Tips to Pass Your Written CDL Test

Obtaining a Commercial Driver’s License is the first step for many individuals interested in becoming a professional driver. Commercial drivers can make good money driving in the US, and passing the written portion of the Commercial Driver’s License exam is an important step in receiving your license. While it may seem daunting to anyone whose future career is on the line, you’re sure to improve your chances of passing with the following three tips.

Determine What Type of License You Need

Pass Your Written CDL TestBefore you can begin to study for your written CDL test, you’ll need to understand what the requirements are for the particular license you’re pursuing. While a Class 1 license will cover driving almost any commercial vehicle, a taxi driver may only need a Class 4 license. Determining what material you need to study and what content is unrelated to your exam can ensure that you spend your time wisely. This will increase your chances of passing the written test.

Break Studying Into Manageable Chunks

From the general knowledge section to understanding the differences between doubles and triples and their impact on driving a vehicle with air brakes, there’s a lot of information to remember for the CDL written test. Breaking down each subject into smaller units can make it easier to study. Pairing each unit with a calendar can also be a way to keep your studying on track. Setting goals in line with your calendar will also keep you accountable for your work

Prepare for the Test Effectively by using our CDL Practice Test

Preparation may seem like a no-brainer, but some forms of preparation are better than others. For example, taking memory tests has been shown to improve the retention of information, according to a study by Henry L. Roediger, III and Jeffrey D. Karpicke in Psychological Science. This means that preparing by taking similar tests, such as this practice test, is an effective way of preparing for an actual exam. Practice tests build confidence and can help to identify areas where you need to spend more time studying.

When preparing to study for your Commercial Driver’s License or CDL, simply reading through your state’s CDL driver’s manual likely will not provide you with all of the relevant information you will need to be successful at passing the various tests which may be necessary, depending on your specific licensing and endorsement needs. By utilizing our free CDL practice test, you can study and test on each topic separately, so rather than reading and trying to absorb a large amount of information that you will ultimately have no use for, you will be better able to retain the information that will be pertinent to you and to the tests you need to take.

Types of Endorsements
There are three types of CDL classes that determine the type of vehicle you may drive and how much you may tow. A Class A CDL class allows you to operate a vehicle with a GCWR of 26,001 if the vehicle you tow weighs more than 10,000 and a Class B CDL allows you to operate a vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds or operate any vehicle towing another vehicle that weighs less than 10,000 GVWR. With a Class C CDL, you can operate a Class C vehicle that transports hazardous materials.

After you meet the requirements for a Class A, B, or C CDL, you can pursue additional tests for federal endorsements on your license.

There are several endorsements that can be added to your CDL as well:

  • P: Passenger Vehicles. This requires skills and knowledge test. This endorsement allows you to drive a vehicle that carries more than a specific number of occupants, depending on your state.
  • N: Tank Vehicles. This requires a knowledge test.
  • T: Double/Triple Trailers. This requires a knowledge test.
  • H: Hazardous Materials. This requires a knowledge test and the TSA Threat Assessment.
  • S: School Bus. This requires skills and knowledge test.
  • X: Tank Vehicle/Hazardous Materials Combination.

If you’re interested in taking a practice exam to help prepare for a commercial driver’s license written test, the Driving Test can help. Contact us to get more information about CDL test and how to best prepare so that you can begin your new career as a professional driver.