So, you have decided to take the test and earn your Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). That is wonderful! However, are you truly prepared for the test? Do you even know what you should study and practice in preparation? Do not worry; all of your questions will have an answer shortly. The purpose of this article is to help you prepare for the Class A CDL test. Keep reading to find out more.
This preparation guide is a tool for those who are looking for help with getting ready for their Class A test and get a permit to start driving trucks as a career. All of the information you need as well as a good idea of what to study/practice before the test is all included. There are multiple parts to earning your Commercial Driver’s License.
First, you must get a permit. Then, you practice and learn until you are confident, and then you will take the tests, including a Knowledge & Skills Test and a CDL Road Skills Test.
Practice Tests for Class A CDL Test
If you look online, there are tons of practice tests available for every classification of CDL licensing, including Class A, which is the license class you are here for. There are practice tests for classes B and C too if you need them. Some of the online practice tests are free; others are not. If you pay to be a part of a CDL training program, depending on the one you choose, they will provide you with a legitimate or mock-up practice test for you to use as practice.
You may even decide to make a practice test of your own using a manual from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). If you want to view the FMCSA manual, click here. This manual has the legal specifications of the CDL Certification and licensing tests, as well as the description of each type of CDL license, which could be very useful to you.
Class A CDL Test Parts
When you go to take your Class A Test, the information is not in a single test; instead, the test is made up of driven, written and knowledgeable tests. You need to pass all parts with a minimum of 80% to obtain your Commercial Driver’s License.
Down below this paragraph, you can see more information on what each of the parts of the CDL tests look like and what all they involve. Use this to guide you as you study so that you learn the correct pieces of information for the test.
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Knowledge and Skills Test
All Classes of Commercial Driver’s Licenses require that you complete a skills test before the other tests.
Each state develops its own knowledge and skills tests, which must meet the minimum federal standards.
For the knowledge test, you will have to successfully test on the twenty general areas outlined in 49 CFR 383.111(a). Listed below are those general areas plus a brief description of what they entail or what you will need to learn:
- Safe operations regulations – Motor vehicle inspection, repair, and maintenance; safe vehicle operations; the effects of health upon safe commercial vehicle operation; types of motor vehicles and cargoes; alcohol and drug use.
- Safe vehicle control systems – For this, you should be aware of the uses and functions of the standard controls and instruments on CMVs (Commercial Motor Vehicles).
- CMV safety control systems – Proper use of the lights, horn, mirror adjustments, diagnosing malfunctions, etc.
- Basic control – How to start, warm-up, back up, and turn the vehicle.
- Shifting – Demonstrate/know the shift patterns and procedures.
- Backing – How to back up in a straight or curved line.
- Visual search – You will be questioned on the use of mirrors and how to see in the rear of the vehicle.
- Communication – Signaling and horn use.
- Speed management – How fast or slow and when, such as highways, turning, on-ramps etc
- Space management – Space for traffic gaps; controlling space ahead and to the back.
- Night operation – The crucial factors you should be aware of at nighttime: glare, vision, fatigue, low illumination, headlights, auxiliary lights.
- Extreme driving conditions – Weather
- Hazard perceptions – Road hazards
- Emergency maneuvers – Have a basic knowledge of emergency maneuvers such as evasive steering, emergency stopping, off-road recovery, brake failure, and blowouts.
- Skid control and recovery – What are the major types of skids, and what causes them?
- Relationship of cargo to vehicle control – Principles of weight distribution, and cargo securement.
- Vehicle inspections – What to look for in an inspection: fluid leaks, visibility, tires/wheels/rims, brake system, suspension system, exhaust, coupling system, and cargo. You should also know the inspection procedures for before, during, and after a trip.
- Hazardous materials (For a Class C License)
- Mountain driving – Know how to practice safety on hills, including speed selection, gear selection, and braking techniques.
- Fatigue and awareness – What to do if you get tired or ill while driving on the road.
CDL Road Skills Test
In addition to the knowledge and skills tests, you will need to complete a road skills test. To take the road skills test, you must have a valid CDL learner permit and valid NCDL. You are also required to bring a licensed CDL driver that is over 21 years old.
Some of the requirements for the road skills tests depend on your state’s regulations; so, look online for specifics. The road skills test also has a standard fee, which also varies with state DMVs.
Differences in CDL State Laws
Some aspects and stipulations on the Class A CDL test will vary depending on where you live. No matter what Class of CDL license you obtain, it is a requirement to obtain a CDL license in the state of your primary residence. Remember: it is illegal to possess a Commercial Driver’s License from more than one state.
Where Should You Take a CDL Training Course?
Once you complete both the knowledge & skills test and the road skills test, you can immediately upgrade your permit to a Commercial Driver’s License. At which point, you should feel proud of yourself.
Before you take these CDL driver’s tests, you should consider joining a CDL Certification training program. Try contacting America’s Driving Force, which is a resource that can help offer you CDL training and employment afterward.