How Hard Is It To Get a CDL?

Being a truck driver is a great way to drive and get paid for it. There’s a lot of freedom on the open road, and you can make good money if you’re willing to put in the long hours. But before you can start racking up the miles, you need to get your commercial driver’s license (CDL).

The process of getting a CDL varies from state to state, but the general requirements are pretty similar. In this blog post, we will go over how hard it is to get your CDL.

Answer To The Question How Hard is It To Get a CDL:

This answer really depends on the person, but we will go over the hardest aspects of getting your CDL. The first step is to obtain a commercial learner’s permit (CLP). To do this, you will need to go to your local DMV and take a written test on the material covered in the handbook. The handbook is over 100 pages long and covers topics such as road signs, rules of the road, and vehicle maintenance.

That brings us to the first challenge.

Memorizing the CDL Handbook

There is a lot of material to memorize, and it can be difficult to retain everything. However, there are a few ways that you can make the process easier. One way is to break down the material into smaller chunks and focus on one section at a time. Another way is to find a study buddy who can help you review the material.

So many people think this test will be common sense since they’ve been driving for years. But there are a lot of rules and regulations that truck drivers have to follow that regular motorist don’t. Even if you know trucks there are going to be parts of the test you don’t know.

If you pass the written test you will then have your CLP or commercial learner’s permit which allows you to practice driving with a licensed truck driver.

Finding a Licensed Truck Driver to Teach You

This can be difficult because most truck drivers are already on the road and don’t have time to teach someone else. Additionally, there are not many people who are qualified and willing to teach someone how to drive a truck. One way to find a licensed truck driver is to post an ad on Craigslist or another online classifieds site. Another way is to go to your local truck stop and ask around.

Once you find a licensed truck driver who is willing to teach you, the next challenge is…

Learning How to Drive a Truck

This can be difficult because it is a big vehicle and takes some getting used to. The best way to learn how to drive a truck is to get plenty of practice. Try to find an empty parking lot where you can practice maneuvering the vehicle. You should also practice driving in different weather conditions, such as rain or snow.

You may be thinking switching gears is as easy as driving a stick shift truck but this isn’t the case.

Double clutching and Down Shifting

Depending on the type of truck you are driving, you may need to double-clutch and downshift. This can be difficult because it takes some coordination. The best way to learn how to do this is to get plenty of practice. Ask your instructor to show you how to do it, and then try it yourself.

Making right-hand turns

This may sound easy but making right-hand turns in a truck can be difficult. This is because you need to swing wide to the left before turning right. This can be challenging, especially if there is traffic behind you.

Getting started from a stop on an incline

This is one of the most difficult things to do when driving a truck. This is because you need to use the brakes and the throttle at the same time. It takes plenty of time doing this to get the practice you need to do it efficiently.

Parallel Parking

You thought parallel parking when you first got your regular license was a challenge. You thought wrong! Parallel parking a truck is much more difficult. This is because you need to be able to judge the size of the vehicle and how much space you need. You also need to be able to maneuver the vehicle into space without hitting the car in front or behind you.

Having Everything Adjusted Properly

From your mirrors to your seat, everything needs to be adjusted properly before you start driving. This is because you need to be able to see out of all the mirrors, and you need to be comfortable while you are driving. If something is not adjusted properly, it can make it difficult to drive.

Backing

There are many different backing maneuvers you will need to know how to do when you are driving a truck. These include:

Backing into a loading dock
Backing into a parking space
Backing up to a trailer

Depth Perception

This is one of the most important things to be aware of when driving a truck. This is because the vehicle is so big that it can be difficult to judge how close you are to other objects. This is why it is important to have your mirrors adjusted properly.

Spatial Awareness

This is also important when driving a truck. This is because you need to be aware of your surroundings at all times. You need to know where the other vehicles are, and you need to be aware of any potential hazards.

Speed Judgment

It’s harder to judge your speed when you are driving a truck. This is because the vehicle is so big and it takes longer to stop. This is why it is important to be aware of your speed at all times, and to never exceed the speed limit.

All of these things are important to know before you start driving a truck. These are just some of the challenges you need to be aware of. There is much more to learn, but these are the basics. If you take the time to learn everything you need to know, you will be a safe and successful truck driver.

Challenges Of Taking The CDL Road Test

When it comes to taking the CDL road test, there are a few challenges you need to be aware of. These include:

Memorizing Pre Trip Inspection

You need to be able to memorize the pre-trip inspection so you can do it without looking at the checklist. This is because you won’t have the checklist with you when you are taking the test. No notes are allowed during the test, so you need to know it by heart.

You have to be very thorough during the pre-trip inspection. You need to know what to look for and where to look for it. If you miss something, it will count against you.

Cab Inspection

You also need to know how to do a cab inspection. This is because you need to be able to point out all the different parts of the cab during the test. You also need to be able to describe their functions.

Driving Under Pressure

When you’re practicing without pressure, it’s easy to do things perfectly. When you’re taking the test, there will be plenty of pressure. You need to be able to drive under pressure so you don’t make any mistakes.

Make Sure You’re Studying For The Right Test

You have to be sure not to make the mistake of studying for the wrong test. There are three different CDL licenses, and each one has a different road test. Make sure you know which test you need to take and study accordingly.

What Happens If You Fail Your CDL The First Time?

If you fail your CDL the first time, don’t worry. You can take it again. You just have to wait two weeks. There are some things to keep in mind when taking the CDL test again.

Make Sure You Focus On Everything Still

If you fail for one specific reason make sure you don’t forget about everything else. You need to focus on everything when you’re studying and taking the test again.

Don’t Be Afraid To Ask For More Help

If you need more help, don’t be afraid to ask for it. There are plenty of resources available to help you study and prepare for the CDL test.

Take The Test When You’re Ready

Don’t rush into taking the test again just because you want to get it over with. You need to make sure you’re really ready before you take it again. If you’re not, you’ll just end up failing again.

These are just a few tips to keep in mind if you fail your CDL the first time. Just remember that it’s not the end of the world and that you can take it again. Just be prepared and study properly so you can pass the second time around.

Being Successful in Trucking After Your CDL

Getting your CDL is only half the battle. The other half is being successful in trucking after you have your CLP. This can be difficult because it is a very competitive industry. There are many things you need to do in order to be successful, such as:

Find a Trucking Company That Is Right For You

There are many different trucking companies out there, and finding the right one for you can be difficult. You need to make sure that the company you choose is a good fit for you. You also need to make sure that they will give you the type of work that you want to do.

Make Sure You Have the Proper Training

Once you have found a trucking company that you want to work for, you need to make sure that you have the proper training. Passing the class isn’t enough. You need to get on-the-job training so that you can learn how to do the job properly.

Get Plenty of Experience

Experience is very important in trucking. The more experience you have, the better off you will be. You need to make sure that you get plenty of experience before you try to get a job with a major trucking company.

Keep Your Record Clean

It is very important that you keep your record clean when you are a truck driver. This means that you need to avoid accidents and tickets. If you have a clean record, you will be more likely to get hired by a major trucking company.

Be Professional

You need to be professional at all times when you are a truck driver. This means that you need to dress and act the part. You also need to be courteous to other drivers and to the people you meet along the way.

Conclusion

We hope this blog post has helped you understand some of the challenges that come with taking the CDL road test. There are also many challenges that come after. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us. We would be more than happy to help you in any way we can.

Lastly, when it comes to getting your CDL License, take it one step at a time, and don’t get discouraged if you fail the first time. You can always take it again and there are plenty of resources to help you pass the second time around. Just focus on everything, study properly, and be prepared. Good luck!