Question on Knowledge Test for CLP

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by NewTruckerGuy, Feb 27, 2024.

  1. NewTruckerGuy

    NewTruckerGuy Bobtail Member

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    Quick question...

    Just to make it clear, this question is for when you're applying for the CLP (Commercial LEARNER'S Permit) so you can attend CDL school... not the CDL itself.

    You're required to take a "Knowledge Test". Is this a "general knowledge" test... as in how well do you know the general rules of the road? Or is this a knowledge test specific to driving a semi? Which would mean I would have to study the GIGANTIC DL650 handbook (commercial driver handbook)?
    Here's the handbook

    My understanding is that it's just a general rules of the road knowledge test, and they will teach you all the big rig driving specific things at CDL school.

    Can someone please clarify? Thanks.
     
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  3. Concorde

    Concorde Road Train Member

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    Specific to driving a CMV. You need to learn how to drive before you actually get in and drive. Since the CLP allows you to drive after you understand how to :)

    Yes you need and should read and understand the handbook content.

    TTR just so happens to provide free practice tests for your enjoyment. Try taking them a few dozen times until you pass without any difficulty.

    here’s a link to the tests if you haven’t found them already.

    #1 Free 2020 CDL Practice Tests
     
  4. JSanborn103

    JSanborn103 Medium Load Member

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    The general knowledge test is a mix of both. Most questions I had didnt have anything to do with trucks. The combination vehicles test is about tractor trailers specifically. You have to take three for the permit- Air brakes, combination vehicles, and general knowledge.
     
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  5. Kyle G.

    Kyle G. Road Train Member

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    Study the manual but don't overwhelm yourself trying to memorize it cover to cover. I mean yeah it's all stuff you should know, but these knowledge tests consist of a lot of common sense questions, and questions where you can easily eliminate the obvious wrong answers to find the correct answer.

    Pay extra attention to the air brake section, as that is one area where you will need to know specific numbers and parameters.
     
  6. Moose1958

    Moose1958 Road Train Member

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    @Concorde has given good advice. I would add a step before doing the practice tests mentioned. This is what I tell people all the time. Carefully read through each section of the CMVH. Some sections do not apply to the three main tests. Then look through the questions asked at the end of each section. Make sure you can answer them. Then once you feel comfortable go take some practice tests. As mentioned above the air brake test is a bit more demanding. I have heard it is the test with the highest failure rate.

    One last point. STOP listening to people. Study at your own pace. Stop worrying about pre-trip inspections and performing that dang 4-point air brake test, just as sure as the Sun will rise in the east some well-intended person will start in on this. These are things taught in school. For now, just worry about the information in the CMVH.
     
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  7. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    Get the CDL Test Genie app for your phone. All the questions & answers are on there. Memorize the answers. Doing this is enough to get the CDL Permit. You'll learn the rest in school.
    Also, Post #2 by @Concorde is a good resource.
     
    NewTruckerGuy and Dwellsouth Thank this.
  8. snowmantrucking101

    snowmantrucking101 Heavy Load Member

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    If you don't have the ambition to read the CDL study manual & understand the 3 subjects needed to pass....Find something else to do.
     
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  9. tscottme

    tscottme Road Train Member

    Go to truckercountry.com and take General, Combination, Air Brakes, plus whatever other endorsements you want. I recommend everyone get Tanker, Doubles/Triples (one test) and HazMat if they can afford an extra $150-200.

    TruckerCountry.com has at least 10 versions of each endorsement test. Focus on one endorsement at a time until you routinely pass with a score of 90%.

    Each test is multiple choice. Read the question and ONLY THE CORRECT ANSWER. Avoid the wrong answers like your eyes will burst into flames if you read more than 2 words of one. On test day, read the question & pick the familiar answer. Congratulations you have a CLP.
     
  10. JSanborn103

    JSanborn103 Medium Load Member

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    ########. Studying a manual is a waste of time and old way of doing things. I passed all my tests on the first try and never looked at a manual once. It probably took me 10 minutes max to finish all 3 tests
     
  11. PaulMinternational

    PaulMinternational Road Train Member

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    Gigantic? Its a little over 200 pages. Thats actually considered a short read!
     
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