Are you interested in starting a career in the truck driving industry? Do you know the basics of handling commercial vehicles, but you’d like to enroll in a specialized instruction program to improve? Are you comfortable being on the road for several hours every day? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you need to learn about how you can receive training and a license for your practice. Keep on reading for a quick guide on what to expect from your future CDL test and how to best prepare for your written exam.
CDL stands for Commercial Driver’s License and is a clear-cut course designed to teach students how to securely maneuver a truck and other supplying vehicles. Aside from theoretical knowledge, the instruction program also involves practical tasks and activities conceived for developing hands-on experience with driving on public roads. In addition, students are educated about safety procedures, efficient loading and managing different types of materials. After your course has finished, you will be tested by your instructor both via a written examination and a practical “road test”. Before beginning your field training, you will be required to pass a written evaluation known as the CDL test.
Whether operating in intrastate, interstate or foreign commerce, all commercial truck drivers require a CDL. But before getting into the nuts and bolts of truck driving, you have to prove that you have the necessary information for this practice and pass a CDL assessment. The written exam generally features a series of tests covering general knowledge, combination vehicles and air brake. These quizzes are meant to assess if you have a basic grasp of elementary knowledge concerning road rules and regulations, safe management of commercial vehicles, as well as standard truck driving procedures and cargo weight.
Moreover, the tests are also designed to determine how much you know about functional topics like coupling and uncoupling and more specialized techniques such as trailer jackknife, safe backing and brake systems. Additionally, the air brake test is conceived to evaluate your knowledge of the air brake system and pressure gauges, as well as your ability to inspect and handle air brakes.
So how do you prepare for a CDL permit test? The first step is to find learning material or an online platform which can supply you with theoretical information. You can also try looking for your state’s CDL manual, which should cover topics including shifting gears, vehicle inspection, rail road crossing, driving at night and in different weather conditions, accident procedures, braking, managing space with other vehicles, controlling speed, skid recovery and driving emergencies. You can find a printed manual if you visit your local Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) or download an online copy from their website.
However, the manual alone won’t be resourceful enough to help with some of the tricky questions in the permit exam. This is why we recommend checking out some practice tests meant to prepare you for the evaluation and provide you with possible subjects. On our platform at RTDS you can find several learning tools, including a useful Hand Book with basic information and a Questions and Answers section covering the 3 types of knowledge tests.
Before you being studying, make sure you’re actually eligible for obtaining a CDL. In most states, the requirements involve owning a valid driver’s license and being over 18 (over 21 if you want to drive interstate). If you’ve got that covered, then all you have to do is find a manual and additional study resources and start learning and taking practice tests. After passing the written evaluation, you will be assigned for a CDL exam in order to receive your license.
