Pennsylvania CDL Manual 2026

How to use the Pennsylvania CDL Manual

The PennDOT draws its 18-question knowledge test from the Pennsylvania CDL Manual, and you need 83% to pass, which is 15 correct answers. Read the 196 pages once for coverage, then answer practice questions to find the rules that did not stick. Practice tells you what you do not know yet; the CDL Manual is where the rule is actually stated, in the words the state chose.

It is also the only source that settles an argument. When a practice answer and your instinct disagree, the Pennsylvania CDL Manual decides it, and every explanation we write points back into it.

What is inside the Pennsylvania CDL Manual

The Pennsylvania CDL Manual runs to 196 pages. These are the areas it covers that the knowledge test can ask about.

• Vehicle inspection and the pre-trip procedure
• Basic control of a heavy vehicle, including turning and backing
• Shifting, speed management and space management
• Seeing hazards and emergency maneuvers
• Air brakes, if your vehicle has them
• Combination vehicles, coupling and uncoupling
• Cargo loading, weight distribution and securement
• Hazardous materials rules and placarding
• Passenger transport and school bus requirements
• Hours of service, logbooks and driver qualification
• Disqualifications, serious traffic violations and testing

The Pennsylvania knowledge test at a glance

Everything below comes from the PennDOT directly. It is what the Pennsylvania CDL Manual is preparing you for.

Questions

18

Passing score

83%

Correct answers needed

15 of 18

Time limit

Time limit not published

Test fee

$35.5

Minimum age

16

Can you take it online?

No, in person only

Verified against the PennDOT in November 2026.