How well do the practice tests prepare you?

So I'll probably be taking my CDL-A permit exams this week and I've been going through the practice tests on this site to prepare. I thoroughly read through the CDL manual twice and I've also been using the "CDL Prep" Android app on my tablet. I've gotten to where I'm getting 100% on CDL Prep and 90 - 100% on this sites practice tests. So I'm wondering if that means I'm really ready to go or if there are curve-balls I should be looking out for when I sit?

Also, if anyone here has taken the exam in TX can you tell me about the special "Chapter 14" Texas specific exam?

 

Yeah, it's unique to Texas so if you tested in another state you haven't seen it most likely. What it means though for those of us in TX is that that there are actually FOUR tests you have to pass and not just the standard three to get your permit and the chapter 14 test is first. If you don't pass that one you can't move on to the others and you have to come back another day. I've already heard about people being all set to take the other three and then they screw up on chp. 14 test and get stopped cold. Frankly I'd like to make as few trips to DMV as possible.

 

Yeah, I'm in Houston but unfortunately the closest testing to center to me is 30 minutes away in any direction and I'm thinking I may not be able to get there until around 8 a.m. even though they open at 7:30. I'm just planning on being there most of the day. At least until after noon I figure. Unfortunately Mondays are the only day of the week I can do this and I'm sure that's the busiest day of the week.

As far as the documentation goes, I downloaded the checklist and I've got most of it together I think. I can't figure out why they need to see the registration and insurance for all of our cars but whatever, it's just more paperwork I guess. I've got it all together in a folder I'll take w/ me along w/ a magazine or a book to read while I'm waiting.

 

I think it may be new in the last few years. My instructor at CDL class said she didn't have to do it either when she got her license 20 years ago. Of course she also said you didn't need a special background check for the hazmat endorsement either. You just took the test and got it added to your license like the other endorsements. So yeah, things have changed. More hoops for us newbies to jump through!