NJ CDL Passenger study plan

Memorize the seven-step CDL pre-trip inspection sequence for a passenger vehicle (engine compartment, walk-around, entry, in-cab, brakes, lights, final check)

Identify and explain the function of at least 15 under-hood components, including coolant reservoir, power steering fluid, oil dipstick, belts, and alternator

Practice a verbal walk-around inspection aloud, naming each part and stating its pass/fail criteria

List the passenger-vehicle-specific inspection items: emergency exits, fire extinguisher, first-aid kit, and passenger seat belts

Demonstrate the air brake leak-down and build-up tests in the correct order and state the acceptable psi limits

Explain the difference between hydraulic and air brake systems and describe how to check each

Describe proper mirror adjustment and the blind spots on a passenger vehicle

Practice a brake-system fault scenario and state the correct out-of-service decision

Calculate following distance using the seconds rule at 40, 50, and 55 mph and state the minimum safe gap for a 40-foot bus

Explain how speed affects stopping distance and identify speed limits for school buses and passenger vehicles in New Jersey

Describe how to manage space to the front, sides, and rear when driving a large vehicle

List the conditions requiring a reduced speed, including rain, fog, and heavy traffic

Explain the rules for loading and unloading passengers, including stopping position and door operation

Describe how to account for all passengers after every stop and the procedure for a missing passenger

State the rules for standing passengers, aisle clearance, and baggage stowage

Identify the hazards of loading at night, in rain, and at uncontrolled stops

Describe the correct actions at a railroad-highway crossing, including stopping distance and gear selection

Explain the procedure for a bus stuck on tracks and the evacuation decision

List the emergency equipment required on a passenger vehicle and where it is stored

Describe the steps for an emergency evacuation, including exit selection and passenger assistance

State the hours-of-service limits that apply to passenger-carrying drivers, including the 10-hour and 15-hour rules

Explain logbook or electronic logging device requirements and what counts as on-duty time

Describe the post-trip inspection and reporting requirements

Identify the penalties for hours-of-service violations and out-of-service orders

Describe defensive driving techniques for intersections, curves, and highway merges in a passenger vehicle

Explain how to handle a tire blowout, brake failure, and fire while carrying passengers

Describe the rules for driving in adverse weather and at night with passengers aboard

Review New Jersey-specific rules for school buses and passenger carriers, including stop-arm and crossing rules

Complete three full-length practice tests and score at least 85 percent on each

Re-drill every missed question by domain and write a one-sentence correction for each

Perform a full timed verbal pre-trip inspection with no prompts

Review the top 20 weak spots and confirm each is resolved