How To Find The Top CDL Practice Tests To Help Pass Your Exam

If you are thinking about getting a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), there are a few things you should know. From the requirements to CDL practice tests, there are a few things to know.

So, let’s check some of them out.

What Is a Commercial Driver’s License?

A CDL is a specific type of driver’s license needed to drive certain types of trucks and other commercial vehicles. At one time, people would drive these vehicles with just a standard driver’s license. There were many problems related to irresponsible and unqualified bus and truck drivers.

Preventing further damage to the image of this safety-conscious profession led Congress to pass the Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1986 (CMVSA). It created a nationwide system for CDLs so that commercial vehicle drivers couldn’t hold more than one license.

Getting a CDL License

There are three types of CDLs (A, B, and C). All have the same general qualifications to apply. Still, for each class, there are additional items for the license.

These include:

• You must be 21 years of age
• Submit the CDL application for your state
• Submit to identity and social security number verification
• Provide proof of state and US residency
• Submit a completed medical examination report form and the medical examiner’s certificate form
• Pass a vision test
• Pass a knowledge exam

Once you pass, you will get a commercial learner’s permit (CLP). The CLP will permit you to prepare while you wait for the 14 days before you can schedule the CDL road skills exam.

The final steps include:

• Pass a pre-trip inspection
• Pass the road skills and driving examination
• After passing, pay the necessary fees for your new CDL

Who Needs a CDL

Not everyone needs a CDL, so how do you know? There are a few things to consider that will tell you if you do or not.

If you drive any of these vehicles, get in line for a CDL:

• Anyone who drives a vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 lbs or more pounds or the GVWR of the towed vehicle is more than 10,000 lbs
• Anyone who operates a vehicle a GVWR of 26,001lbs or more, or towing a vehicle with a GVWR under 10,000 pounds
• If you drive a vehicle made to seat 16 or more people, including you.
• If you operate a vehicle required by federal regulations to be placarded while transporting hazardous materials

Who Doesn’t Need a CDL

Like many things, there are a few exceptions to needing a CDL. Some of these include:

Farm Equipment Operators

Farm-to-market operations by farmers, but not commercial grain haulers, don’t need a CDL.

However, there are a few criteria:

• Equipment must be controlled and operated by a farmer, a member of the farmer's family or an employee
• Equipment is to transport farm products, equipment or supplies to or from a farm (including nurseries and aquacultures)
• Vehicles must be in use within 150 air miles of the farm
• Equipment must be in use in greenhouse or agricultural operations
• Vehicles can’t be for the activities of a standard or contract carrier

Firefighting Vehicle Drivers

Since most firefighting organizations have extensive initial training and retraining requirements for their equipment operators, many states waive the CDL requirement.

Military Vehicle Operators

Vehicles driven for military activities don’t require the operator to have a CDL.

Recreational Vehicle Operators

Those who drive an RV are not required to have a CDL.

Classes of Commercial Driver’s Licenses

There are a few classes of CDLs, and it is essential to understand which type you are applying to get.

Class A

With a Class A CDL, you are permitted to drive a vehicle or any combination of vehicles that have a gross combination weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001lbs or more. Examples include Livestock carriers, Truck and trailer combinations (including double and triple trailers), Tractor-trailers and flatbeds, Tractor-trailer buses, and Tanker vehicles.

Class B

If you drive a vehicle that has a GCWR of 26,001 pounds or more or are towing one that has a GCWR of up to 10,000 pounds, this is the class you need. Examples are large buses (this includes tourist buses and city buses), segmented buses, school buses, straight trucks, box trucks (including delivery drivers, couriers, and furniture delivery), or dump trucks with small trailers.

Class C

This class of CDL permits the operation of a single or combination vehicle made to transport specific quantities of passengers. You can also drive vehicles that carry materials that may be hazardous. Besides, if what you drive doesn’t fall into any of the other classes, this is the one you’d get.

Where to Find CDL Practice Tests

Now, just like any other driver’s test, CDL prep is essential. Aside from the actual driving test, there is a knowledge test. Getting ready for these is the goal and the key to your success.

Keeping in mind that you must take and pass one or more knowledge tests to earn your commercial driver’s license. Some of these include:

• General knowledge
• Combination vehicles
• Air brakes
• Tank endorsement
• Double and triple trailer endorsement
• Hazardous materials endorsement
• School bus endorsement
• Passenger endorsement

There are a few places that offer practice tests, so you want to check around. Don’t only look at the prices, but what gives you the best value in quality. Take referrals from others who have used them before.

Before you begin, here are a few tips:

• Check your state requirements
• Get a copy of the CDL manual for your state
• Please read it and memorize it with comprehension
• Finally, practice and practice again
• Look for study methods that work for you
• Get a good nights sleep before the exam so you will be focused and alert
• Find practice tests that allow for different modes of testing

What’s Next

Here we’ve provided some information to get you started on getting a commercial driver’s license. While CDL practice tests will help, the best method is putting in the work.

We hope this information has been a help, come back for more soon!

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