Commercial Driver Education

In our Applying for a New CDL section, we discussed the steps you need to take to receive your commercial driver license (CDL) and learner's permit. In this section, we'll take a look at the tests you'll need to pass to obtain your license and permit.

By the way, the information you'll need to pass these tests is contained in the CDL Test Booklet, available online or at license agencies. It also contains more information about what to expect when taking the tests.

Written/Knowledge Test

This exam will test your knowledge on vehicle safety and driving procedures under a variety of circumstances.

You may take these tests at any license agency. You don't need to make an appointment to do so. You may take them as many times as needed, but you may only do so once in a 24-hour period. Also, the tests are free to take.

Skills Test

The skills test consists of three parts: the pre-trip inspection, the basic control skills test, and the road trip test.

Pre-trip Inspection

This exam will test your knowledge and skill level concerning your vehicle's safety, and your ability to inspect it properly. You'll have to inspect a minimum of 80% of the items on your vehicle to pass the test.

You will need to demonstrate to the examiner that you know how to check for safety, and that you know the names and functions of various vehicle parts.

Basic Control Skills Test

As the name implies, this test will check your ability to safely control your vehicle.

You will be performing different maneuvers―such as alley docking and forward stop/straight line backing―within a confined area marked by traffic cones and boundary lines.

Road Trip Test

This exam will test your overall ability to operate your vehicle safely through various traffic situations that you'd encounter as a licensed driver. You'll be driving on a route that's been approved by the state. Expect to come across intersections, railroad crossings, rural roads, city streets, highways, curves and up and down grades.

The examiner will be monitoring your ability to merge safely, change lanes, make turns, look for danger, signal, and control your speed.

You'll need to supply the vehicle to test on. You must drive the type of vehicle that's applicable to the type of license that you're seeking.

The skills test costs $100 to take, every time you need to take it. You may only attempt to pass the test once in a 24-hour period. You will need to make an appointment to take the test through one of the state-approved test centers that offers the exam.

Grounds for Immediate Failure

These may seem obvious, but if you're guilty of any of the following during the skills test, you'll automatically flunk:

• Committing a traffic violation

• Disobeying traffic signs or signals

• Having an avoidable accident

• Any dangerous action or unsafe behavior

• Driving over curbs or sidewalks

• Any other serious infractions

Best of luck with your testing!