In practice
You can take the skills test after holding your commercial learner's permit at least 14 days and finishing entry-level driver training with a registered provider. It has three parts:
- Pre-trip inspection: you walk the examiner around the truck, naming each safety-related part and what you'd check, from the engine compartment to the brakes and coupling.
- Basic vehicle control: backing and maneuvering exercises on a range, such as straight-line and offset backing.
- On-road drive: real traffic, turns, intersections, lane changes and, where the route has them, railroad crossings.
Source: 49 CFR 383.113 · checked Oct 2026
The vehicle matters. Test in a truck with an automatic transmission and your license may carry an E restriction (no manual transmission); test without air brakes and you may get L. EXAMPLE: a student who trains in an automatic but plans to drive a manual tractor should test in a manual, or plan to retest later.
Study with the CDL study guide, practice endorsement questions with the endorsement practice quiz, and read the common mistakes in CDL test pass rates and top reasons people fail.
Questions
Can I take the skills test in my school's truck?
Usually, yes. Many students test in the truck they trained in. What matters is that it represents the class you want: a Class A license needs a combination vehicle, and the transmission and brakes you test with can add restrictions.
What happens if I fail one part?
States set their own retest rules, waiting periods and fees. In many states, failing one part ends the test for that day. Check your state's CDL manual before test day.