Delaware (DE) CDL manual 2026

Practice the manual, chapter by chapter

State manuals are built on the same national model, chapter for chapter. One thing to know from each chapter, then real questions from it to answer — tap an option to check yourself.

1. 1

   Introduction

   Everyone

   Serious traffic violations include excessive speeding, defined as 15 mph or more above the posted limit.

   How long will you lose your CDL for a first alcohol or felony offense committed while operating a placarded hazmat vehicle?

   1. AAt least three years
   2. BFor life
   3. CAt least one year
   4. DAt least five years

   What is the minimum disqualification for a first violation of an out-of-service order?

   1. AOne year
   2. B60 days
   3. C90 days
   4. D30 days
   This chapter has 26 more questions. Practice them in the app and see your pass chance.
2. 2

   Driving Safely

   Everyone

   Always wear corrective lenses when driving, even short distances; if your driver license says corrective lenses are required, it is illegal to move a vehicle without using them.

   Why do experienced drivers avoid backing their commercial vehicle whenever they can?

   1. ABacking uses far more fuel than moving the same distance forward
   2. BBacking is prohibited on most public roadways by state law
   3. CBacking wears out the clutch and transmission very quickly
   4. DYou cannot see everything behind you, so backing is always dangerous

   What is the final action of the engine compartment step?

   1. ARecord the fluid levels on the report
   2. BWipe down the dipsticks and stow them
   3. CLower and secure the hood, cab, or door
   4. DStart the engine from the fender step
   This chapter has 290 more questions. Practice them in the app and see your pass chance.
3. 3

   Transporting Cargo Safely

   Everyone

   Front-end header boards, or headache racks, protect you from your cargo in case of a crash or emergency stop.

   Which of these is named as proper tie-down equipment?

   1. ABungee cords and elastic cargo netting
   2. BWooden wedges and rubber floor mats
   3. CRopes, straps, chains, and tensioners
   4. DShrink wrap and heavy packing tape

   What happens when there is too little weight on the driving axles?

   1. APoor traction, and drive wheels that spin easily
   2. BExcessive wear on the steering axle tires
   3. CIncreased stopping distance on dry roads
   4. DReduced braking on the trailer axles
   This chapter has 26 more questions. Practice them in the app and see your pass chance.
4. 4

   Transporting Passengers

   P endorsement (bus)

   Drivers should wait for riders to sit down or brace themselves before pulling away from a stop.

   While checking the outside of your bus, you find an emergency exit standing open. What should you do?

   1. ALeave it open for ventilation
   2. BNote it and report it after the run
   3. CTape it in position and continue
   4. DClose it before driving

   You are driving a bus toward a railroad crossing where a stop is required. Within what distance range before the nearest rail must you stop?

   1. A100 to 200 feet
   2. B50 to 100 feet
   3. C15 to 50 feet
   4. D5 to 10 feet
   This chapter has 98 more questions. Practice them in the app and see your pass chance.
5. 5

   Air Brakes

   Any vehicle with air brakes

   When the brake pedal is released, the s-cam rotates back and a spring pulls the brake shoes away from the drum.

   How do the brake lights come on when you apply the brakes on a vehicle with air brakes?

   1. AAn air-operated electric switch closes when brake air pressure flows
   2. BThe driver must flip a separate brake lamp switch
   3. CA cable from the pedal pulls a mechanical contact closed
   4. DThe application gauge sends a signal to the lamps

   Your air compressor is belt-driven. What should you check about the belt during the pre-trip inspection?

   1. AThat the belt is in good condition and properly tight
   2. BThat the belt slips slightly to protect the compressor
   3. CThat the belt is loose enough to remove by hand
   4. DThat the belt has been coated with belt dressing
   This chapter has 148 more questions. Practice them in the app and see your pass chance.
6. 6

   Combination Vehicles

   Class A

   Triples have a rearward amplification of 3.5, meaning the last trailer can be rolled 3.5 times as easily as a five-axle tractor.

   What happens when you push in the trailer air supply knob before starting a trip?

   1. AThe service line vents and the trailer brakes apply
   2. BAir flows to the trailer and the trailer emergency brakes release
   3. CThe spring brakes on the tractor apply immediately
   4. DThe tractor parking brakes set and hold the drive axles

   After the fifth wheel jaws lock during coupling, how do you confirm the connection with a tug test?

   1. APull forward gently in low gear with the trailer brakes locked
   2. BBack up firmly once more to reseat the kingpin
   3. CShake the release handle while a helper watches the jaws
   4. DRock the trailer sideways using the steering axle
   This chapter has 118 more questions. Practice them in the app and see your pass chance.
7. 7

   Doubles and Triples

   T endorsement

   Doubles and triples cannot be backed because the dollies jackknife immediately.

   What benefit does a driver get from placing the lightest trailer at the rear of a set of doubles?

   1. AA shorter overall length for the combination vehicle
   2. BBetter fuel economy when driving into strong headwinds
   3. CA lower chance of the rear trailer tipping or whipping over
   4. DFaster brake application at the rear trailer's axles

   What must you verify about the light cords when inspecting a set of doubles or triples?

   1. AThey are disconnected at the rear of the last trailer
   2. BThey are routed alongside the safety chains
   3. CThey are firmly seated in the sockets on the trailers
   4. DThey are long enough to reach across two trailers
   This chapter has 98 more questions. Practice them in the app and see your pass chance.
8. 8

   Tank Vehicles

   N endorsement

   In stab braking the driver applies the brakes fully, releases when the wheels lock, and reapplies when the wheels begin rolling again.

   What does the manual say wet roads do to normal stopping distance?

   1. AIncrease it by about one third
   2. BIncrease it by about half
   3. CDouble it
   4. DTriple it

   What must you verify about the manhole covers themselves during a tank inspection?

   1. AThat they carry the tank's re-test date
   2. BThat they are painted the same color as the shell
   3. CThat they can be opened without tools
   4. DThat they have gaskets and close correctly
   This chapter has 62 more questions. Practice them in the app and see your pass chance.
9. 9

   Hazardous Materials

   H endorsement

   The letters of the shipping name must be at least two inches tall on portable tanks with capacities of more than 1,000 gallons.

   Special cargo heater rules apply when loading which three classes?

   1. AClasses 1, 2.1, and 3
   2. BClasses 4.1, 4.2, and 4.3
   3. CClasses 6, 7, and 9
   4. DClasses 2.2, 5, and 8

   What equipment must a driver hauling chlorine in cargo tanks carry?

   1. AA self-contained breathing apparatus and a spill berm
   2. BAn approved gas mask and a dome cover leak kit
   3. CA chemical suit and an absorbent pillow kit
   4. DA respirator cartridge set and a neutralizing agent
   This chapter has 234 more questions. Practice them in the app and see your pass chance.
10. 10

    School Buses

    S endorsement

    The overhead inside rearview mirror may provide limited visibility directly in back of the bus if the bus is equipped with a glass-bottomed rear emergency door.

    How should students board the bus?

    1. AIn any order, once the door is fully open
    2. BSlowly, in single file, using the handrail
    3. CYoungest first, with older students holding back
    4. DQuickly, two at a time, to shorten the stop

    What does a sign mounted below the cross-buck tell you?

    1. AThe speed limit for crossing the tracks
    2. BThe number of tracks at the crossing
    3. CThe name of the railroad operating the line
    4. DThe distance to the next crossing
    This chapter has 98 more questions. Practice them in the app and see your pass chance.
11. 11

    Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection

    Everyone (skills test)

    Leaks are a fire hazard and can cause driving hazards to other traffic; fuel on pavement can be very slippery.

    When you check your seat belt during the in-cab inspection, what are you looking for?

    1. AThat it is long enough to wrap around the seat frame twice
    2. BThat the belt retracts fast enough to snap back on its own
    3. CThat the shoulder strap can be tucked behind your back easily
    4. DThat it mounts securely, latches properly, and is not frayed

    Which lights should you turn on before starting the exterior walk-around portion of your inspection?

    1. AParking lights and the interior dome light
    2. BHigh beam headlights and the front fog lamps
    3. CLow beam headlights and the four-way flashers
    4. DLeft turn signal and all the clearance lights
    This chapter has 200 more questions. Practice them in the app and see your pass chance.

The official Delaware CDL manual