LA CDL Combination study plan

List from memory the seven-step combination vehicle inspection sequence (coupling through final brake test) and write it out in order without notes.

Define the three coupling checks (tug test, visual fifth-wheel jaw check, trailer supply-line and electrical connection check) and state the failure symptom for each.

Identify every air line and electrical cable on a combination vehicle by color and function, and describe the correct connection order.

Practice the straight-line backing and pull-up maneuver for coupling on a quiet lot, three repetitions, noting each misalignment.

Explain the difference between tractor protection valve, relay valve, and spring brake priority valve in your own words.

Perform the three air-brake tests (static leak test, applied leak test, low-air warning and spring brake test) on a real or simulated vehicle and record gauge readings at each step.

State the acceptable leak rates for a combination vehicle and the pressure at which the low-air warning must activate.

Recite the uncoupling sequence including landing gear, glad hands, and pull-away check, and identify the two most common uncoupling errors.

Describe how brake lag and the larger stopping distance of a combination vehicle change following distance at 55 mph.

Calculate total stopping distance at 55 mph using perception, reaction, and braking components, and compare it to a single-unit vehicle.

Practice a controlled emergency stop from 30 mph on dry pavement and measure or estimate stopping distance.

Explain brake fade and how to use engine braking and gear selection to control speed on a downgrade.

Define off-tracking and state how much the rear wheels of a 53-foot trailer cut inside the tractor's path in a turn.

Describe the correct turn setup: wide entry, tracking the trailer through the corner, and checking mirrors before and during the turn.

Explain the swing-out of the tractor's rear end and how to position to avoid hitting curbs, poles, and adjacent lanes.

List the four conditions that most increase rollover risk and state the speed-management rule for each.

Calculate the weight limits for a given combination: steer axle, drive tandems, trailer tandems, gross vehicle weight, and bridge formula.

Explain how sliding the fifth wheel and sliding the trailer tandems shifts weight between axles, and state which direction each adjustment moves weight.

Describe cargo securement requirements for a combination vehicle, including the minimum number of tiedowns and working load limits.

Identify the center of gravity effect of high or off-center loads and state three loading practices that reduce rollover risk.

Perform a full pre-trip inspection on a combination vehicle in under 30 minutes, narrating each item aloud as you would in the skills test.

Run the complete coupling and uncoupling sequence end to end without prompting, twice.

Complete the three air-brake tests and state the results aloud in test format.

Drive a mixed route with at least four turns and two stops, applying following distance, turn setup, and braking technique.

Drive at highway speed and practice maintaining a four-second following distance, adjusting for a heavy load.

Practice a downgrade descent using gear selection and engine braking, keeping speed stable without riding the brakes.

Execute a lane change and a merge while monitoring trailer position in the mirrors and checking blind spots.

Review all rollover and weight-distribution material and correct any wrong answers from week 5.

Take a full-length practice test across all four domains and score at least 90 percent.

Re-drill every missed item until you can answer it correctly twice in a row.

Perform a final timed pre-trip, coupling, air-brake test, and drive sequence as a single mock skills test.

Write a one-page personal cheat sheet of the ten facts you are most likely to forget under test pressure.