CDL Study Guide: Complete manual from A to Z on everything you need to know to pass the commercial driver's license exam
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About this ebook
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.
Read more from Christian Dollwet
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CDL Study Guide - Christian Dollwet
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]
Deutschland
Irland
The Netherlands
Vereinigtes Königreich
Schweden
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.
Fazit
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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- From a Declaration of Principles which was accepted and approved equally by a Committee of the American Bar Association and a Committee of Publishers and Associations.
In no way is it legal to reproduce, duplicate, or transmit any part of this document in either electronic means or in printed format. Recording of this publication is strictly prohibited and any storage of this document is not allowed unless with written permission from the publisher. All rights reserved.
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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