CDL Study Guide: Complete manual from A to Z on everything you need to know to pass the commercial driver's license exam

By Christian Dollwet

Embark on a comprehensive journey towards mastering the art of commercial driving with the "CDL STUDY GUIDE." This indispensable manual serves as your trusted companion, providing a thorough exploration of every facet essential for acing the Commercial Driver's License (CDL) exam.

Navigating through the intricacies of the road and the rigorous CDL requirements, this guide is meticulously crafted to equip aspiring commercial drivers with the knowledge and skills needed to confidently tackle the exam. From understanding the fundamentals of vehicle operation to mastering complex traffic regulations, this manual leaves no stone unturned.

Inside the pages you'll find:

- In-depth coverage of all CDL exam sections, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of each topic.

- Clear and concise explanations of road safety protocols, transportation regulations, and vehicle maintenance practices.

- Practice questions and quizzes designed to reinforce your knowledge and assess your readiness for the exam.

- Insider tips and strategies from experienced commercial drivers to boost your confidence and performance on test day.

- A user-friendly format that makes complex concepts easy to grasp, catering to both novice and experienced drivers alike.

Whether you're pursuing a career in long-haul trucking, passenger transportation, or another commercial driving endeavor, this guide is your key to success. Empower yourself with the knowledge and skills required to navigate the road safely and pass the CDL exam with flying colors. The "CDL STUDY GUIDE" is your ultimate resource for achieving your commercial driving aspirations.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Publishdrive
• Release date: Jan 26, 2024

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CDL STUDY GUIDE

Complete manual from A to Z on everything you need to know to pass the commercial driver's license exam

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Chapter 1 - What is a commercial driver’s license?

United States[edit]

Age requirements[edit]

Regulation changes[edit]

Contents[edit]

show

A CDL must contain the following information:

CDLIS Clearinghouse[edit]

The Commercial Driver's License Information System (CDLIS) and the National Driver Register (NDR) exchange information on traffic convictions and driver disqualifications of commercial drivers. States have to use both CDLIS and NDR to check a driver's record before a CDL can be issued. Trucking companies can use a commercial service that has clearance for providing this information as a means of screening prospective employees.

Convictions[edit]

●      Driving without a CDL, or suspended CDL, incurs a civil penalty of up to $2,500 or, in aggravated cases, criminal penalties of up to $5,000 in fines and/or up to 90 days in prison.

●      A conviction for driving while using an electronic device incurs a $2750 fine for the driver and a $11,000 fine for the employer.

●      An employer is also subject to a penalty of up to $10,000 if they knowingly permit a driver to operate a CMV without a valid CDL.

●      Two or more serious traffic violations, including excessive speeding, reckless driving, improper or erratic lane changes, following the vehicle ahead too closely, and traffic offenses in connection with fatal traffic accidents, within a three-year period: a 90-day to five-year suspension.

●      One or more violations of a Motor vehicle declared out of service order within a 10-year period: one-year suspension.

●      Driving under the influence of a controlled substance or alcohol, or leaving the scene of an accident, or using a CMV to commit a felony: three-year suspension.

●      Any of the one-year offenses while operating a CMV for hazardous materials or second offense of any of the one-year or three-year offenses, or using a CMV to commit a felony involving manufacturing, distributing, or dispensing controlled substances: life suspension.

States can reduce certain lifetime disqualifications to a minimum disqualification period of 10 years if the driver completes a driver rehabilitation program approved by the State. Not all states do this: it is available in Idaho[6] and New York State[8] but not California[9] or New Jersey.[7]

If a CDL holder is disqualified from operating a CMV they cannot be issued a conditional or hardship CDL, but can continue to drive non-commercial vehicles.

Any convictions are reported to the driver's home State and Federal Highway Administration and these convictions are treated the same as convictions for violations that are committed in the home State.

The Commercial Drivers License Program collects and stores all convictions a driver receives and transmits this data to the home State so that any disqualification or suspension can be applied.

The FHWA has established 0.04% as the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level at or above which a CMV driver is deemed to be driving under the influence of alcohol and subject to lose his/her CDL. Additionally, an operator of a CMV that is found to have 'any detectable amount of BAC above 0.0%' will be put out of service for a minimum of 24 hours.

A driver must report any driving conviction within 30 days, except parking, to their employer regardless of the nature of the violation.

Employers must be notified if a driver's license is suspended, revoked, or canceled. The notification must be made by the end of the next business day following receipt of the notice of the suspension, revocation, cancellation, lost privilege or disqualification.

Employers cannot under any circumstances use a driver who has more than one license or whose license is suspended, revoked or canceled, or is disqualified from driving. Violation of this requirement may result in civil or criminal penalties.

Endorsements[edit]

Endorsements without codes[edit]

Restrictions[edit]

Training[edit]

Testing[edit]

Medical certification[edit]

Contents[edit]

CDLIS Clearinghouse[edit]

Convictions[edit]

Occupational outlook[edit]

United Kingdom[edit]

Australia[edit]

Australian license classes[edit]

Medical standards[edit]

Paying passengers[edit]

New Zealand[edit]

Hong Kong[edit]

What is a Class A CDL?

How to Obtain a Class A License

What is a Class B CDL?

How to Get a Class B License

What is a Class C CDL?

How to Obtain a Class C License

What Endorsements Do I Need?

All CDL Endorsements

T Endorsement

P Endorsement

H Endorsement

N Endorsement

S Endorsement

X Endorsement

CDL Restrictions

E Restriction

F Restriction

G Restriction

K Restriction

L Restriction

M Restriction

N Restriction

O Restriction

V Restriction

X Restriction

Z Restriction

B Restriction

P Restriction

That’s It!

Commercial Driver responsibilities include:

Responsibilities

Requirements and skills

Frequently asked questions

Steps Required to Get a CDL License in 2022

How to Get a Class A License

How to Get a Class B License

How to Get a Class C License

COVID-19 Emergency Rules

Things You Don’t Need

How Long Will It Take to Train to Get a CDL License?

Chapter 2 - Transporting passengers safely

New South Wales[edit]

Queensland[edit]

Victoria[edit]

Americas

Canada[edit]

United States[edit]

Europe[edit]

Austria[edit]

Finland[edit]

Germany

Ireland

The Netherlands

United Kingdom

Sweden

Asia

Korea

Japan[

China

Lifting and loading

Tie downs

Cars

Passengers

Carrying loads on or in the car

Towing

Heavy vehicles

All vehicles over 7.5 tonnes and trailers over 3.5 tonnes must have these markings on the rear of the vehicle. These are to inform other road users of the different characteristics of your vehicle. They should be kept clean so that they can be seen clearly at all times, especially at night and in poor visibility. If your vehicle is over 7.5 tonnes then you won’t be able to go anywhere the following sign is shown.

When loads move

Unloading and loading

Box trucks and smaller heavy vehicles

Tankers

Rollover protection

Uncoupling and recoupling

Oversized vehicles and vehicles with overhangs

Hazardous and chilled loads

Fragile loads

Livestock

Piggyback vehicles

Hanging loads

Buses and coaches

What Is a Post-Trip Inspection?

Post-Trip Inspection Legalities and Compliance

Importance of Post-Trip Inspections

How to Prepare for a Post-Trip Inspection

Electronic DVIR

Key Takeaways

Using Your Mobile Phone While Driving

Driving With Headphones On

Tailgating

Changing Lanes Without Signaling

Speeding

Not Having Your Headlights On

Not Wearing A Seatbelt

Driving Under the Influence

Distracted Driving

Speeding

Driving Without a Seatbelt

Driving While Tired

Driving in Bad Weather

Road Rage

Parking in Illegal Areas

Accelerating Through Yellow Lights

Ignoring Traffic Signs

Not Checking Blind Spots

Merging Improperly

Not Using Turn Signals

Cutting Other Cars Off

Tailgating

Speeding

Using Your Cell Phone While Driving

Chapter 3 - Combination Vehicles

Trailer brake components

Connecting a trailer

Trailer couplers or gladhands

Applying trailer service brakes

Trailer air supply valve

Tractor (towing vehicle) protection valve

Automatic spring (parking and emergency) brakes

Spring brake or service brake priority

Trailer Hand Valve

Tractor Protection Valve

Trailer Air Supply Control

Trailer Air Lines

Hose Couplers (Glad Hands)

Shut-off Valves

railer Service, Parking and Emergency Brakes

Chapter 4 - Tank vehicles

TRUCK LOADING GANGWAY SYSTEM

SAFETY EQUIPMENT

MANLIDS/MANHOLES

VAPOR RECOVERY EQUIPMENT (VALVES AND VENTS)

FOOT, EMERGENCY, AND INTERNAL VALVES

API ADAPTORS/TANK UNITS, MANIFOLDS, AND DUST CAPS

ESC SYSTEMS

DRIVER TRAINING

Safe Driving Rules

driving a tanker

Tanker sizes and weights

Dedicated tank trailers

A tanker driver’s duties

Loading the tanks

Pay and working environment

Driving liquid loads

Avoid Surges

Avoid Skidding

Brake Early

Plan Ahead

Be A Responsible Driver

FMCSA regulations

Pretrip inspection

En route inspections

DVIR/post-trip inspection

PHMSA regulations

Chapter 5 - School Buses

Why School Bus Transport Management System is necessary?

What is a school bus transport management system?

What are the features of a school bus transport management system?

Why do we need a school bus transport management system?

Why do you choose Fedena?

Chapter 6 - Pre-Trip inspection

Tires

Diagnostic Trouble Codes

Vehicle Condition

Battery

Fluids

Engine

At what age will I be eligible to take a road test?

What driving skills will I be tested on?

What else will they test me on?

Do I need to make an appointment? If so, how?

Where will I be asked to drive?

What should I expect from my DMV test examiner?

How many things can I get wrong and still pass?

Can I retake the DMV road test if I fail?

What can I do to make sure I pass the road test?

Do I have to get an instruction permit before I can take the road test?

Will I ever have to retake the DMV road test once I pass it?

What do I need to bring with me on test day?

How much will the road test cost?

Once I’ve passed the road test, how do I get my driver’s license?

Now that I have my driver’s license, do I have unlimited driving privileges?

The Benefits of Digital Pre-Trip Inspections Checklists

Pre-Trip Inspection Apps

Odometer Readings

Safety Features

The Pre-Trip Inspection: A Practical Guide For the Truck Driver

CDL Test Pre-Trip Inspection

DVIRs – Daily Vehicle Inspection Report

Minimum DOT Pre-Trip Inspection Requirements

Inspecting a New Truck

The Class A Pre-Trip Inspection Process

Paperwork and Trailer

Under the Hood of the Truck

Back of the Truck

Tires

In the Cab

Coupling and Air Lines

Bulkhead

Back of Trailer

Passenger Side

Ready to Roll

Post-Trip Inspection

Slip Seating

Pre-Trip Inspection F.A.Q.

Conclusion

Chapter 7 - Hazardous Materials

Background[edit]

History

Importance[edit]

Regulatory role[edit]

Roles of the Federal Government and States[edit]

Special permits and exclusions[edit]

Applications[edit]

Description of relevant sections for which special permits apply[edit]

Penalties[edit]

Civil penalties[edit]

Criminal penalties[edit]

Key provisions[edit]

Procedures and policies[edit]

Packaging requirements[edit]

Operational rules[edit]

Major amendments[edit]

The Hazardous Materials Transportation Uniform Safety Act (1990)[edit]

Hazardous Materials Transportation Authorization Act (1994)[edit]

Influence of the September 11 Attacks (2018)[edit]

Marking & Labeling Your Shipment

Marking

Labeling

24

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Chapter 1 - What is a commercial driver’s license?

A commercial driver's license (CDL) is a driver's license required to operate large, heavy, or placarded hazardous material vehicles in commerce, including trucks, buses, and trailers.

United States[edit]

In the United States, the Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1986 established minimum requirements that must be met when a state issues a CDL.[1] In some states, a CDL may be required to drive a recreational vehicle or agricultural vehicle. However, such vehicles are federally exempt from having to obtain a CDL. The following types of CDL licenses are:

Class A – Allows the cardholder to operate combination of vehicles in commerce. This includes vehicles with a Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) of 26,001 pounds (11,794 kg) or more provided the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of the trailer is more than 10,000 pounds (4,536 kg). Vehicle examples that fall under Class A are tractor trailers and trailer buses (Passenger endorsement required).

Class B – Allows the cardholder to operate heavy single vehicles in commerce. This includes vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds (11,794 kg) or more. If towing a vehicle, the GVWR of the towed unit must be 10,000 pounds (4,536 kg) or less. Vehicle examples that fall under Class B include box trucks, garbage trucks, dump trucks, cement trucks, and buses (Passenger endorsement required).

Class C – Allows the cardholder to operate single vehicles of 26,000 pounds (12,000 kg) or less when the operator plans transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver, or is transporting material that has been designated as hazardous under 49 U.S.C. 5103 and is required to be placarded under subpart F of 49 CFR Part 172 or is transporting any quantity of a material listed as a select agent or toxin in 42 CFR Part 73.[2]

Age requirements[edit]

The minimum age for a CDL is determined by state governments. In all states including the District of Columbia, the minimum age for a CDL is 18 years old with the exception of Hawaii where it is 21 years old. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration requires commercial vehicle drivers to be 21 or older to drive a commercial vehicle in interstate commerce (to move goods across state lines). Although 49 states allow 18 to 20-year-olds to be issued a CDL, they may only drive a commercial vehicle within the state where the CDL was issued, i.e. intrastate commerce. Drivers must also be 21 years of age or older to transport hazardous materials when placards are required. Additional age requirements vary by state.

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act signed into law on 15 November 2021 includes an amendment to establish a three-year apprenticeship program that would allow 18 to 20-year-olds with a CDL to operate in interstate commerce after successful completion of supervised training with an older and experienced driver before they can drive in multiple states

Regulation changes[edit]

Before 1992, driving commercial motor vehicles (CMVs), which are primarily tractor-trailers (or Longer Combination Vehicles (LCVs)),[4] required advanced skills and knowledge above and beyond those required to drive a car or other lightweight vehicle. Before the implementation of the commercial driver's license (CDL) in 1992, licensing requirements for driving larger vehicles and buses varied from state to state.

This lack of training resulted in a large number of preventable traffic deaths and accidents.[5]

In 1992, when the Act became law, all drivers were required to have a CDL in order to drive a Commercial Motor