# CDL Permit vs CDL Prep

CDL Permit and CDL Prep both sit at 4.7 stars, but that hides the real split: 80% of CDL Prep's written reviews are positive against 47% of CDL Permit's. CDL Prep also leads on chart position (#191 vs unranked). CDL Permit's advantage is update cadence (monthly vs every 3 months) and ratings volume (18K vs 3.4K). On price, rating, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. CDL Permit sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per month and CDL Prep sells 5 in-app purchases, starting at $24.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.7 for CDL Permit against 4.6 for CDL Prep. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: CDL Permit has 18K ratings behind it against 3.4K, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews are what separate them: 47% of CDL Permit's written reviews are positive against 80% of CDL Prep's.

CDL Permit ships an update monthly, CDL Prep every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on November 1, 2026 and October 30, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | CDL Permit | CDL Prep |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.7 (18K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cdl-permit-practice-test-2026/id1566343337/reviews)** | [4.6 (3.4K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cdl-prep-practice-test-2026/id6446039122/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **18K** | 3.4K |
| Positive reviews | 46.7% of reviews | **79.9% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Monthly** | Every 3 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Best chart rank | — | **#191** |
| Size | 36 MB | 99 MB |
| Requires iOS | 13.0 | 13.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Mapola LTD](https://appshunter.io/developer/1566343339) | [Best Fun Games](https://appshunter.io/developer/896888007) |

## What reviewers say

### CDL Permit

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cdl-permit-practice-test-2026/id1566343337)

Prepare for your 2026 Commercial Driver's License (CDL) exam with comprehensive study materials. Access state-specific rules and knowledge domains for various vehicle types. Offers premium features for enhanced practice.

**Highlights:** State-specific CDL rules, Multiple knowledge domains, General knowledge study, Specialized vehicle prep, Random exam mode, Timed quiz option, Incorrect questions review

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly w Trial, Special Offer | $9.99 | per month |
| CDL Prep Practice Test 2023 | $24.99 | per month |
| Lifetime | $99.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Helpful for passing CDL tests
- 💡 Provides a lot of practice questions
- 🚀 Effective study tool
- 🚀 Closest to actual test questions

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Repeated questions in tests
- 🐛 Incorrect or misleading questions/answers
- 💰 Subscription required to access full content
- 🐛 App crashes and connection issues

**Reported bugs**

- Answer choices cut off
- Flashcards not working
- Subscription issues (unable to cancel, still charged)

**Requested features**

- State-specific question banks
- Ability to report incorrect questions
- More varied and up-to-date question pool


### CDL Prep

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cdl-prep-practice-test-2026/id6446039122)

**Currently charting:** #191 Top Grossing · Education (US App Store)

Prepare for your Commercial Driver's License (CDL) exam with over 1,600 practice questions covering all essential sections. Features a personalized study plan, readiness score, and detailed explanations to help you pass on your first attempt.

**Highlights:** 1,600+ expert-written practice questions, Comprehensive CDL exam section coverage, Personalized study plan, Readiness score, Detailed explanations for questions, Flashcards, Progress tracking

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (5)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Premium monthly subscription | $24.99 | per month |
| Premium annual subscription | $59.99 | per year |
| Lifetime premium access | $59.99 | one-time |
| Lifetime premium access | $74.99 | one-time |
| Lifetime premium access | $89.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Helpful for passing CDL tests
- 👍 Easy to use and navigate
- 💡 Variety of test options
- 🚀 Effective for preparing for endorsements
- 👍 Explanations for answers

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Some questions not matching actual test
- 🔒 Difficult to cancel subscription
- 💰 Expensive subscription
- 🐛 Repetitive questions

**Reported bugs**

- Unexpected charges after free trial
- Frequent prompts to leave reviews

**Requested features**

- More study materials and modules
- Better alignment with state-specific requirements
- Ability to flag/review missed questions


## Frequently asked questions

### Is CDL Permit free?

CDL Permit is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is CDL Prep free?

CDL Prep is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, CDL Permit or CDL Prep?

CDL Permit is rated higher. CDL Permit averages 4.7 out of 5 from 18K ratings, while CDL Prep averages 4.6 from 3.4K ratings.

### Do CDL Permit or CDL Prep have ads?

Both CDL Permit and CDL Prep show ads.

### Which is updated more often, CDL Permit or CDL Prep?

CDL Permit ships an update monthly, and CDL Prep every 3 months. Most recently, CDL Permit was updated on November 1, 2026 and CDL Prep on October 30, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*