New Jersey (NJ) 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

   You cannot have more than one license; if you break this rule, a court may fine you up to $5,000 or put you in jail and keep your home state license and return any others.

   How long do you lose your CDL for two serious traffic violations in a three-year period?

   1. AAt least 30 days
   2. BAt least 60 days
   3. CAt least 120 days
   4. DAt least one year

   What is the penalty for a third railroad crossing violation within three years?

   1. AAt least one year
   2. BAt least three years
   3. CAt least 180 days
   4. DAt least 120 days
   This chapter has 26 more questions. Practice them in the app and see your pass chance.
2. 2

   Driving Safely

   Everyone

   Be alert for drunk drivers and sleepy drivers late at night.

   What must be confirmed before you open the engine compartment in Step 2?

   1. AThat the parking brakes are on or wheels chocked
   2. BThat the engine has cooled for ten minutes
   3. CThat the transmission is in its highest gear
   4. DThat the battery has been disconnected

   Why is a stopped bus a hazard to you?

   1. AIt blocks your view of the traffic signal
   2. BIt may pull out without signaling first
   3. CPassengers may cross in front of or behind it
   4. DIts mirrors extend into the passing lane
   This chapter has 290 more questions. Practice them in the app and see your pass chance.
3. 3

   Transporting Cargo Safely

   Everyone

   Overloaded trucks have to go very slowly on upgrades; worse, they may gain too much speed on downgrades.

   What do suspension systems carry from the manufacturer, like tires and coupling devices?

   1. AA recommended service interval
   2. BA maximum travel specification
   3. CA weight capacity rating
   4. DA minimum operating temperature

   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
   This chapter has 26 more questions. Practice them in the app and see your pass chance.
4. 4

   Transporting Passengers

   P endorsement (bus)

   The after-trip inspection includes walking through the bus to find damage such as broken seats or handholds and any items riders left behind.

   What does the manual say about the seat belt at the driver's position?

   1. AIt is required only when passengers are aboard
   2. BThe seat should have one, and you should always use it
   3. CIt is optional if the seat has an air suspension
   4. DIt is required only on interstate charter runs

   A rider stacks several suitcases against a window marked as an emergency exit on your intercity bus. Why must you have the bags moved?

   1. ARiders must be able to reach and use every emergency exit
   2. BThe stack will block the climate control airflow
   3. CBags stored there are not covered by the carrier
   4. DWindow glass could scratch the luggage in transit
   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

   Most heavy air-braked vehicles use s-cam drum foundation brakes.

   What does the manual identify as the most common problem found in roadside inspections?

   1. AMissing or inoperative lamps
   2. BBrakes out of adjustment
   3. CCargo securement violations
   4. DTires below minimum tread depth

   How is a manually operated air tank drain valve worked?

   1. ABy holding the dash drain switch until air stops
   2. BBy loosening the tank's inspection plate
   3. CBy backing off the fitting with a wrench
   4. DBy turning it a quarter turn or pulling a cable
   This chapter has 148 more questions. Practice them in the app and see your pass chance.
6. 6

   Combination Vehicles

   Class A

   Raise the trailer landing gear slightly off the ground, then pull the tractor gently forward with the trailer brakes locked to check the coupling.

   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

   While listening to the trailer brakes during coupling, what should you hear?

   1. AAir escaping continuously from both glad hand seals
   2. BA steady hiss that slowly fades as the tanks fill up
   3. CThe brakes move on application, air escapes on release
   4. DThe relay valve clicking once and then staying silent
   This chapter has 118 more questions. Practice them in the app and see your pass chance.
7. 7

   Doubles and Triples

   T endorsement

   Release the dolly by supporting it, removing chains, and opening the pintle hook in order.

   You are finishing the coupling of a set of doubles. What is the correct final position of the rear trailer's landing gear?

   1. ARaised completely
   2. BLeft wherever it sat when the dolly went under
   3. CLowered until it just touches the pavement
   4. DLowered enough to take weight off the dolly

   How should you adjust your driving when pulling doubles in rain or snow?

   1. ASlow down and drive with extra caution
   2. BDrive the same as with a single trailer
   3. CFollow other trucks closely to use their tire tracks
   4. DIncrease speed slightly to keep the trailers pulled taut
   This chapter has 98 more questions. Practice them in the app and see your pass chance.
8. 8

   Tank Vehicles

   N endorsement

   Smooth, gradual acceleration, braking, and steering are the primary defense against liquid surge.

   At a rest stop you notice product dripping from underneath your cargo tank. What should you do?

   1. ADrive slowly to the delivery point so the load is off before repairs
   2. BTighten the nearest fitting and continue the trip if the drip slows down
   3. CKeep the vehicle parked and get the leak handled; never drive a leaking tank
   4. DContinue the trip but stay on rural roads away from heavy traffic

   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
   This chapter has 62 more questions. Practice them in the app and see your pass chance.
9. 9

   Hazardous Materials

   H endorsement

   It is illegal to move a cargo tank with open valves or covers unless it is empty according to 49 CFR 173.29.

   What is required of the surface a placard is mounted on?

   1. AIt must be free of rivets across its whole area
   2. BIt must be flat sheet metal rather than fiberglass
   3. CIt must be repainted white before mounting
   4. DIt must be a background of contrasting color

   What does the manual require for materials subject to spontaneous combustion or heating?

   1. AVehicles with sufficient ventilation
   2. BTransport only during daylight hours
   3. CA dedicated fire watch in the cargo area
   4. DRefrigerated transport at all times
   This chapter has 234 more questions. Practice them in the app and see your pass chance.
10. 10

    School Buses

    S endorsement

    During the post-trip inspection, pay special attention to items unique to school buses: mirror systems, flashing warning lamps, and stop signal arms.

    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

    A student who just exited your bus drops a book, and it slides underneath the bus. What should the student have been taught to do?

    1. ALeave the item, move away from the bus, and get the driver's attention for help
    2. BCrawl under the bus quickly while the red lights are still flashing
    3. CWait quietly beside the rear wheels until the driver finishes the route
    4. DKnock on the service door and reach beneath the bumper for the item
    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)

    An unlubricated fifth wheel plate can bind and cause steering problems.

    What is the consequence of performing the hydraulic brake check incorrectly on the inspection test?

    1. AA point deduction from the total score
    2. BA warning noted on the score sheet
    3. CAn automatic failure of the test
    4. DA required retest of that item only

    What do rust streaks or shiny metal trails radiating out from a wheel's lug nuts usually indicate?

    1. ANormal cosmetic wear from routine tire rotations
    2. BSurface corrosion caused by winter road salt
    3. COver-tightening by a shop's impact wrench
    4. DLug nuts that have worked themselves loose
    This chapter has 200 more questions. Practice them in the app and see your pass chance.

The official New Jersey CDL manual