How Many Times Can You Fail Your CDL Test?
Even if you feel prepared to get your commercial driver’s license, you probably still want to know the answer to the question, “How many times can you fail your CDL test?” Even the most experienced drivers may want to freshen up on the rules of commercial truck driving testing. It’s always a good idea to be more prepared than underprepared. Regulations vary state to state, and while there’s not a maximum for the number of times you can take the written and driving tests, in most states you have to wait before taking the test again. Read below to hear more about how many times you can fail your CDL test, what the test entails, and tips and tricks to be the most prepared test taker.
There are three parts to most commercial drivers’ license exams: a pre-trip inspection, a basic skills test, and a road test. Some of these components may seem familiar from when you received/took your state driver’s test. However, there are a few key differences from private state licenses to commercial driver’s licenses. All three of these portions of the test are crucial to getting your commercial driver’s license. You’ll generally take the written portion before you’re allowed to test your skills on the road, in order for the exam proctors to make sure you have a written as well as practical grasp of the concepts you’re being tested on.
While each state develops its own exams, each basic knowledge test covers 20 general areas, and you need to get 80 percent of the questions correct to pass. This means that you need to have a working knowledge of all areas of the CDL test.
The standard skills test includes 50 questions, and it’s a closed-book exam. Be sure to be well versed before you decide to take the exam, and study hard. All of the questions are multiple-choice, and it covers a variety of safe-driving topics. These topics include:
- Driving safety
- Alcohol and drug laws and the dangers of driving intoxicated/under the influence
- Cargo transportation
- Pre-trip inspection protocol
- Driver communications
- Accident procedures and other general trucking knowledge.
Before you can actually sit for the CDL exam, you must register to take the test at a state CDL testing center, but you can use online materials to prepare for the test beforehand. This means that you can study as much as you feel you need to before deciding to register and sit for the test. The general knowledge test, which is part of the written portion of the test, is 60 minutes long, and immediately after this you’ll move on to the next portion of the test: the skills test.
The skills test requires you to perform a list of necessary skills under the supervision of a representative. These skills are vital to your knowledge and experience as a commercial driver. The CDL skills test is made up of three parts:
- Pre-Trip Inspection
- Backing Exercises / Basic Vehicle Control
- Road Test
While every company’s testing regimen varies slightly, the pre-trip inspection phase normally includes a coupling system, light check, and in-cab inspection. Then, you will likely have to check the engine compartment, driver’s door fuel area, or the trailer. When checking the engine compartment, be sure to check for leaks! And when performing the other inspections, the main thing is to make sure the truck is safe and road-ready, because the pre-trip inspection phase ensures you know how to accurately and efficiently prepare for your latest trucking trip by testing your practical, hands-on knowledge.
The next portion of the skills test, the backing exercises, tests your maneuvering skills and commercial motor vehicle operation ability. During this stage, one of the main things examiners are looking for is your ability to successfully back a semi-truck into a parking spot. This is notoriously one of the most difficult parts of truck driving, for rookies and experienced drivers alike. However, with the skills you gain during Truck Driver Institute’s CDL training program, there’s no need to worry! No need to fear when TDI is here. While each state handles the backing test slightly differently, most tests will include some combination of straight-line backing, parallel parking, offset backing (left or right), and alley docking. This ensures that no matter the situation, you’ll be prepared for any parking issue. Examiners will likely dock you points depending on the number of times you get out and look, also known as GOALing. On the road, you may not always have time or space to repeatedly spot-check your parking job, so it’s important to be able to get it without leaving your vehicle.
During the road test, examiners are testing your ability to handle your commercial motor vehicle on the open road and in all traffic situations. After all, if you’re taking the CDL test, you should know how to expertly handle your vehicle when driving. This portion of the test will occur on the road, and you will have to navigate a variety of streets and traffic scenarios. Remember: if you’ve studied and practiced enough, this portion should be easy-peasy! Many of these skills are much the same as state driver’s license skills, so shouldn’t be too difficult conceptually. Here’s a list of things that you will need to know how to do before your test:
- Turn
- Use turn signals and communicate with other drivers
- Change lanes
- Handle intersections
- Stop and start smoothly
- Drive on the highway
- Navigate urban roadways
- Halt at railroad crossings
- Steer
- Handle curves
- Navigate bridges and overpasses
- Identify and properly respond to varying hazards
In order to pass the CDL road test, remember that it’s not a race! This is truck driving, and not race car driving, afterall. The examiner is looking for measured and safe maneuvers, not fast ones. Remember to use your mirrors throughout the test, and never cut anyone off when driving. You want to show that you’re a safe driver, both for your fellow drivers around you on the road, and for your haul. Additionally, make ample use of your blinkers and turn signals, don’t hit the curb, and, ultimately, remain calm! Retaining your composure in the driver’s seat is crucial, helping you project a calm and confidence that extends onto the road.
The skills test requires you to perform a list of necessary skills under the supervision of a representative.
While many people feel anxious about taking exams, the CDL test is straightforward and courses like Truck Driver Institute’s three-week training program will help you get on the road in no time. Like many testing sites, you may be able to get an accommodation if need be. We aim to make you the most prepared driver possible, so you can feel safe, comfortable, and confident during your test and on the road.
If you fail your CDL test on the first try, don’t worry. You are able to take the test again after a waiting period that is usually only a few days. Waiting periods between test times vary by state, so be sure to check your state’s CDL test taking policies. This will give you an additional chance to study the things you maybe missed out on the first time. If you don’t pass on your second attempt, though, the waiting period is generally a little longer. In some cases, it may be a few weeks before you can retake the CDL exam. You may also have to pay an additional fee to take the test again after three tries, so put as much effort and time as you can in so you don’t have to worry about retaking and waiting times.
