Arizona CDL Combination Vehicles study plan
Arizona CDL Combination Vehicles · Give each week a clear focus.
8 weeks · About 6 hours per week
Vehicle Inspection and Coupling/Uncoupling
Memorize the seven-step coupling sequence and recite it aloud in order without notes
Label each part of a fifth wheel, kingpin, glad hand, and landing gear assembly from memory
Explain the tug test and the visual kingpin check, and state why both are required
List the three most common coupling failures and the inspection step that prevents each
Your checkpoint
Hand-written coupling checklist of at least 12 steps, self-scored at 100 percent accuracy on a closed-book recall quiz
Vehicle Inspection and Coupling/Uncoupling & Air Brakes and Brake Systems for Combinations
Sequence the uncoupling procedure and identify the two points where a trailer can drop if steps are skipped
Trace the path of compressed air from compressor to trailer brakes and name each component in order
Describe how a tractor protection valve behaves during a trailer breakaway
Perform and interpret the three air brake tests: static leak, applied leak, and low-pressure warning
Your checkpoint
One-page air system diagram drawn from memory with every component labeled and the three brake tests written out with pass criteria
Air Brakes and Brake Systems for Combinations & Driving Combination Vehicles (turning, braking, speed, space management)
Explain the purpose of the trailer hand valve and when it must not be used for parking
Calculate total stopping distance at 55 mph using perception, reaction, and braking components
Identify the conditions that trigger brake fade and state the correct downhill gear and braking technique
Describe how a spring brake engages and how to release it manually
Your checkpoint
Completed worksheet of 10 stopping-distance calculations with work shown and a written downhill braking procedure
Driving Combination Vehicles (turning, braking, speed, space management)
Describe the correct path and pivot point for a right turn in a tractor-trailer and state where to position the tractor before turning
Explain off-tracking and calculate how much the rear wheels cut the corner in a given turn
State the safe following distance formula for combinations and apply it at three different speeds
Identify the four blind spots around a combination vehicle and describe a mirror check routine
Your checkpoint
Written turn-and-space-management summary covering right turns, off-tracking, and following distance, scored at least 80 percent on a 20-question self-test
Driving Combination Vehicles (turning, braking, speed, space management) & Skid Control, Jackknifing, and Emergency Maneuvers
Explain why a lightly loaded trailer brakes differently than a loaded one and adjust following distance accordingly
Describe the rearward amplification effect and how speed influences trailer sway
Identify the causes of a tractor jackknife and a trailer jackknife and state the recovery action for each
Sequence the correct response to a front-wheel skid versus a drive-wheel skid
Your checkpoint
Two-column skid and jackknife reference sheet listing cause, warning sign, and recovery action for at least six scenarios
Skid Control, Jackknifing, and Emergency Maneuvers & Cargo Securement, Weight Distribution, and Load Limits
Demonstrate the push-pull steering method and explain why palming the wheel is prohibited
Describe the correct action when a trailer begins to sway at highway speed
Explain how to distribute weight to keep the drive axles loaded and the steer axle within limits
Identify the four tie-down requirements and compute the minimum number of tiedowns for a given load length
Your checkpoint
Cargo securement and weight distribution problem set of 12 items completed with at least 90 percent correct
Cargo Securement, Weight Distribution, and Load Limits & Safety Regulations, Railroad Crossings, and Hazardous Conditions
State the axle weight limits that apply in Arizona and explain the bridge formula in plain terms
List the required emergency equipment and where it must be stored
Describe the proper procedure at a railroad crossing, including when to stop and which gear to use
Identify the actions required when hazardous materials placards are present and when a route must be avoided
Your checkpoint
Completed regulation checklist covering weight limits, emergency equipment, railroad crossings, and hazmat rules, verified against the current Arizona CDL manual
Vehicle Inspection and Coupling/Uncoupling & Driving Combination Vehicles (turning, braking, speed, space management) & Air Brakes and Brake Systems for Combinations & Skid Control, Jackknifing, and Emergency Maneuvers & Cargo Securement, Weight Distribution, and Load Limits & Safety Regulations, Railroad Crossings, and Hazardous Conditions
Recite the full vehicle inspection sequence from memory within the time limit
Complete three full-length practice exams and review every missed item
Re-drill the two domains with the lowest practice scores
Walk through the coupling and uncoupling procedures aloud as if performing the skills test
Your checkpoint
Three practice exam scores of at least 85 percent plus a one-page list of remaining weak areas with a review plan
Milestones
Week 2: Recite the coupling sequence and the uncoupling sequence back to back with no missed steps and no out-of-order steps
Week 4: Pass a 25-question mixed quiz on domains 1, 2, and 3 with at least 80 percent
Week 6: Explain off-tracking, rearward amplification, and both jackknife types to another person without referring to notes
Week 8: Score at least 85 percent on three consecutive full-length practice exams and pass a timed verbal walkthrough of the pre-trip inspection