How Many Questions Are on the Massachusetts CDL General Knowledge Test?
Massachusetts's CDL general knowledge test has 50 multiple-choice questions, and you need to answer at least 40 of them correctly (80%) to pass. This format is set by federal rule and matches nearly every other state, including Massachusetts.
The official test format
Unlike Massachusetts's regular permit test, which has its own state-set 72% threshold and 25-minute time limit, the CDL general knowledge test's length and passing score come from federal regulation (49 CFR Part 383).
The test covers commercial driving fundamentals common to nearly every CDL applicant nationwide, including vehicle inspection, air brakes, cargo securement, and hours-of-service rules.
Massachusetts's commercial learner's permit (CLP) costs $30 for a 2-year Class A, B, or C permit application, and is valid for 180 days, renewable once at no additional cost.
How the questions are distributed by topic
The official test draws from a broad, federally-defined set of topics rather than any single area, which is why understanding the reasoning behind a rule matters more than memorizing an isolated fact.
Our free Massachusetts CDL practice tests cover 18 topic areas, including hours-of-service, cargo securement, and air brakes, so you can see which areas need more review.
How our practice tests are structured
Rather than mirroring the exact 50-question format, dmvwrittenexam.com splits its 100+ original Massachusetts CDL questions into multiple practice tests, giving you more total repetitions across more topics than one official-length test would.
Each question includes an explanation and a source reference, so you learn why an answer is correct instead of memorizing a letter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Massachusetts CDL test the same length as in other states?
Yes, generally. The CDL general knowledge test's 50-question, 80%-passing format is set by federal rule and is consistent across nearly every state, including Massachusetts.
How much does a Massachusetts CLP cost?
$30 for a 2-year Class A, B, or C permit application. The permit itself is valid for 180 days and can be renewed once for free.
What happens if I don't pass?
Retake policies are set by the RMV and can vary. Since a Massachusetts CLP is renewable once for another 180 days at no cost, plan any retakes within that window.
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Start a free Massachusetts cdl practice testLast reviewed: 2026-07-20