Security card/number
• Proof of citizenship/legal residency (birth certificate, passport, permanent resident card, etc.)
• Proof of Alaska residency (two documents showing your Alaska address)
• Current DOT Medical Certificate (Form MCSA-5876)
• Completed CDL application
• Payment for applicable fees

For Hazardous Materials endorsements, additional identification documents are required for the security threat assessment.

Other items to bring:

• Reading glasses if needed
• Appointment confirmation
• Knowledge of your medical history for certification purposes

All documents must be original or certified copies. Photocopies are not accepted.

Plan to arrive 15-20 minutes before your test time. This allows time for document verification, application processing, fee payment, and getting settled. First-time applicants should arrive 30 minutes early to allow for additional paperwork. Traffic and parking at DMV offices can be unpredictable, so build extra time into your schedule.

Once you pass your CDL knowledge test, you'll receive a Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP) valid for 12 months. Your CLP has specific conditions:

• You must wait at least 14 days before taking the skills test
• You can only operate a commercial vehicle with a qualified CDL holder in the passenger seat
• No passengers except supervisors, trainees, or examiners
• No hazardous materials transport
• Other vehicle-specific limitations based on your tests

Any endorsements you passed tests for will be included on your CLP.

Your CLP allows you to practice operating commercial vehicles under supervision before taking your skills test. This practice period is crucial for developing the practical skills needed to pass the behind-the-wheel test. When practicing, always have a qualified CDL holder in the passenger seat. Use this time to get comfortable with all aspects of vehicle operation that will be tested.

Test scores are valid for 12 months, the same as your CLP validity period. If your CLP expires before you take the skills test, you'll need to retake all knowledge tests. There are no extensions for score validity, so plan to take your skills test within the 12-month window. Most applicants complete their skills test within 3-6 months of passing their knowledge test.

If you don't pass one or more tests:

• You can retake them the next business day
• Focus on the sections you failed, not the whole test
• Use our practice tests to strengthen weak areas
• Review incorrect answers to understand why they were wrong

There's no limit to how many times you can retake the tests, but repeated failures may indicate you need more preparation or a different study approach.

Sample Question: What do you do if you don't pass part of the Alaska CDL knowledge test?

A. Wait a whole month before trying again

B. Go to a different testing site and take it right away

C. Wait until the next business day to retake the failed section

D. Start over and redo every section of the test, even those you passed

Answer: C. Wait until the next business day to retake the failed section

After holding your CLP for the required 14 days:

• Visit Alaska.gov/dmv or call your local DMV office
• Verify your CLP is still valid and your medical certificate is current
• Arrange for a test vehicle that matches your CDL class
• Pay the skills test fee of $25
• Choose an available date and time

Skills tests may be done at specific locations different from knowledge test sites. The skills test has three parts: pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and on-road driving. Make sure you prepare for all three components.