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- Herausgeber: The Study Group
- Kategorie: Fachliteratur
- Sprache: Englisch
Taking the Commercial Driver's License Test? Do You Want to Ace It? Now You Can With the Help of Official CDL Study Guide.
Would you like to:
- Become a professional driver, and earn a lot of money?
- Have a perfect score on the CDL test?
- Be prepared for any question on the test?
But you:
- Are you a terrible test taker?
- Have trouble absorbing a lot of information?
- Don't have much time to study?
If the answer to any of the questions above is "yes", then you are in for a treat. This official CDL study guide is here to prepare you fully, so you can ace that test and become a professional driver.
All the guides you can find inside are written in a simple and easy to digest manner, perfect for beginners or people who don't have much time to study.
Here's what this complete guide can offer you:
- Smooth study experience: Discover thorough and comprehensive guides that will help you absorb a lot of information quickly and easily.
- Tests with full reviews: Use the extensive list of CDL practice tests with thoroughly reviewed and explained answers, so you'll never be unprepared again.
- Proven test-taking strategies: Discover the easiest way to ace the CDL test with expert test-taking strategies.
- Top test-taking tips: Learn how to avoid even the smallest mistakes people make when taking the CDL test so that you can ensure the perfect score.
Even if you are a terrible test taker or have trouble studying, these complete beginners guide for taking the CDL test will help you succeed. So follow these detailed prep guides, set yourself on a path to success, and ace that test!
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Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2020
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The Study Group
OFFICIAL CDL STUDY GUIDE
Table of contents
Introduction
Chapter One: Vehicle Inspection
Chapter Two: Driving Safely
Chapter Three: Transporting Cargo Safely
Chapter Four: Transporting Passengers Safely
Chapter Five: Air Brakes
Chapter Six: Combination Vehicles
Chapter Seven: Doubles And Triples
Chapter Eight: Tank Vehicles
Chapter Nine: Hazardous Materials
Chapter Ten: School Buses
Chapter Eleven: Vehicle Inspection Test
Chapter Twelve: Basic Vehicle Control Skills Test
Chapter Thirteen: On-Road Driving Test
Chapter Fourteen: The Biggest Reasons Candidates Fail Their CDL Tests
Final Words
© Copyright 2020 - All rights reserved.
It is not legal to reproduce, duplicate, or transmit any part of this document in either electronic means or in printed format. Recording of this publication is strictly prohibited and any storage of this document is not allowed unless with written permission from the publisher except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.
Introduction
Whether you are a high school graduate, a retiree, or anyone looking for a new career or switching careers, becoming a commercial driver can be a rewarding decision.
Obtaining a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) is the first step to a career as a commercial driver. A CDL offers you an array of exciting options in the transportation industry without going through lengthy training programs that several other traditional career paths demand.
Why Get A CDL?
Below, let’s check out some unique benefits of acquiring a CDL that will make it even more worthwhile to dive deeper into this exhaustive guide to a hassle-free start to a career in the commercial transport industry.
Minimal training required: The process of obtaining a CDL is typically a short-term commitment, with training lasting from about a few weeks to a few months depending on the student.
Competitive starting pay and benefits: The United States Bureau of Labour Statistics averages the annual pay for truck drivers at about $46,000 in an annual pay range of between $29,000 and $66,000.
Career growth opportunities, flexibility and job security: The several types of CDL classes and endorsements, as well as the various industries that are reliant on truck drivers, offer you excellent career growth choices to explore. For starters, the more experienced you are, the more you can command a higher salary. As you acquire more endorsements, you become more valuable to your trucking company and this leads to flexibility in the jobs you choose to take.
Other benefits: Becoming a commercial driver also offers several other benefits such as freedom, independence, and scenic travel, availability of paid and sponsored CDL training.
Types Of CDL Vehicles
A CDL license is a must for one to drive a vehicle or a combination of a vehicle and a trailer weighing in excess of 26,001 pounds. There are further classifications that designate the type of vehicles license holders are allowed to drive and operate. These include:
Class A CDL
This permits a license holder to operate any combination of vehicles rated 26,001 pounds or more. It also includes towing of vehicles weighing 10,000 pounds or more. With relevant endorsements, a CDL Class A license holder can drive the following:
Truck and trailer combinations
Flatbeds
Tanker vehicles
Double and triple trailers
Tractor-trailers
Livestock carriers
Class A CDL license holders can also drive vehicles in Class B and Class C with the requisite endorsements.
Class B CDL
With proper endorsements, a Class B licensee can operate these commercial vehicles in addition to towing vehicles of no more than 10,000 pounds:
Straight trucks
Buses
Delivery trucks
Box trucks
Couriers
Segmented buses
Dump trucks
In addition, with the required endorsements, a Class B license holder can operate Class C vehicles.
Class C CDL
This applies to smaller transportation vehicles such as a 16-passenger vehicle including the driver. This license is also required to transport hazardous materials.
Examples of vehicles allowed under a Class C CDL include a small hazmat vehicle, small truck towing a trailer, or a passenger van.
CDL Requirements
Getting acquainted with the requirements for getting a CDL is essential if you want a career in the commercial transport industry. The requirements we will discuss below also apply to the commercial learner’s permit (CLP) that you will need to be allowed to train before getting a CDL.
Federal requirements for CDL apply to all US States, but remember that each state has state-specific minimum standards for CDL licensing. Therefore, you must check out your state’s CDL requirements before embarking on this quest.
Here are the minimum requirements to be eligible for a CDL:
A valid (non-commercial) driver’s license.
Must have attained at least 21 years of age:
to drive commercial vehicles interstate (across state lines).
to operate a commercial vehicle containing hazardous cargo.
In some states, 18-year-olds can be eligible too but for only intrastate (within the state) travel.
A minimum of one to two years of driving experience based on state laws.
According to 49 CFR 383:71, an applicant needs to provide their proof of citizenship or permanent residency. This can be in the form of:
a social security card or another form of proof of the number or;
other documents such as a green card or the birth certificate.
Must pass all the relevant background screens.
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), all names of states where one holds a license to drive any vehicle type must be provided for the previous 10 years.
The applicant must not have any active suspensions or revocations of their license in any state.
The regular state driver’s license must be surrendered once the CDL is earned.
It must be certified that the applicant is not subject to any disqualification outlined in the FMCSA 383.51 and neither are they subject to license disqualification under respective state laws, as well as them not having a driver’s license in more than one jurisdiction or state.
They also need to be able to read and speak English in the US.
One must provide a valid Medical Examiner’s Certificate (DOT card) or in absence of that, a photographic copy of the valid certificate if they are to be eligible for a CDL or CLP. You must always be in possession of the original or photocopy every time you are behind the wheel.
CDL Endorsements
In addition to attaining either a Class A, B, or Class C CDL, you also have the option to earn endorsements. Endorsements allow you to operate more types of commercial vehicles as well as transport certain types of special goods. You can think of them as a form of ‘extra permissions’. Please note the process of earning the seven different types of endorsements will vary from state to state.
Here is a list of the seven different types of CDL endorsements:
(X) Tanker/HAZMAT combo endorsement
(H) Hazardous materials endorsement (HAZMAT)
(P) Passenger Transport endorsement
(N) Liquid Bulk tank/vehicle endorsement (tanker)
(S) School bus/passenger transport combo endorsement
(T) Double/triples endorsement
(V) Student transportation vehicle (‘P’ endorsement required if the motor vehicle being driven requires a CDL and has passengers).
While applying for the Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP), make sure you have declared what endorsements you intend to earn. Some states may limit the number of endorsements you can get to three while on a CLP. You will, however, be able to add more to your CDL once you have earned it. The process could involve additional requirements such as written tests or road skills tests.
A small fee will also be charged for each additional endorsement. Some endorsements may not require you to take additional background checks, skills tests, or periodic retesting beyond the initial CDL acquisition process. The HAZMAT endorsement is, however, an exception to this based on the strict precautions needed.
CDL Restrictions
While endorsements allow drivers to operate different types of vehicles, restrictions prevent you from driving the specific kind of vehicle covered under the restriction.
Here are the most common CDL restrictions:
L - No Full Air Brakes: With this restriction, you are not allowed to operate a commercial vehicle with full air brakes.
Z - No Authorisation To Operate A CMV With Full Air Brakes: This restriction is applicable when the CDL test is taken in a vehicle with an air over hydraulic brake system. The driver is not authorised to drive a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) equipped with full air brakes.
E - No Manual Transmission: This means that you are prevented from driving any CMV with a manual transmission.
O - Not Authorised To Operate Class A Vehicle With A Fifth Wheel Connection: This restriction prevents you from operating a vehicle with a fifth-wheel connection, also commonly referred to as a tow-hitch.
M - Only Class B and C Passenger Vehicles and School Buses: If a Class A license holder only obtains their passenger or school bus endorsement in a Class B vehicle, then this restriction is placed on their license. It means that the driver can continue operating only Class B and C passenger or school buses.
N - Only Operation of Class C Vehicles Allowed: If you possess a Class B CDL, but only obtain your passenger or school bus endorsement in a Class C vehicle, the ‘N’ restriction is placed on your license. This means you are only allowed to operate school or passenger buses under Class C.
V - Variance: The ‘Variance’ restriction relates to an exemption allowed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), allowing commercial drivers with certain medical conditions to continue operating. The restriction code ‘V’ is placed on the driver’s license to indicate the existence of the medical issue such as visual impairments or a heart condition.
It is possible to have a restriction removed from your CDL. The process of having a restriction removed from your CDL will vary depending on your restriction. However, if you have a restriction because you took your CDL using a CMV lacking some features or equipment, you will need to retake some tests using the right vehicle before you can have your restriction removed.
Commercial Drivers’ License Tests
To get your CDL, you have to pass the CDL test, which involves several parts: a general knowledge test, a number of applicable endorsement tests, and the air brakes test.
For endorsements, the vehicle type you are planning on driving (e.g. tanker, passenger /school bus, double /triple) and whether it is on the Class A, B or C classification determines what endorsements and further tests you must take.
Below, let’s look at each of these tests in greater detail.
General Knowledge Test
This is the basic test that you must pass before you can get the CDL that will launch your career in the very lucrative commercial transport industry. The general knowledge test will test all the topics covered in your state’s CDL manual, which we will look at in Chapter 2.
Endorsement Tests
Based on the kind of Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) you are planning to drive, you might be required to take and pass the applicable endorsement tests. Here are the most common endorsement tests:
Double/Triple Trailer Endorsement: This assesses the knowledge you have regarding the safe driving of triple and double trailers. The test also includes questions on how to uncouple and couple trailers, as well as inspections.
Passenger Endorsement: If you are planning on driving a vehicle that will carry at least 16 passengers including the driver, you will need to obtain the passenger endorsement. Further, if the vehicle is a school bus, then you have to get an additional endorsement for school buses.
Tank Endorsement: If an applicant intends to operate a CMV in excess of 26,00 pounds that will be used to haul liquid/gaseous material (whether hazardous or not) you will be required to obtain a tank endorsement. This endorsement is a mandatory requirement for Class A and Class B motor vehicles that have a permanently mounted tanker with a capacity higher than 119 gallons or a portable tanker with a capacity higher than 1,000 gallons.
Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT) Endorsement: HAZMAT materials consist of flammable and combustible liquids, explosives and any other materials that the shipping company considers hazardous. This endorsement is required for any vehicle class that needs to have a HAZMAT placard.
School Bus Endorsement: While this endorsement regulation varies from state to state, you will generally be required to obtain the school bus endorsement to drive any type of vehicle that ferries 16 or more passengers (driver included) and displays the tag ‘school bus’. If the school bus is not used to transport students, then a school bus endorsement is not required. For one to acquire the school bus endorsement, they must have qualified for the passenger bus endorsement.
Air Brakes Test
This test is designed to evaluate your proficiency in properly inspecting, using and maintaining your CMV’s air brakes system.
If you receive a CDL without passing the air brakes test, you will have an air brakes restriction on your license until you are able to pass that test. This means that you will not be authorized to operate any commercial motor vehicle (CMV) equipped with air brakes.
Summary Of Tests To Be Taken
Skills Tests
In addition to the general knowledge exam and the requisite endorsement tests, you must also pass the driving skills test. During this test, you will have to successfully perform a series of the maneuvers required for your vehicle type.
In the event that you fail any one part of the CDL Skills Test, you will have to retake the entire test from the beginning. The CDL Skills Test consists of three parts, which are:
Pre-Trip Inspection
Before you are even allowed to take a CDL driving test, you must be tested on your knowledge of the vehicle you are planning to drive once you have obtained your CDL license. This is the first step.
It will also have to be determined if the vehicle you intend to drive is even safe enough to be operated on public roads. In the event that you fail to pass the Pre-trip Inspection Test, you may not be allowed to take the CDL Skills Test. In some states such as California, you may be allowed to use the Pre-trip inspection aid found in each state’s handbook during the test.
Basic Controls Test
Before you take the road skills test, you will have to prove that you possess the skills to operate a commercial motor vehicle on public roads. The above test involves proving you are capable of several off-road maneuvers that include moving your vehicle forward, backing up your vehicle or making turns with your vehicle within a defined area.
This test will typically include the following:
Straight-line backing
Parallel parking (docking)
Parallel packing (driver-side)
90-degree alley docking
Offset back/left
Offset back/right
Road Skills Test
If you manage to pass the above preliminary tests, you will now have to drive your commercial vehicle on public roads under an array of traffic conditions. The vehicle used in this test will have to be in the same class as the commercial vehicle you intend to operate once you earn your CDL.
On the scheduled day for your Skills Test, make sure that you do the following:
