You may feel overwhelmed with all the tests and paperwork it takes to obtain your CDL. Luckily, the Louisiana Commercial Driver's Manual is a good place to start educating yourself on basic information.

You can pick up a copy of this guide at your local Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV). You can also download the handbook using the free Adobe Reader.

Top CDL Manual

The CDL manual offers a wealth of information divided into 13 parts. Here's a quick reference:

• Section One: Introduction

• Section Two: Driving Safely

• Section Three: Transporting Cargo Safely

• Section Four: Transporting Passengers

• Section Five: Air Brakes

• Section Six: Combination Vehicles

• Section Seven: Doubles and Triples

• Section Eight: Tank Vehicles

• Section Nine: Hazardous Materials

• Section Ten: School Bus

• Section Eleven: Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection

• Section Twelve: Basic Vehicle Control Skills Test

• Section Thirteen: On-Road Driving

Top Minimum Training Requirements

In order to pass your driving skills tests, you will need to learn how to inspect vehicles before driving and how to couple and uncouple tractors and trailers. You'll also need to have plenty of practice driving in different conditions and on different road surfaces. Turning, parking, backing up, and braking are essential skills.

Many motor carriers train their employees, while other drivers take courses at private driving schools, vocational or technical schools, and community colleges. The Professional Truck Driver Institute (PTDI) has set minimum standards for training curriculums and certifies driver training courses that meet industry and Federal Highway Administration (FHA) guidelines. Many employers require their drivers to take PTDI-approved training.

The OMV offers an online list of third-party examiners.

The testing fee with third-party examiners is $60 if you provide your own commercial vehicle. If you choose to rent from the examiner, the cost will depend on the rent charge.

Please visit our Commercial Driver License FAQ section for more information.

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