Comparison

CDL Study Buddy vs CDL Exam Prep 2026

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

CDL Study Buddy

Prepare for your Commercial Driver's License (CDL) exam with over 1,000 practice questions and access to all US CDL handbooks in PDF and audio formats. Includes instructional videos for key inspections.

Highlights
  • 1,000+ practice test questions
  • All US CDL handbooks (PDF)
  • CDL handbook audio versions
  • Instructional inspection videos
  • Translated to over 40 languages
Features
Read full description

After many request CDL Study Buddy is now available on the App Store!! CDL Study Buddy is made and owned by someone who has been driving trucks for over 20 years. I've taken everything that has ever helped me, my friends and even those I've chosen to teach how to drive, and then placed it into a simple to use lightweight app. And can be translated to over 40 languages. In addition to over 1,000 test questions, CDL Study Buddy also provides every CDL handbook throughout the United States in pdf, as well the the CDL handbook in audio so you can listen to it on the go!! And instructional videos that help guide you through every step of the pretrip inspection, air brake inspection, and even a DOT roadside inspection. One of the most common questions I receive is "Does your test cover the material for my state?". And the answer is yes it does, this is because every state in the United States uses the cdl handbook that is produced by American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA), and thus the reason you'll see something to the effects of "copyright, AAMVA" in your CDL handbook. So study with confidence and use my free app that has already helped over 60,000 people study for and pass their written test.

About

CDL Exam Prep 2026

Features
Read full description

Ace Your CDL Permit Test Globally. CDL Permit Test Prep helps aspiring commercial drivers prepare for their license exam. Whether you’re in the US or abroad, get official-style practice on all key topics: General Knowledge, Air Brakes, Hazmat, Tankers, Passenger, Doubles/Triples, and road signs. Key Features: • 620+ Exam Questions: Extensive question bank with detailed explanations to mimic the real CDL test. • 200+ Flashcards: Spaced-repetition flashcards reinforce vital facts and regulations. • Mock Tests: Timed, full-length practice exams simulate the official experience. Instant scoring and review highlight strengths and weaknesses. • Category Quizzes: Practice each endorsement individually (e.g. HazMat, Air Brake) to focus your study. • Signs & Signals: A dedicated section for road sign identification and explanations – often a test highlight. • Study Analytics: Track your progress and scores over time; review missed questions until you master them. • Offline Access: All content is available without internet, perfect for studying on the go. Why CDL Permit Test Prep? Lifetime access for just $1.99 means no monthly fees. Unlike many apps, ours uses spaced-repetition learning to improve retention. We continuously update content to stay current. Join thousands of users who passed on their first try. For more information, please review our: Privacy Policy: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1IqvkaIiLtMosBc9OB_Olgf0Ca6pDidoegwVoHu3ZGQ8/edit?usp=sharing Terms of Use: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/ Use a clear call-to-action: “Download now and get road-ready for your CDL exam!

Screenshots

CDL Study Buddy4 screens
CDL Exam Prep 20264 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: CDL Study Buddy at none against CDL Exam Prep 2026's 1. CDL Study Buddy also leads on iOS requirement (8.0 vs 13.0). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. CDL Exam Prep 2026 sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. CDL Study Buddy asks for nothing beyond the download.

Scorecard2 real differences · 8 level
CDL Study Buddy versus CDL Exam Prep 2026: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterCDL Study BuddyCDL Exam Prep 2026
PriceFreeFree
Rating3.3 (29 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews56.3% of reviews—
Number of ratings29 — better—
Update frequency—Every 2 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationFree—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac — better
Requires iOS8.0 — better13.0
Further details — not scored
Size2 MB57 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperJack MahanaMd Tariqul Islam

In-app purchases

None

CDL Study Buddy

No in-app purchases

1 purchases

CDL Exam Prep 2026

One-time1
  • Unlimited Plan$4.99

Questions

Is CDL Study Buddy free?
CDL Study Buddy is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is CDL Exam Prep 2026 free?
CDL Exam Prep 2026 is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do CDL Study Buddy or CDL Exam Prep 2026 have ads?
Neither CDL Study Buddy nor CDL Exam Prep 2026 shows ads.

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