CDL Test
In order to receive a CDL, or Commercial Driver's License, drivers will have to pass the general CDL test. The general exam consists of two parts: the knowledge section, which is a written, computerized exam, and the skills section, which is a practical, real-world exam. The written exam consists of 30 questions and drivers are required to get 80% of the questions correct. These questions cover many different topics, including:
- Driving in different weather conditions
- Communicating with other drivers
- Transporting cargo safely
- Transporting people safely
- The basics of operating a trailer
- How to handle emergencies
A driver has to pass the written part of the CDL test before they can proceed to the skills test. The driver is required to provide the appropriate vehicle for the road test. The skills section is broken down into three sections. The first section of the test is a Pre-Trip Inspection. In this section, the driver walks around the vehicle, identifying parts of the vehicle and explaining why they are either safe or unsafe to the examiner. The driver has to illustrate that the vehicle is safe to drive and explain why. An examiner will be taking notes and scoring the skills part of the CDL test as the driver goes along.
The second phase of the test is the Off Road Skills Test. During the second phase, the driver has to prove that they have mastered the basic skills for maneuvering the vehicle. This part of the test will occur in an area away from traffic. The driver will need to demonstrate their ability to:
- Back the vehicle in a straight line
- Back the vehicle on an angle
- Stop at a line
- Make a right turn
- Railroad crossings
- Downgrades
- Intersections
- Curves
- Rural roads
- Multi-lane roads