If you want to become a truck driver, you will first need to earn your commercial driver’s license (CDL). This involves taking two exams: a written test and a skills test. The written test includes sections that you need to pass to earn endorsements, a section to remove the air brakes restriction, and the CDL general knowledge test.
Whereas the endorsement tests are not required to earn your license, the general knowledge test is. After you pass it, you will have your commercial learner’s permit (CLP). This allows you to start on-the-road training under the supervision of a CDL holder.
CDL Manual Sections
To help you prepare for the general knowledge exam, it’s useful to know what this test includes. It covers the following section of the CDL manual: Introduction (1), Driving Safely (2), Transporting Cargo Safely (3), and Combination Vehicles (6).
A basic overview of what each section includes:
Introduction
This gives general information about who needs a CDL and what the process is for obtaining one. It’s helpful to read and understand this section of the manual before you even start school so you know what to expect.
Section 1 of the manual also covers disqualifications and basic rules and responsibilities for CDL holders. Note that this section does not include all Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs), which you will be responsible for knowing and following as a commercial driver.
This section also goes over International Registration Plan (IRP) and the International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA) requirements.
Driving Safely
Understanding this section of the CDL manual will help you for the general knowledge exam as well as for the pre-trip inspection test. It gives a list of which parts to inspect and what you need to look for with each one.
After outlining the steps for a vehicle inspection, this section gives information about basic vehicle control. It goes over the basics for a variety of situations and provides general tips for safe driving. It’s important to fully understand these principles before you get behind the wheel of the semi-truck, which is why this section is so extensive.
Transporting Cargo Safely
In this section, you will learn about how to transport cargo safely.
It starts by outlining when you need to inspect your cargo:
- Within the first 50 miles of your trip
- After driving for three hours or 150 miles
- After every break
- When required by federal, state, or local regulations
You will also need to understand weight and balance requirements and how to secure cargo. Some types of cargo require special attention, including dry bulk, hanging meat, livestock, and oversized loads.
Combination Vehicles
Combination vehicles include tractor-trailers, doubles, triples, and straight trucks with trailers. Note that the double or triple trailers will also require the endorsement for long combination vehicles (LCVs).
This section goes over some of the unique considerations for driving combination vehicles. These include preventing rollovers, avoiding trailer skid, and backing with a trailer.
Earn Your License With Us
If you are interested in becoming a trucker, Phoenix Truck Driving School can help you get started. Our programs can get you on the road and earning in as little as four weeks and we have locations in Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas.
To learn more about how we can help you prepare for the CDL general knowledge test, contact us today.
