Obtaining a CDL License

To obtain a commercial drivers license (CDL), depending on the Class and type of truck you will be driving, the following will be needed to obtain such license.

The "written" exams consist of the knowledge portion of your CDL exams. There are seven different written exams. Which ones you will be required to take and pass depends upon the type of commercial vehicle that you will be driving. A description of these written exams follows . . .

  • General Knowledge Test - Must be taken and passed by ALL CDL applicants no matter what Class of CDL or Type of Endorsement(s) are needed. You WILL take this written test. You WILL pass this written test if you are to obtain a CDL.

  • Air Brakes Test - Must be taken and passed if any vehicle you drive has air brakes.

  • Combination Vehicles Test - Must be taken and passed if you drive combination vehicles requiring a Class "A" CDL.

  • Passenger Transport (P) Test - Must be taken and passed by all bus driver applicants. An additional written test may be required if transporting children to and from school.

  • Hazardous Materials (H) Test - Must be taken and passed if you transport hazardous materials requiring "placarding".

  • Tank Vehicles (N) Test - Must be taken and passed if you drive a "tank" with a capacity of more than 1000 gallons.

  • Doubles & Triples (T) Test - Must be taken and passed if you pull double or triple trailers.
    The "skills" exams consist of the practical portion of your CDL exams. They consist of three parts as follows . . .

  • Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection Test - You will be tested to see if you know whether your vehicle is safe to drive. The examiner will score each item that you correctly inspect and explain.

  • Basic Vehicle Control Test - You will be tested on your basic skills in controlling the vehicle . . . including moving your vehicle forward, backward, and turning within a defined area. You will be scored on how well you stay within the boundaries and how may pull-ups you make.

  • On-Road Test - You will be tested on your skill to safely drive your vehicle in several different situations.
    The skills exams are taken in the same "type" vehicle that you will be licensed in.