How to Study for the CDL Test

Many commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) weigh over 26,000 pounds.

CDL stands for "Commercial Driver's License." This license is required to operature any commercial automobile. According to the United States Department of Transportion Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), a commercial automobile is any vehicle which weighs over 26,000 pounds, is used to move safely 16 or more people or is used to move hazardous materials. State governments administer CDL exams. Drivers must pass a general knowledge test, vehicle-relevant knowledge tests and a driving test (skills test) to obtain a CDL. Studying for the written exams will help prepare you, thus increasing your chance of passing on your first attempt.

Instructions

1. Download a copy of your state's CDL manual from your state's Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) website. Refer to the online directory of DMVs to find your state's DMV website (see Resources). Visit your local DMV office to obtain a physical copy of the manual if you lack Internet access. Read the manual thoroughly, taking written notes of all material you find difficult to understand or you are seeing for the first time. Return to the difficult sections and reread.

2. Participate in online practice exams to try out test questions before your actual exam. See Resources for suggested test websites. Take note of which questions you miss regularly, and return to those sections in the manual. Identify the correct answer for each question you got wrong.

3. Ask friends to use the manual to quiz you on subject material if the practice questions become repetitive and predictable.

4. Review the test format to familiarize yourself with how the exam will be administered on test day.

5. Approach practice questions with the same answer-identifying methodologies you woud use on the actual exam. Do not guess the answer; try methods of elimination, reasoning and contextual clues to determine the most likely answer.

6. Develop a study schedule to keep you on track as you prepare for your exam. Write on a calendar exactly when and for how long you will study prior to the exam date. Make goals for each study session including how much material you wish to read, how many questions you wish to practice or subjects you want to review. Keep track of practice test scores to show your improvement or need for improvement in certain subject areas.

References

• US Department of Transportion: Part 383.5, Definitions
• University at Buffalo: How to Study, a Brief Guide

Resources

• Department of Motor Vehicles Website Directory
• Test Prep Review: CDL Test Online Course
• Layover CDL Prep Tests
• The Unofficial DMV Guide Practice Tests