CDL Study Guide
When seeking out a study guide to help you prepare for and pass the tests to become a licensed commercial driver in the United States, you will want to use the information available from the state where you reside and will be obtaining your commercial driver's license (CDL). Although there is information common to all states, individual state transportation department websites are the best sources for CDL study guides.
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Most Study Guides Are Online
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Most state transportation departments have CDL handbooks or manuals available online for you to read, download or printout. Most states will give you step-by-step instructions for applying for a CDL and also provide links to their CDL handbooks. For example, California provides a CDL handbook as well as sample test questions.
Federal Standards Guide Each State
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Though applications and tests for obtaining a CDL in the United States are administered by individual states, minimum licensing standards are set at the federal level by the Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1986. This act not only ensures that states provide for the proper knowledge and skills testing, it also establishes the classes of license---Class A, B or C---according to vehicle weight and cargo, and specifies endorsements or restrictions for a CDL (e.g., P for Passenger, H for Hazardous Materials, etc.).
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Basic Requirements for CDL
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Generally, you must be 18 years of age to obtain a CDL to drive within the state, and you must be 21 years of age to obtain a CDL and drive across state lines. There are some rules that affect commercial drivers operating in all states, the most important being that you cannot have more than one commercial driver's license. You must have only your home state license and that is all.
General CDL Study Guides Are Available Online
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If you would like additional study guides, there are guides available online for free or for purchase. These guides cover the basics and can be a good resource for studying to obtain a CDL. There are also practice tests available online, some for free and some for a fee. CDL handbooks and study guides usually cover driver safety, weather conditions and traffic rules, as well as vehicle maintenance and inspection and pre-trip procedures.
Requirements to Know Ahead of Time
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A school bus is a special type of commercial motor vehicle. Federal guidelines mandate for each state CDL program that, "A driver must take the skills test in a motor vehicle which represents the type of motor vehicle that a driver applicant operates or expects to operate as defined by the vehicle classifications." For example, "To obtain a passenger endorsement, the driver must test in a passenger vehicle. To obtain a school bus endorsement, the driver must test in a passenger vehicle equipped with school bus features (lights, signs, etc)." Applicants for the CDL will perform best in the skills tests if they can use the proper vehicle for driving skills practice.
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References
- California Department of Motor Vehicles: Commercial Driver License Information
- Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, Driver & Vehicle Services: Commercial Driver's Information Center
- Texas Department of Public Safety: Driver License
- U.S. Dept. of Transportation, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Admin: CDL Program
- Study Guide Zone: CDL Test Study Guide
- Photo Credit trucks on highway image by palms from Fotolia.com school bus image by Lombok from Fotolia.com
