How Many Questions Are On The Combination Cdl Test

So there I was, sitting in my beat-up Ford Focus—the one with the duct-taped bumper—watching a guy in a Peterbilt try to parallel park a fifty-foot trailer. He nailed it on the first try, and I almost applauded. That’s when it hit me: driving a combination vehicle is a whole different beast, and the test to prove you can do it is no joke. If you’re here, you’re probably wondering how many questions are on the Combination CDL test—and no, the answer isn’t “a million,” though it might feel that way.

Let’s cut to the chase. The Combination CDL written test (the one for rigs with a trailer) usually has 20 questions. But hold on—don’t pop the champagne just yet. You need to answer at least 16 correctly to pass, which is an 80% score. (Side note: 80% sounds easy, but these questions are crafted to trip you up on purpose, like a bad date who asks trick questions.)

Wait, is it always 20 questions?

Here’s where it gets a little dicey—kind of like merging onto a highway with a 40-foot trailer. Most states stick to 20 questions for the Combination Vehicles endorsement (often called the “T” endorsement), but some states might throw in a few extra for good measure. For example, California’s written test for combination vehicles has exactly 20, while Texas also keeps it at 20. But New York? Yep, 20 there too. Still, always confirm with your local DMV, because—and I say this with love—government websites are about as consistent as a squirrel on caffeine.

Think of it this way: the Combination test is actually a supplement to the general CDL knowledge test. You’ll first take the general CDL test (usually 50-60 questions), and then you add this 20-question combo exam. Two tests, one very long morning. Bring coffee.

What kind of nightmare questions are we talking about?

Good question—and ironic too, because you’re trying to anticipate the questions. The test covers coupling and uncoupling, air brakes, weight distribution, and the dreaded “offtracking” phenomenon. (Offtracking: when the back wheels of your trailer cut corners like a celebrity avoiding paparazzi.) Expect a question like, “When you’re uncoupling a trailer, which line do you disconnect first?” The answer is the air lines, by the way—not the electrical, unless you want a very boring fire.

Another big topic: cargo shifting. Imagine a load of watermelons deciding to roll to one side as you hit a curve—yeah, that’s a real exam question. And yes, you’ll need to know the exact percentage of weight distribution. (Hint: it’s 60% on the front axle of the tractor, but don’t quote me—go study.)

Why only 20 questions? That seems… short.

You’d think the test for something as serious as a semi-truck would have, I don’t know, a hundred questions and a blood sacrifice. But the DMV has a method to their madness: the Combination test is highly focused. It’s specifically about the trailer and the physics of pulling it. The general CDL test already covers all the scary stuff like air brakes and road signs. So 20 questions is actually deceptive—they’re all heavy hitters.

CDL COMBINATION Practice Test 2025 Part 2 Questions and Answers - YouTube

Here’s a truth bomb: most people fail the Combination test on their first try. Not because it’s impossibly hard, but because they assume 20 questions is easy. “Oh, I’ll just wing it,” they say, and then they discover the correct order for hooking up glad hands is like a fan dance—part logic, part mysticism. Don’t be that person.

How to actually pass this thing (without crying in the parking lot)

First, study the CDL manual for your state. I know, I know—reading a government manual is about as fun as watching paint dry on a log truck. But the test pulls questions directly from that book. Second, take online practice tests—there are dozens for free. (Pro tip: look for ones that explain the “why” behind the answer, not just the answer. “Because the manual says so” is not a valid reason in real life, but it works for the test.)

Third, and this is the kicker: memorize the pre-trip inspection checklist. Not because it’s on the written test—it’s not—but because understanding every part of your rig makes the written questions click. Suddenly, “What does the service line do?” becomes obvious: it delivers air to release the brakes. Click, click, pass.

Oh, and bring a calculator if your state allows it. Some questions involve weight calculations, and nobody wants to do long division while stressing about CVSA stickers.

2020 CDL COMBINATION VEHICLE PRACTICE TEST # 1 QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

The ironic truth about those 20 questions

Here’s the thing: after you pass the written test, you’ll still have to take the skills test—the actual driving exam. That one has no fixed number of questions. It’s a series of maneuvers (like a straight-line backup or an alley dock) that feel like a video game’s final boss. So the 20 questions are just the appetizer. The main course is a giant truck, a nervous examiner, and a cone you must not flatten.

But you know what? Thousands of people pass this test every week. They’re not geniuses. They’re just folks who didn’t freak out about the number of questions. They studied, they practiced, and they remembered that 20 is just a number—a very passable number.

So go grab your manual, find a quiet spot (or a loud coffee shop—you do you), and start with chapter one. And when you’re staring at question number 12, wondering if you should guess “C” because it’s been a while since you used it, just remember: the guy in the Peterbilt didn’t become a pro by guessing. He studied, he practiced, and now he can parallel park like a boss. You’ve got this.

Oh, and one more thing: don’t forget to release the parking brake before you start the engine. That’s not on the test, but your future trucking buddies will roast you if you don’t know it. Happy studying!