New Jersey CDL Practice Test (NJ) 2026

4.7 out of 5 (291 votes)
80% Passing score
20 Questions
4 Mistakes allowed
Welcome to the initial step in your preparation for the New Jersey Commercial Driver's License (CDL) test. This DMV practice test is designed to provide you with an in-depth understanding of what to expect on the actual DMV written test. Comprising 20 sample CDL questions, it aims to thoroughly assess your knowledge on a variety of essential topics. To pass, you'll need to correctly answer at least 16 questions. Our NJ CDL practice test is an invaluable tool for anyone seeking a Class A or Class B driver's license, regardless of the endorsements you're aiming for. The 2026 general knowledge test, a critical component of the DMV permit test, is the same across all license classes. We've made sure to include a comprehensive range of subjects in our New Jersey DMV practice test, including pre-trip vehicle inspection, basic vehicle control, gear shifting techniques, managing hills and steep downgrades, effective communication with other drivers, speed control, and drug and alcohol awareness. One of the key advantages of our New Jersey CDL practice test is the stress-free learning environment it offers. Without the pressure of the actual DMV CDL permit test looming over you, you're free to focus purely on understanding and retaining the information. Furthermore, the CDL practice test features randomized questions each time you take it. This helps to ensure that you're not just memorizing the order of the questions but truly grasping the content. In contrast to the real DMV test in 2026, our NJ CDL practice test is not timed. This gives you the freedom to take as much time as you need to thoroughly work through each question, enhancing your learning experience. By familiarizing yourself with the written permit test format and the types of questions you might encounter, you're setting yourself up for success when it comes time to take the actual New Jersey CDL written test in 2026!
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Sample New Jersey CDL Test Questions - General Knowledge

Question 1

An empty commercial truck normally has better stopping performance than a loaded one.

  1. A True
  2. B False

Correct answer: B – False

Empty trucks generally need more distance to stop because they have less traction. Heavy-vehicle brakes, tires, springs, and shock absorbers are designed to perform best when the vehicle is loaded. A driver should not assume that an empty truck will stop more effectively.

Source: New Jersey Commercial Driver’s License Manual — § 2.6.1, “Speed and Stopping Distance”

Question 2

Which action describes stab braking?

  1. A Applying light brake pressure without releasing it
  2. B Fully applying the brakes, releasing them when the wheels lock, and reapplying after the wheels roll
  3. C Pumping the brakes rapidly before the wheels lock
  4. D Using only the parking brake during an emergency

Correct answer: B – Fully applying the brakes, releasing them when the wheels lock, and reapplying after the wheels roll

With stab braking, the driver applies the brakes fully and releases them when the wheels lock. The brakes are applied fully again as soon as the wheels begin rolling. Reapplying them before the wheels roll can prevent the vehicle from straightening out.

Source: New Jersey Commercial Driver’s License Manual — § 2.17.2, “How to Stop Quickly and Safely”

Question 3

In the basic stopping-distance formula, which three distances are added together?

  1. A Stopping, reaction, and perception distances
  2. B Vehicle, stopping, and reaction distances
  3. C Braking, obstacle, and stopping distances
  4. D Perception, reaction, and braking distances

Correct answer: D – Perception, reaction, and braking distances

Basic total stopping distance consists of perception distance, reaction distance, and braking distance. Perception covers recognizing the hazard, while reaction covers the distance traveled before physically applying the brakes. An air-brake vehicle also has brake-lag distance when its complete stopping distance is calculated.

Source: New Jersey Commercial Driver’s License Manual — §§ 2.6.1 and 5.4.4, “Speed and Stopping Distance”; “Stopping Distance”

Question 4

A CMV stops on a straight, level, undivided highway. How should three reflective triangles be positioned?

  1. A One within 10 feet of the vehicle, one about 100 feet ahead, and one about 100 feet behind
  2. B At 10, 100, and 200 feet behind the vehicle
  3. C One 100 feet ahead and two at 100 and 200 feet behind
  4. D At 100, 200, and 500 feet behind the vehicle

Correct answer: A – One within 10 feet of the vehicle, one about 100 feet ahead, and one about 100 feet behind

On a two-way or undivided highway, one warning device is placed near the vehicle and the others approximately 100 feet ahead and behind it. The near device should be on the traffic side within 10 feet of the vehicle. The New Jersey CDL manual teaches this arrangement for a location without a hill, curve, or other obstruction to visibility.

Source: New Jersey Commercial Driver’s License Manual — § 2.5.2, “Communicating Your Presence”, 49 CFR § 392.22(b)(1)(ii) — Emergency signals; stopped commercial motor vehicles

Question 5

Which condition must a driver verify before hauling a sealed load?

  1. A Every item inside the container is individually secured
  2. B The shipper used a specific type of lock
  3. C The container can pass beneath every possible bridge
  4. D Gross and axle weights do not exceed applicable limits

Correct answer: D – Gross and axle weights do not exceed applicable limits

A driver who has been ordered not to open a sealed vehicle may be unable to inspect the cargo itself. The driver should still verify that the vehicle does not exceed its gross-weight or axle-weight limits. A seal does not make an overweight vehicle acceptable to operate.

Source: New Jersey Commercial Driver’s License Manual — § 3.3.5, “Sealed and Containerized Loads”, 49 CFR § 392.9(b)(4) — Inspection of cargo, cargo securement devices and systems

Question 6

What should a driver do with a leaking hazardous-material package before transportation begins?

  1. A Accept it only with dispatcher approval
  2. B Place it at the rear of the cargo area
  3. C Transport it only on local streets
  4. D Refuse the package and do not transport it

Correct answer: D – Refuse the package and do not transport it

A hazardous-material package showing leakage must be refused rather than loaded for transportation. Packaging must prevent an identifiable release of hazardous material under conditions normally encountered in transportation. The CDL manual also directs drivers to watch for leaking or damaged containers and not transport leaking packages.

Source: New Jersey Commercial Driver’s License Manual — §§ 9.2.3 and 9.4.1, “The Driver”; “General Loading Requirements”, 49 CFR § 173.24(a)–(b) — General requirements for packagings and packages

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