CDL Skills Test Instructions Part 1:
VEHICLE INSPECTION

Please demonstrate that you know how to conduct a commercial vehicle inspection as you would normally do for any commercial vehicle you are about to operate. Conduct the inspection as outlined in the Idaho CDL Manual.

• You may use a Vehicle Inspection Memory Aid from the CDL Manual.
• Point to or touch the items you are inspecting. Fully explain what components you are inspecting on each item, and what defects you are looking for. If you do not do so, you will not get credit for that item.
• For this test, inspect only the components on the driver’s side of the vehicle; or, if inspecting a bus, the passenger side of the vehicle. If a component is found on both sides of the vehicle, you need only describe and inspect one side for this test. Walk completely around the vehicle – some inspection items are found only on one side.
• Inspect the steering axle, drive axle, and one trailer axle (if applicable) for this test.
• TIME LIMIT: You will have 45 minutes to complete your pre-trip inspection test. At that time the examiner will score your correct items. You will be allowed to finish your brake test if in progress at the time limit. If you have any questions, ask your examiner before the test begins.

CDL Skills Test Instructions Part 2:
BASIC CONTROL SKILLS TEST

For the basic control skills test, you will demonstrate your ability to maneuver a commercial vehicle around other objects. You must complete the exercise as directed. The examiner will give you specific instructions for each exercise. If you have any questions before or during these exercises, ask your examiner.

GENERAL INFORMATION

You are allowed a specified number of free “pull ups” and “looks” (Outside Vehicle Observations) on each exercise.

• Pull ups = change direction to reposition the vehicle.
  • You will receive negative points for excessive pull-ups. However, it is better to pull up and reposition than to continue backing over a boundary marker.
• Looks = exit the vehicle to check your position.
  • If you open the door, or move from a seated position where in physical control of the vehicle, [or on a bus, walk to the back to get a better view], you will be scored for a look.
  • During one of your “looks”, you may place a reference marker to help you determine the
    distance to the exercise boundary line, if you desire.
• Encroachments: You will receive negative points if your vehicle or trailer crosses over the boundary
  markers. You must stop and pull ahead off the boundary before continuing. You cannot end an
  exercise with an encroachment.
• Time Limits: Each exercise has a time limit. Going over the time limit will result in point accumulation.

SAFETY REQUIREMENTS – When exiting your vehicle:

SECURE THE VEHICLE by setting your parking brake and placing the vehicle in neutral or park,

THEN:

EXIT THE VEHICLE SAFELY: If testing in a semi truck tractor, face the vehicle and maintain three points of contact at all times when exiting. If the examiner raises his hand or blows a whistle, IMMEDIATELY STOP- SECURE THE VEHICLE– wait for further instructions.

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CDL Skills Test Instructions:
BASIC CONTROL SKILLS TEST EXERCISES

STRAIGHT LINE BACKING – TIME LIMIT: 7 MINUTES
1. Drive forward through the alley until the rear of your vehicle is past the first set of cones.
2. Back straight through the alley until the front of your vehicle has cleared the last set of cones.
3. You are allowed one free pull-up and you may exit the vehicle only once during this exercise.
4. Secure the vehicle and sound your horn when you are finished.

 

OFFSET BACKING EXERCISE – TIME LIMIT: 9 MINUTES
1. Drive forward to the boundary line ahead. Ask your examiner if you don’t know where to go. Stop your vehicle.
2. Back your vehicle to the opposite lane until the front of your vehicle has passed the first set of cones.
3. You are allowed two free pull-ups and two free looks to check your position during this exercise.
4. Secure the vehicle and sound your horn when you are finished.

PARALLEL PARKING- TIME LIMIT: 12 MINUTES
1. Drive past the entrance to the parking space with your vehicle parallel to the parking area.
2. Back into the parking space. Your vehicle must be completely within the parking space when finished.
3. You are allowed two free pull-ups and two free looks to check your position during this exercise.
4. Secure the vehicle and sound your horn when you have completed the exercise.

 

ALLEY DOCK- TIME LIMIT: 12 MINUTES
1. Drive forward past the alley and position your vehicle parallel to the outer boundary line.
2. Back into the alley dock until the rear of your vehicle is inside the 3 foot stop box.
3. The front of your vehicle may not go beyond the outer boundary.
4. You must finish within three (3) feet of the dock. Do not back past the rear cones (dock).
5. Your vehicle must be straight within the alley dock when completed.
6. You are allowed two free pull-ups and may exit the vehicle a maximum of two (2) times during this exercise.
7. Secure the vehicle and sound your horn when you have completed the exercise.

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CDL Skills Test Instructions Part 3: ROAD TEST

During this road test, you will demonstrate your ability to operate a commercial vehicle in most road situations using the techniques described in the CDL driver’s manual.

During the road test:

• Continue straight ahead unless otherwise directed.
• The examiner will give you directions as far in advance as possible.
• If you do not understand any directions, please ask for clarification.
• In certain areas, the examiner may ask you to do simulated test activities (such as railroad crossings if there are none in your area, or a student discharge for school bus applicants).
• At some point during the test the examiner may point out a landmark and ask you to simulate the techniques that you would use for that maneuver.
• During the test, the examiner will be making marks on the test form. This does not necessarily mean that you have done something wrong.

YOU WILL NOT BE ASKED TO DO ANYTHING THAT IS UNSAFE OR ILLEGAL.
YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE SAFE OPERATION OF THE VEHICLE AT ALL TIMES.

If you have any questions, ask your examiner.
The Road Test concludes your CDL Skills Test.

What Happens Next?

• The Examiner will transmit your test results to Idaho Transportation Department / Driver Services in Boise for processing.
• If your test was done on an electronic tablet, the results will be automatically entered on your record at the conclusion of the test and you may proceed to the DMV to obtain your CDL, if you passed the test.
• If the examiner did your test on a paper form, wait 24 hours to have your test processed before going to the DMV.