Do I have to go to CDL school to take the Skills Tests ?

If you already have experience whether it be from on a farm or on private property or maybe you went trucking w a relative and are confident in your skills on the road then no.
If not you could most likely not pass a road
( skills) test imho.

 

I don't know for sure. You might have a problem with the new ELDT rules that become effective in Feb. My guess is this will be reported to the CDLIS and could be a problem.

 

I did not take the school to pass the test and I was upgrading a class B that I have had since the late 90s. I will say I studied the DMV book and watched some youtube vids for the pre trip, skills test, and driving test. I was able to pass the pre trip had the whole truck to pre trip but at the end instructor informed me I failed due to health card being 5 days past due. Second attempt I passed pre trip and skills test no issues driving test I failed to see the sign that said trucks 45 mph failed test again. Third time was a charm but I did accrue points but not enough to fail and the test drive was over an hour long.
I had the same tester every time and felt he did a good job he also told me he does not have many people that can pass the test with out taking some kind of class. The driving portion they are watching you making sure you check your mirrors and both hands on the wheel plus you have to tell the examiner what you are doing a lot of BS if you ask me.
Good Luck

 

Call you state driver's license office. What matters is your state. You might have to endure waiting on hold or calling over and over. Assuming the answer is important to you, it could keep you from spending several thousand dollars, you should be willing to put in some effort.

 

I think this article explains it all. Link!

2nd LINK

After Feb of 2022 to get a CDL you are MANDATED to complete the entry-level driver training (or ELDT) course with a registered training provider. I'm not sure you can even take the skills test without this training. I agree with the above statement! CALL the state DMV and make sure!