Tips for Passing Your CDL
Increase your chances of passing your commercial driver's license (CDL) tests the first time with preparation and practice. Preparing properly will boost your confidence and help you feel more relaxed when taking both the written and skills tests. Take advantage of the materials and resources offered at no charge by your state licensing department.
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Apply for the License
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Visit the office of your state licensing agency or its online website. Learn what tests, fees and documents it requires to obtain a CDL. Complete a license application.
Prepare for the Written Knowledge Test
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Obtain a copy of your state's CDL manual, either at the offices of the licensing agency or from the agency's website. Read the manual, and practice with the sample test questions. Use reference materials obtained from your public library, a bookstore or the Internet if you want additional information.
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Take the Written Knowledge Test
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You can almost always take the Knowledge Test on a walk-in basis; confirm with your state licensing agency. Read the instructions, and ask the examiner for more details if you do not understand them. Scan the entire test and first answer all the questions for which you have ready answers. Avoid changing your answers; your first impulse is most likely correct. Do not leave any questions unanswered. Enter your best guess even if not completely certain of your answer. You might guess correctly, whereas a question left unanswered can only be marked "wrong." Relax and do not rush through the test; CDL tests are rarely timed (but check with your licensing agency in advance to be sure).
Get a Learner's Permit
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Obtain a CDL learner's permit from your state licensing agency. You must have a learner's permit to practice driving on public roads. A CDL holder must accompany you during your practice sessions.
Practice for the Skills Tests
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Your state CDL manual will describe the skills on which you will be tested. You will take your skills tests in a vehicle representative of the vehicle for which you want to be licensed to drive, so practice with a representative vehicle. For example, if you want a license to drive a tractor-trailer combination, practice in a tractor-trailer combination.
Take the Skills Tests
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Make an appointment to take your skills test. Inspect your vehicle to ensure that the equipment is safe and well maintained, and that it meets federal and state safety standards. Equip yourself with a flashlight, a tire pressure gauge and a tire tread depth gauge. While your state may not require you to inspect your tires with this much accuracy, doing so is safer and more professional. If you need glasses or contacts to see properly, remember to wear them. Arrive at the test site well in advance of your appointment. Stay calm, and follow the examiner's directions. Politely ask for clarification if you do not understand them. Do not guess. During the road test, constantly scan your mirrors. Be aware of the traffic around you. Follow speed limits and all traffic control signals. Wear your seat belt.
Recover from Mistakes
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Your state CDL manual describes the actions that are grounds for automatic failure. If you do make a minor error, do not panic. Show the examiner your ability to regroup after a mistake; the examiner will document it on your test. The examiner will use a point system to grade your performance. As long as you do not make too many mistakes, chances are you will pass.
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