In order to get a CLD license, there are minimum standards that must be met, and they are different from one state to the next. Federal law requires each state to have minimum basics that a person needs to be able to meet in order to receive their operator’s license.For the most part, every state has the same aspect of taking tests in a certain order, although they will vary in technique and difficulty per state. The one important thing you should know is that you cannot have more than one CDL license.
To get your CDL license, you are going to need to take some tests. These tests are split into written and on the road tests that will determine your level of skill. The written tests are broken down into categories for the basic knowledge of driving a large truck or passenger vehicle. They will also cover more advanced aspects of driving different kinds of freight vehicles such as tankers, hazardous material, double trailers, and even triple trailers. All of these tests need to be passed in order to move on to the road based testing.
The road based skills test will take you through everything you need to do in real time after you have your license. This will include things like a pre-check of your truck before you get out on the road. You will also have to know how to handle the truck once you are on the road and the understanding of knowing how to control it as well. You will, then, be able to take the road driving test, which can include different turns and backing up to make sure you understand how it’s done correctly.
One thing you should keep in mind is that you will need to take the on road tests in the vehicle you are planning to be licensed for. That means if you are planning on driving with double trailers, you will need to have double trailers in order to take the test for them. A lot of driving schools will have trucks available for whatever test you are taking, but if you are doing this on your own, you will probably have to use your own vehicle or find one you can use.
Each state has a different set of requirements that will have to go along with the testing and you will need to contact your DMV to find out what those are.