What is the CDL Road Test?

Earning a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) is one of the most important milestones for anyone pursuing a trucking career. In 2025, with stricter federal requirements and increasing demand for professional drivers, passing the CDL road test has never been more essential. This exam is designed to ensure that drivers are not only familiar with the rules of the road but are also capable of handling the responsibilities that come with operating large and heavy commercial motor vehicles (CMVs).

Definition and Purpose

The CDL road test is the final stage of the CDL skills examination, required for anyone seeking to legally operate commercial motor vehicles in the United States. It is not just a test of driving ability—it is a comprehensive evaluation of a driver’s skill, awareness, and responsibility. The purpose is simple but critical: to prove that you can safely and confidently operate a CMV under both controlled and real-world conditions.

By passing this test, you demonstrate that you can handle large vehicles such as tractor-trailers, buses, dump trucks, and other heavy-duty vehicles while complying with traffic laws and federal safety regulations. Without this proof of competency, no state DMV will issue a CDL.

Why the Test Exists

Commercial vehicles are far more challenging to operate than passenger cars. They require greater stopping distances, wider turns, and specialized knowledge of shifting, backing, and coupling systems. Because of these unique challenges, the FMCSA requires that all CDL applicants undergo skills testing to ensure they can manage these vehicles safely.

The CDL road test exists to:

Protect public safety by reducing accidents involving large trucks and buses.
Confirm that drivers can respond to real-world hazards, such as merging traffic, sharp turns, and railroad crossings.
Ensure that drivers develop consistent habits like mirror-checking, signaling, and defensive driving.

In short, the test safeguards not only the driver’s career but also the lives of everyone else sharing the road.

Who Conducts the Test?

The CDL road test is typically administered by:

State DMV Examiners: Employees of the state who follow FMCSA guidelines.
Certified Third-Party Testers: Authorized schools or testing facilities that meet federal and state requirements.

Regardless of who administers the exam, the scoring criteria remain standardized, ensuring fairness and consistency across the country.

Federal vs. State Responsibilities

It is important to understand the difference between federal and state roles in the CDL process:

FMCSA (Federal Role): Sets the overarching requirements, including Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT), vehicle standards, and the knowledge and skills that must be tested.
State DMVs (State Role): Administer the exams, collect fees, determine test locations, and ultimately issue the CDL once all requirements are met.

This balance allows for national consistency while still giving states flexibility in logistics and scheduling.

Requirements Before Taking the CDL Road Test

Before you can even schedule your CDL road test, several prerequisites must be completed. These requirements ensure that every applicant is properly prepared, both legally and practically, to operate a commercial motor vehicle.

Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP)

The very first step toward earning your CDL is obtaining a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP). To qualify for a CLP, you must:

Pass the CDL general knowledge written exam at your local DMV.
Take additional written exams if you are pursuing endorsements such as air brakes, passenger vehicles, or combination vehicles.
Provide proof of residency, identity, and age (you must be at least 18 for intrastate driving and 21 for interstate driving).

Once you have your CLP, you are legally allowed to practice driving a CMV, but only while supervised by a CDL holder in the same class of vehicle. Federal law requires that you hold your CLP for at least 14 days before attempting the CDL skills test, although some states may have longer waiting periods.

Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) Requirement

As of February 7, 2022, all new CDL applicants must complete Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) before they are eligible for the skills test. This training includes two parts:

Theory Training (Classroom or Online): Covers safety regulations, vehicle operation principles, road awareness, cargo securement, hours-of-service rules, and more. Providers like ELDT Nation are FMCSA-approved and report your completion directly to the Training Provider Registry (TPR).
Behind-the-Wheel Training: Conducted at an FMCSA-registered truck driving school, this training focuses on actual driving maneuvers, vehicle inspections, and road practice.

Without proof of ELDT completion, you cannot schedule your CDL road test.

What is the CDL Road Test? - Step-by-Step Guide for 2025

Medical Certification and Health Requirements

To operate a commercial vehicle, you must be physically qualified. This is verified through a DOT medical exam performed by a licensed medical examiner listed on the FMCSA National Registry. You will receive a Medical Examiner’s Certificate (Form MCSA-5876), which must be kept current and on file with your state DMV.

The medical exam checks critical factors such as:

Vision and hearing capabilities.
Blood pressure and cardiovascular health.
Neurological conditions.
Drug and alcohol screening compliance.

Failure to maintain an active medical card may result in CDL suspension.

Fees, Scheduling, and Wait Times

Each state determines the fees associated with the CDL testing process. Generally, you can expect:

Written test fees for the CLP.
Skills test fees for each attempt at the road test.
Endorsement fees if applying for hazmat, passenger, or other endorsements.

Scheduling can be competitive, especially in states with high demand for truck drivers. Some applicants wait several weeks for an available test slot. It is wise to book your test as early as possible and continue practicing until the scheduled date.

Step-by-Step Breakdown of the CDL Road Test

The CDL road test is made up of three major parts: the Vehicle Inspection Test, the Basic Control Skills Test, and the On-Road Driving Test. Each section evaluates specific skills and habits that are critical for safe operation of a commercial vehicle. Passing all three is mandatory to earn your CDL.

Vehicle Inspection Test (Pre-Trip Inspection)

Purpose

The pre-trip inspection ensures that you can properly evaluate the safety of your vehicle before driving. Examiners want to see that you understand the mechanics of a CMV and can identify potential hazards that might prevent the truck from being safe on the road.

Checklist

You will be asked to walk around the vehicle and explain or point out key components, including:

Brakes: Air brakes, hoses, and brake chambers must be checked for leaks, damage, or wear.
Lights and Reflectors: Headlights, brake lights, turn signals, and reflectors must be functional and clean.
Tires and Wheels: Proper inflation, no cuts or bulges, correct tread depth, secure lug nuts.
Fluids: Oil, coolant, and windshield washer levels.
Mirrors and Windshield: Clean, properly adjusted, no cracks or obstructions.
Coupling System (Class A): Kingpin, locking jaws, fifth wheel, safety latches, and glad hands.

Tips from the CDL Manual

Speak aloud during the inspection so the examiner knows you understand what you are checking.
Use consistent phrasing (e.g., “no leaks, properly mounted, not cracked or damaged”).
Memorize the sequence to avoid skipping items.

Common Mistakes

Forgetting to mention critical safety components like emergency equipment (fire extinguisher, spare fuses, warning triangles).
Not checking under the vehicle for leaks.
Rushing through without demonstrating thoroughness.

Failing this section can result in an automatic failure of the entire skills test.

Basic Control Skills Test

Purpose and Setup

This test takes place in a controlled environment, usually at the DMV testing site or a training facility. The goal is to evaluate your ability to maneuver a commercial vehicle in tight spaces using precision and control.

Typical Exercises

Straight-Line Backing
- Drive the truck in reverse for a set distance without crossing lane lines marked by cones.
- Demonstrates control and proper use of mirrors.
Offset Backing (Left or Right)
- Back the truck from one lane into an adjacent lane.
- Simulates maneuvering into loading docks or around obstacles.
Parallel Parking (Driver’s Side or Conventional)
- Park the truck within designated boundaries without touching cones or pulling too far forward.
- Requires precise control of space and mirrors.
Alley Dock
- Back the vehicle into a simulated alley or dock space at a 90-degree angle.
- Tests patience, steering accuracy, and spatial awareness.

What is a “Pull Up”?

A pull up occurs when you stop, pull forward, and then continue backing to correct your angle. While pull ups are allowed, excessive use shows poor control and can lower your score. The goal is to minimize pull ups while still completing the maneuver safely.

Importance of Control in Tight Spaces

Truck drivers frequently encounter situations where maneuvering space is limited—such as warehouses, truck stops, and delivery zones. Examiners use this test to ensure you can safely position a large vehicle without causing property damage or creating hazards.

On-Road Driving Test

Purpose

The final section places you in real traffic conditions to prove you can safely share the road with other vehicles. This is the most nerve-wracking part of the CDL skills exam, but also the most important.

Driving Conditions

You will drive on a state-approved route near the testing facility. The route is designed to expose you to a wide variety of road conditions, including:

City streets: Stoplights, pedestrians, and tight turns.
Rural roads: Curves, uneven terrain, and limited visibility.
Highways: Merging, lane changes, and maintaining speed.
Intersections: Controlled and uncontrolled crossings.
Railroad crossings: Always treated as dangerous; you must stop, look, and listen.

How Examiners Score You

Examiners will evaluate whether you:

Use turn signals consistently and correctly.
Check mirrors before and during lane changes.
Maintain proper lane positioning and following distance.
Shift gears smoothly (if using a manual transmission).
Accelerate and brake steadily without jerking.
Adjust speed according to traffic and weather conditions.

Immediate Fail Conditions

Certain mistakes will result in automatic disqualification, including:

Being involved in or causing an accident.
Running a red light or stop sign.
Hitting a curb, pedestrian, or other vehicle.
Rolling backward when starting from a stop.
Exiting the vehicle unsafely during the test.
Refusing to perform a maneuver.

The key is to show consistent safe driving habits, not perfection. Examiners want to see awareness, caution, and control above all else.

CDL Examiner Expectations

Taking the CDL road test can feel intimidating, but it helps to know exactly what the examiner is watching for. Examiners are not looking for perfection — they are evaluating whether you can safely and consistently operate a commercial motor vehicle (CMV). Safety, awareness, and proper execution are the three pillars of a passing score.

What Examiners Look for in Each Section

Vehicle Inspection Test: They want to see that you can correctly identify and explain the function of key safety systems. It’s not just about spotting obvious defects — it’s about proving you understand how the systems work together. Examiners often check whether you mention critical safety equipment, such as the fire extinguisher and emergency triangles.
Basic Control Skills Test: Precision and vehicle control are essential here. Examiners watch whether you maintain awareness of boundaries, avoid striking cones, and minimize pull ups when backing or parking. They also note if you are calm and methodical, instead of rushing maneuvers.
On-Road Driving Test: This section is where most applicants lose points. Examiners expect you to drive defensively — checking mirrors often, maintaining safe distances, following speed limits, and signaling clearly. Smooth gear shifting, braking, and lane positioning all count toward your final score.

Importance of Safety Habits

Examiners place a heavy emphasis on consistent safety habits, including:

Mirror Checks: Looking at mirrors before changing lanes, after lane changes, and when approaching intersections.
Signaling: Using turn signals early and canceling them properly after a maneuver.
Speed Management: Driving at a safe speed for conditions, not just the posted limit.
Lane Positioning: Staying centered in the lane and avoiding drift, especially on curves or during turns.

Even if your driving is technically correct, failing to show visible safety habits (like exaggerated mirror checks) can cost you points.

Railroad Crossing Rules

Railroad crossings are treated as high-risk intersections in the CDL exam. According to the CDL Manual, Section 2.15, every railroad crossing must be approached with the expectation that a train could be coming.

When approaching a railroad crossing during your road test, you must:

Slow down and prepare to stop.
Roll down the window (if required in your state) to listen for trains.
Stop no closer than 15 feet and no farther than 50 feet from the nearest rail.
Look both ways before crossing.
Do not shift gears while crossing the tracks.

Failure to follow these steps often leads to immediate failure.

How “Small Mistakes” Can Lead to Automatic Fails

Some mistakes may seem minor but are considered critical safety violations. Examples include:

Forgetting to use your turn signal before changing lanes.
Hitting a curb during a right-hand turn.
Rolling backwards even a few inches on an incline.
Failing to perform a complete stop at a stop sign.

These errors show examiners that you might pose a danger on the road, which is why they can result in automatic disqualification.

Common Reasons for Failing the CDL Road Test

Many candidates fail the CDL road test not because they lack skill, but because they underestimate how closely examiners watch for safety and control. Understanding the most frequent causes of failure can help you avoid repeating the same mistakes.

Reason for Failure	Why It Happens	How to Prevent It
Stalling the Vehicle	Often caused by starting in too high a gear or improper clutch use.	Always start in a low gear, practice clutch control, and avoid rushing.
Forgetting Turn Signals	Driver focuses on maneuver but forgets to signal intentions.	Build a habit of signaling early and canceling signals after each turn.
Rolling Backwards	Occurs when starting on a hill without proper brake or gear control.	Use the parking brake or clutch control; practice hill starts frequently.
Hitting Cones or Curbs	Poor spatial awareness during backing or turning maneuvers.	Practice backing exercises, use mirrors often, and take wider turns.
Dangerous Acts	Includes speeding, unsafe lane changes, or running a red light.	Focus on defensive driving, obey all traffic laws, and prioritize safety.
Nerves and Rushing	Test anxiety leads to poor decisions and missed safety checks.	Simulate test conditions during practice and stay calm under pressure.

Stalling the Vehicle

Stalling a truck, especially at intersections, is one of the most common failures for manual transmission applicants. While modern diesel engines have significant torque and are difficult to stall in low gears, improper gear selection can still cause the engine to shut down. Starting in too high of a gear increases the risk of stalling.

Forgetting Turn Signals

Examiners expect every lane change, merge, or turn to be signaled in advance. Forgetting to signal is a clear indication of unsafe driving. Even if the road is empty, not signaling shows poor driving habits.

Rolling Backwards

When starting from a stop on a hill, rolling backward even slightly is considered unsafe. It suggests you cannot control the vehicle’s weight, which is critical when operating large CMVs. Using the parking brake or starting in the correct gear can prevent rollback.

Hitting Cones or Curbs

During the basic control skills test or turns on the road test, hitting cones, curbs, or road edges often results in point deductions or immediate failure. Examiners interpret this as poor spatial awareness and unsafe vehicle handling.

Dangerous Acts

Some actions are considered dangerous acts and almost always result in automatic failure:

Speeding above posted limits.
Unsafe lane changes without checking mirrors.
Running red lights or stop signs.
Driving too fast for weather or road conditions.

Psychological Factors: Nerves and Rushing

Test anxiety is a major contributor to mistakes. Many candidates rush maneuvers, forget routine checks, or second-guess themselves under pressure. Examiners are trained to see through nerves, but if anxiety causes you to commit unsafe acts, it can cost you your CDL attempt.

Preparation and practice are the best ways to counter nerves. Familiarity builds confidence.

What Happens If You Fail?

Failing the CDL road test does not end your trucking career — but it does set you back in terms of time, money, and confidence. Knowing the retesting process helps you prepare for a second attempt.

Retesting Policies by State

Each state has its own retesting policy. Common rules include:

You may need to wait several days or weeks before rescheduling.
Some states allow partial retests (only redoing the failed section), while others require repeating the entire skills test.
If you fail multiple times, you may be required to complete additional training hours before retesting.

Possible Waiting Period Before Retaking

Most states enforce a minimum waiting period to give applicants time to practice. Typical wait times are:

48 hours to 7 days after the first failure.
Longer waiting periods (up to 30 days) for repeat failures.

Additional Fees

Each attempt usually requires an additional fee, which can range from $40 to $200 depending on the state and whether you are retaking the entire exam or just a portion. This makes preparation even more important — repeated failures can become costly.

Importance of Feedback from the Examiner

One of the most valuable outcomes of failing is the feedback you receive. Examiners typically note the exact reasons for your failure on a score sheet. Reviewing this carefully helps you:

Identify weak areas (e.g., backing skills, mirror checks, gear shifting).
Focus your practice sessions more effectively.
Gain confidence that you can correct your mistakes on the next attempt.

Remember: many successful truck drivers failed their CDL road test at least once. The key is to learn from mistakes, practice deliberately, and approach the next test with confidence.

CDL Road Test Tips for Success (2025)

Passing the CDL road test requires more than just knowledge — it requires execution under pressure. These practical tips can help you perform at your best in 2025.

Arrive Early and Calm

Arriving at the testing facility 30–45 minutes early gives you time to relax, review your notes, and adjust to the environment. Rushing in at the last moment increases anxiety and may affect your focus.

Perform a Mental Pre-Trip Checklist

Even before starting, run through a mental checklist of the pre-trip inspection. This ensures you don’t forget critical items when the examiner asks you to explain vehicle components. Visualizing the steps can prevent point deductions.

Use Mirrors Constantly

Examiners expect you to check mirrors frequently. Make it a habit to glance at mirrors before braking, after turns, when changing lanes, and when entering intersections. Overuse is better than underuse — it shows awareness of surroundings.

Take Wide Turns and Control Speed

Commercial vehicles require extra clearance for right turns and sharp corners. Taking turns too tight and clipping curbs can result in failure. Likewise, speeding — even slightly — is seen as reckless. Maintaining a controlled, steady pace demonstrates maturity as a driver.

Treat Railroad Crossings with Maximum Caution

Approach every railroad crossing as if a train is coming. Slow down, look both ways, and listen. Do not shift gears on the tracks. This habit not only passes the test but also aligns with FMCSA safety expectations.

Focus on Safety Over Speed

The CDL road test is not about completing the route quickly. Examiners care far more about your safety habits, attention to detail, and control of the vehicle. Take your time, double-check mirrors and signals, and demonstrate patience.

If you are ready to join this industry, the key is simple: study, practice, and stay consistent. With dedication and the right training resources, you can go from student to professional driver faster than you think.

Start Your CDL Journey with ELDT Nation

If you’re serious about passing your CDL road test and starting a high-paying trucking career, ELDT Nation is the best place to begin.

Frequently Asked Questions about the CDL Road Test

Can I take the CDL test online?

Some states allow you to take the written knowledge test online, but the CDL road test must be taken in person at a DMV or third-party testing facility. Since this portion involves driving a commercial vehicle, there is no way to complete it online.

How long does the CDL road test take?

The full CDL road test usually takes between 1.5 and 2 hours. This includes the pre-trip inspection, basic control skills test, and the on-road driving portion. Time may vary depending on the state and the number of maneuvers required.

What is a “pull up” in the CDL skills test?

A pull up happens when a driver stops, pulls forward, and then continues backing up to correct their angle. While pull ups are allowed, using too many shows poor vehicle control and may result in point deductions or failure.

Do automatic trucks make the CDL test easier?

Driving an automatic transmission during the CDL road test may feel easier since you don’t have to shift gears manually. However, if you test in an automatic vehicle, your CDL may include an “E restriction,” limiting you from driving manual transmission trucks.

How many times can I fail the CDL road test?

Most states allow you to retake the CDL road test multiple times, but you may have to wait a set period (such as 7–30 days) before retesting. Each attempt usually requires paying another fee, so preparation is key to avoid repeated failures.

What is the CDL Road Test? - Step-by-Step Guide for 2025