Indiana CDL General Knowledge study plan

Indiana CDL General Knowledge · Give each week a clear focus.

8 weeks · About 7 hours per week

Week 1

Vehicle Inspection & Cargo Securement and Load Limits

List the seven-step vehicle inspection sequence from memory, in order, and state what you are checking at each step
Demonstrate a full pre-trip walk-around on a real or simulated vehicle, narrating each check aloud within a 20-minute window
Identify the three cargo securement systems (tiedown, blocking, bracing) and match each to a load type
Compute the minimum number of tiedowns required for loads of 5 ft, 10 ft, and 20 ft using the 1-tiedown-per-10-ft rule and the aggregate working load limit rule
Explain why the front axle is never counted toward cargo weight distribution and describe the effect of shifting load weight rearward

A written pre-trip checklist in your own words plus a scored self-run walk-around (target 90% of items caught)

Week 2

Describe the correct procedure for starting on a hill with a manual transmission without rolling backward
Explain the difference between controlled braking and stab braking, and state when each applies
Map the shift pattern of a typical 10-speed transmission and state the RPM range for upshifting and downshifting
Explain why downshifting before a downgrade matters and what happens if you coast in neutral
Practice or simulate a straight-line backing maneuver and list the four backing rules (use mirrors, get out and look, use a spotter, back toward the driver's side)

A one-page gear-shifting and braking cheat sheet you can recite from memory

Week 3

State the four-second following-distance rule and calculate the gap in feet at 55 mph
Explain how total stopping distance breaks down into perception, reaction, brake lag, and braking distance
List the mirror adjustment procedure and the blind spots that remain after adjustment
Identify the conditions that require increasing following distance (rain, ice, night, heavy load, following a motorcycle)
Explain how to communicate intentions using turn signals, four-way flashers, headlights, and horn, and when horn use is appropriate

A following-distance and stopping-distance worksheet with five worked speed scenarios

Week 4

Explain the correct response to a front-wheel skid, a rear-wheel skid, and a brake-caused skid
Describe the procedure for recovering from a tire blowout at highway speed, including what not to do
List the steps for handling a fire in the cargo area versus the engine compartment
Explain how to use an escape ramp and when it is the right choice
Describe the procedure for handling a hydroplaning situation and the speed at which it typically begins

A mid-plan practice test of 50 questions across weeks 1-3 domains, scored and reviewed, with every missed item written out with the correct answer

Week 5

List the warning signs of brake failure, steering failure, and tire failure, and the first action for each
Explain what the low air pressure warning and spring brake system do, and the pressure at which the warning must activate
Describe the required actions at a railroad crossing, including the stop-and-look procedure and the gear you should be in
State the steps to take at an accident scene, in order, including protecting the area and reporting
Explain the placarding and emergency response obligations that apply when hazardous materials are involved in an incident

A malfunction-and-emergency response table covering at least 10 systems with first action and follow-up for each

Week 6

Calculate legal axle weight limits for a given vehicle configuration using the 12,000/20,000/34,000 lb limits and the bridge formula concept
Explain the rules for securing coiled, flat, and intermodal loads, including the number and placement of tiedowns
Describe the passenger-carrying rules on loading, unloading, standees, and leaving the vehicle
Explain the hazmat classes at a recognition level and the meaning of a placard, plus the driver's responsibility to check shipping papers
State the rules for carrying passengers near railroad crossings and the required stop for certain passenger vehicles

A load-securement calculation set of 10 problems, solved and checked against the rules

Week 7

State the hours-of-service limits for property-carrying drivers, including the 11-hour driving and 14-hour on-duty limits and the 30-minute break rule
Explain the 60/70-hour rule and how a 34-hour restart works
Describe how to complete a record of duty status entry for a full day, including off-duty, sleeper, driving, and on-duty not-driving time
List the fatigue countermeasures you can actually use on the road and the warning signs of fatigue
Explain the CDL disqualification rules for serious traffic violations and the out-of-service criteria for driver and vehicle

A completed sample logbook for three simulated days that passes a self-audit against the HOS limits

Week 8

Re-run the full pre-trip inspection and score at least 95% of items
Complete three full-length practice tests and score at least 85% on each
Review every missed question from the entire plan and restate the correct rule in your own words
Recite the top-10 most-missed rules across all domains from memory without notes
Confirm test-day logistics: appointment, required documents, and the Indiana residency and identification requirements

Three full-length practice test scores of 85% or better, with a written error log showing zero repeated misses

Week 2: Can perform the pre-trip walk-around from memory and explain hill starts and stab braking without notes

Week 4: Scores 80% or better on a 50-question mixed test covering domains 1-7

Week 6: Solves all 10 load-securement weight and tiedown problems correctly and explains each hazmat placard class

Week 8: Three consecutive full-length practice tests at 85% or above with no repeated missed items