New Jersey CDL practice tests
New Jersey has moved to license private third party vendors, one each for the state's northern, central, and southern regions, to administer CDL testing, with the MVC capping what those vendors can charge at its own cost of running the same test.
The written exams themselves are federal. New Jersey decides the permit rules, the fees and who runs the skills test, but the knowledge you are tested on comes from 49 CFR Part 383 and is the same in every state, which is why the 145 questions here work wherever you apply.
What changes in this state
Commercial learner permit
New Jersey issues a Commercial Permit valid for 180 days, and unless the wait is waived a CLP holder must hold it for at least 14 days before sitting the CDL skills test.
NJ MVC - Commercial Learner Permits (CLP), checked 2026-08-28
Fees
The Commercial Permit itself costs $125, and a four year CDL adds $42 plus $2 for each endorsement.
NJ MVC - License and Permit Fees, checked 2026-08-28
Where you test
CDL knowledge tests are given by appointment at a specific list of MVC Driver Testing Centers spread across the state rather than at every motor vehicle agency.
NJ MVC - CDL Tests, checked 2026-08-28
Every knowledge area
General Knowledge
Required of every applicant: inspection, control, space and speed management, hazard perception, emergencies and hours of service.
Air Brakes
Fail this and an L restriction bars you from any vehicle with air brakes, which is most of them.
Combination Vehicles
Coupling, the fifth wheel, off tracking and trailer swing. Needed for Class A.
Hazardous Materials
Placards, shipping papers, segregation and the security threat assessment.
Tank Vehicles
Liquid surge, baffles, outage and why a tanker rolls over so readily.
Doubles and Triples
Rearward amplification, converter dollies and coupling a second or third trailer.
Passenger Transport
Bus inspection, standee lines, passenger supervision and railroad crossings.
School Bus
Danger zones, loading and unloading, student crossing and evacuation.