CDL study plan
CDL · Give each week a clear focus.
8 weeks · About 7 hours per week
General Knowledge
Recite from memory the CDL classes, endorsements, and the rules for disqualification and license suspension
Explain the general knowledge rules for basic control, shifting, seeing, communicating, and managing space around the vehicle
State the legal weight, height, and length limits plus the procedures for railroad crossings, sharp curves, and steep downgrades
Complete 60 general knowledge practice questions and log every missed item with the correct rule written beside it
Your checkpoint
A closed-book 50-question General Knowledge practice test scored at 80% or higher, submitted with a one-page error log
General Knowledge & Air Brakes
Label the components of a dual air brake system and describe what each does
Demonstrate, in writing, the three air loss tests: static leak test, applied leak test, and low pressure warning check, with the correct time and pressure values
Explain how spring brakes apply and how to test the parking brake and check slack adjusters
Convert 30 general knowledge missed items from week 1 into flashcards and review them until all are answered correctly
Your checkpoint
A handwritten pre-trip air brake test card listing every step and pressure value in order, plus a 25-question Air Brakes quiz scored at 85% or better
Air Brakes & Combination Vehicles
Sequence the coupling and uncoupling procedure for a tractor-semitrailer from memory in the correct order
Identify the color and function of each trailer air line and describe what happens when one separates
Describe fifth wheel, kingpin, and landing gear inspection points and explain off-tracking and turning radius for a combination vehicle
Explain when to use trailer hand valves versus the tractor protection valve, and how to check that the trailer brakes hold
Your checkpoint
A written coupling and uncoupling checklist produced from memory with no more than two order errors, validated against a 25-question Combination Vehicles quiz at 85% or better
Combination Vehicles & Vehicle Inspection and Safe Driving Skills
Perform a complete pre-trip inspection out loud, covering engine compartment, coupling system, lights, brakes, and trailer, in under 30 minutes
List the seven-step inspection method and identify at least two defects that would put a vehicle out of service
Apply the safe driving rules for night driving, extreme weather, mountain driving, and emergency braking situations in written scenarios
Explain the procedures for skids, brake failure, tire failure, and runaway ramps
Your checkpoint
A self-scored pre-trip inspection run using a 60-item checklist, passing at 90% or higher with the inspection timed and recorded
Vehicle Inspection and Safe Driving Skills & Double and Triple Trailers
Describe the correct coupling and uncoupling sequence for double and triple trailers, including converter dolly handling and shut-off valve positions
Explain rearward amplification and how trailer length and speed affect it
List the additional inspection points unique to the second and third trailers and the converter dolly
Explain how to check that all shut-off valves are open except the last trailer's, and why that matters
Your checkpoint
A one-page diagram of a triple-trailer setup with every air line, shut-off valve, and coupling point labeled, plus a 25-question Doubles and Triples quiz at 85% or better
Tank Vehicles & Double and Triple Trailers
Explain surge, liquid movement, baffles, bulkheads, and outage, and how each affects stopping distance and rollover risk
Describe the special inspection points on a tank vehicle, including dome covers, vents, and discharge valves
Apply high-center-of-gravity driving rules for curves, lane changes, and stopping on tank vehicles
Review week 5 double and triple errors and re-answer every missed question correctly
Your checkpoint
A 20-question Tank Vehicles quiz scored at 85% or better plus a written half-page summary of how liquid surge changes stopping and turning
Hazardous Materials & Passenger Transport
Name all nine hazard classes and match them to the correct placards and shipping paper requirements
Explain the rules for parking, tunnels, railroad crossings, loading and unloading, and segregation when carrying hazardous materials
Describe the passenger carrier rules for loading and unloading, standees, baggage, forbidden items, and emergency evacuation
State the railroad crossing procedure for buses and the required use of emergency exits
Your checkpoint
A combined 40-question Hazardous Materials and Passenger Transport quiz scored at 85% or better, with a placard chart completed from memory
General Knowledge & Air Brakes & Combination Vehicles & Double and Triple Trailers & Tank Vehicles & Hazardous Materials & Passenger Transport & Vehicle Inspection and Safe Driving Skills
Retake every quiz from weeks 1 through 7 and re-study only the items missed more than once
Complete three full-length practice exams under timed conditions
Recite the air brake test sequence and the coupling sequence back to back without notes
Confirm test-day logistics: appointment, required documents, and which endorsements are being tested
Your checkpoint
Three timed full-length practice exams each scored at 90% or higher, with a final one-page list of remaining weak areas and the answers to them
Milestones
Week 2: Air brake leak and low pressure warning test sequences recited from memory with correct pressure values, and week 1 error log fully cleared
Week 4: Complete pre-trip inspection delivered aloud in under 30 minutes at 90% or better on the checklist, and Combination Vehicles quiz passed at 85%
Week 6: Doubles and Triples and Tank Vehicles quizzes both passed at 85% or better, with the multi-trailer diagram completed from memory
Week 8: Three timed full-length practice exams at 90% or higher, all seven domain quizzes retaken and passed, and no domain scoring below 85%