The test questions are based on the information inside of this handbook. If you study the handbook before the test, you will be sure to pass the test. You might think about what you want to do later in the evening or a funny movie you watched the night before.
That is perfectly normal. Take out a pencil and paper and take notes as you read the manual. That is the best way to remember everything that you read. You can find out if you need to put some extra time into studying for your test. You might need to spend a few more minutes on a certain topic before you drive to the DMV to take your test.
When you think you are ready to take the test, that means you need to go through the handbook one more time. It is always good to be overly prepared. After you go through it the additional time, head over to the DMV and take your test.
Read through it and then head directly to the DMV. Thumbnails Document Outline Attachments. You or your authorized representative must submit the report within 10 days of the accident, whether you caused the accident or not, and even if the accident occurred on private property. If you do not report the accident to DMV, your driving privilege will be suspended.
Note: CDL holders may downgrade to a noncommercial DL during any mandatory suspension period to be eligible to obtain a restricted license. All tests and fees will be required to upgrade when eligible. However, your employer may require you to notify him or her immediately. Motor Carriers of Property. Most CMVs transporting property are under the regulation of DMV, whose liability and property damage requirements are listed below. The following limits do not apply to pickup trucks as defined in some state DMV regulations and 2-axle daily rental trucks with a GVWR less than 26, pounds when operated in noncommercial use.
Note: Not all coverage requirements are listed in this section. Drivers must show evidence of financial responsibility prior to the operation of the vehicle. Evidence is met if the vehicle displays exempt plates or is owned, leased by, or under the direction of, the U.
These federally mandated programs provide for the equitable collection and distribution of vehicle license fees and motor fuel taxes for vehicles traveling throughout the 48 contiguous U. Under the IRP, jurisdictions must register apportioned vehicles which includes issuing license plates and cab cards or proper credentials, calculating, collecting and distributing IRP fees, auditing carriers for accuracy of reported distance and fees, and enforcing IRP requirements.
Registrant responsibilities under the plan include applying for IRP registration with base jurisdiction, providing proper documentation for registration, paying appropriate IRP registration fees, properly displaying registration credentials, maintaining accurate distance records, and making records available for jurisdiction review. The basic concept behind IFTA is to allow a licensee motor carrier to license in a base jurisdiction for the reporting and payment of motor fuel use taxes.
The motor fuel use taxes collected pursuant to the IFTA are calculated based on the number of miles kilometers traveled and the number of gallons liters consumed in the member jurisdictions.
The licensee files one quarterly tax return with the base jurisdiction by which the licensee will report all operations through IFTA member jurisdictions. Apportionable vehicle means except as provided below any power unit that is used, or intended for use, in two or more member jurisdictions for the transportation of persons for hire, or designed, used, or maintained primarily for the transportation of property, and at least one of the following:.
A recreational vehicle, vehicle displaying restricted plates, bus used in the transportation of chartered parties, or government-owned vehicle, is not an apportionable vehicle; except that a truck or truck tractor, power unit in a combination of vehicles having a GVW of 26, pounds 11, If the vehicle you operate is registered under IRP and you are motor carrier licensed under IFTA, then you are required to comply with the mandatory record keeping requirements for operating the vehicle.
This document reflects the distance traveled and fuel purchased for a vehicle that operates interstate under apportioned IRP registration and IFTA fuel tax credentials. Although the actual format of the IVDR may vary, the information that is required for proper record keeping does not.
In order to satisfy the requirements for IVDRs, these documents must include the following information:. An individual IVDR is filled out for each vehicle. The rules to follow when trying to determine how and when to log an odometer reading are the following:. Not only do the trips need to be logged, but the fuel purchases need to be documented as well.
You must obtain a receipt for all fueling and include it with your completed IVDR. There are different routes that a driver may take, and most of the miles may be within one state or province. Whether or not the distance you travel is primarily in one jurisdiction or spread among several jurisdictions, all information for the trip must be recorded. This includes the dates, routes, odometer readings, and fuel purchases. By completing the IVDR in full and keeping all records required by both the IRP and IFTA, you will ensure that you and your company are in compliance with all state and provincial laws surrounding fuel and distance record keeping requirements.
The IVDR serves as the source document for the calculation of fees and taxes that are payable to the jurisdictions in which the vehicle is operated, so these original records must be maintained for a minimum of 4 years. In addition, these records are subject to audit by the taxing jurisdictions. Failure to maintain complete and accurate records could result in fines, penalties, and suspension or revocation of IRP registrations and IFTA licenses. Additional information can be found on the IRP, Inc.
There is a record keeping video on the website home page available in English, Spanish, and French. This section contains knowledge and safe driving information that all CDL holders should know. You must pass a test on this information to get a CDL.
This section does not have specific information on air brakes, combination vehicles, doubles, or passenger vehicles. When preparing for the vehicle inspection test, you must review the material in Section 11 in addition to the information in this section. This section does have basic information on hazardous materials HazMat that all drivers should know. If you need a HazMat endorsement, you should study Section 9.
Safety is the most important reason you inspect your vehicle, safety for yourself, and for other road users. A vehicle defect found during an inspection could save you problems later. You could have a breakdown on the road that will cost time and dollars, or even worse, an accident caused by the defect. Federal and state laws require that drivers inspect their vehicles. Federal and state inspectors also may inspect your vehicles.
A vehicle inspection will help you find problems that could cause an accident or breakdown. Vehicle inspections should be done routinely before operating the vehicle. Review the last vehicle inspection report. Make sure the vehicle has been released for service by the maintenance mechanics, if applicable. The motor carrier must repair any items in the report that affect safety, and certify on the report that repairs were made or were unnecessary.
Remember, when you get behind the wheel, you not the mechanic are responsible for the safe operation of the vehicle. There is detailed information on vehicle inspections in Section 11 of this handbook.
You should do an after-trip inspection at the end of the trip, day, or tour of duty on each vehicle you operated. It may include filling out a vehicle condition report listing any problems you find. The inspection report helps a motor carrier know when the vehicle needs repairs.
The suspension system holds up the vehicle and its load. It keeps the axles in place. Therefore, broken suspension parts can be extremely dangerous. Look for:. Cargo Trucks. You must make sure the truck is not overloaded and the cargo is balanced and secured before each trip. If the cargo contains hazardous materials, you must inspect for proper papers and placarding. In order to obtain a CDL, you will be required to pass a vehicle inspection test.
You will be asked to do an inspection of your vehicle and explain to the examiner what you would inspect and why. The following 7-step inspection method should be useful. Method of Inspection. You should do a vehicle inspection the same way each time so you will learn all the steps and be less likely to forget something. Approaching the Vehicle. Notice the general condition. Look for damage or the vehicle leaning to one side.
Look under the vehicle for fresh oil, coolant, grease, or fuel leaks. Check the area around the vehicle for hazards to vehicle movement people, other vehicles, objects, low-hanging wires, limbs, etc. Review Last Vehicle Inspection Report.
Drivers may have to make a vehicle inspection report in writing each day. The motor carrier must repair any items in the report that affect safety and certify on the report that repairs were made or were unnecessary. You must sign the report only if defects were noted and certified to be repaired or repairs are not needed. You may have to raise the hood, tilt the cab secure loose things so they do not fall and break something , or open the engine compartment door.
Check the following:. Inspect mirrors and windshield for cracks, dirt, illegal stickers, or other obstructions to seeing clearly. Clean and adjust as necessary. Check that the safety belt is securely mounted, adjusts, and latches properly, and is not ripped or frayed.
Make sure the parking brake is set, turn off the engine, and take the key with you. Turn on the headlights low beams and 4-way emergency flashers, and get out of the vehicle. Go to front of vehicle and check that low beams are on and both of the 4-way flashers are working:. Note: Checks of the brake, turn signal, and 4-way flasher functions must be done separately.
Get in the Vehicle. If the vehicle has hydraulic brakes, pump the brake pedal three times. Then apply firm pressure to the pedal and hold for 5 seconds. The pedal should not move. If it does, there may be a leak or other problem. Get it fixed before driving. If the vehicle has air brakes, do the checks described in Sections 5 and 6 of this handbook. Safety Inspection. Drivers of trucks and truck tractors transporting cargo must inspect the securement of the cargo within the first 50 miles of a trip and every miles or every 3 hours whichever comes first after.
You may have to make a written report each day on the condition of the vehicle s you drove. Report anything affecting safety or possibly leading to a mechanical breakdown. The vehicle inspection report tells the motor carrier about problems that may need fixing. Keep a copy of your report in the vehicle for 1 day.
That way, the next driver can learn about any problems you have found. These questions may be on your test. If you cannot answer them all, re-read Subsection 2. To drive a vehicle safely, you must be able to control its speed and direction. Safe operation of a commercial vehicle requires skill in:. Fasten your seatbelt when on the road. Apply the parking brake when you leave your vehicle. Do not roll back when you start. You may hit someone behind you.
If you have a manual transmission vehicle, partly engage the clutch before you take your right foot off the brake. Put on the parking brake whenever necessary to keep from rolling back. Release the parking brake only when you have applied enough engine power to keep from rolling back.
On a tractor-trailer equipped with a trailer brake hand valve, the hand valve can be applied to keep from rolling back. Speed up smoothly and gradually so the vehicle does not jerk. Rough acceleration can cause mechanical damage.
When pulling a trailer, rough acceleration can damage the coupling. When starting a bus on a level surface with good traction, there is often no need for the parking brake. Speed up very gradually when traction is poor, as in rain or snow. If you use too much power, the drive wheels may spin. You could lose control. If the drive wheels begin to spin, take your foot off the accelerator. Hold the steering wheel firmly with both hands. Your hands should be on opposite sides of the wheel.
If you hit a curb or a pothole chuckhole , the wheel could pull away from your hands unless you have a firm hold. Push the brake pedal down gradually. The amount of brake pressure you need to stop the vehicle will depend on the speed of the vehicle and how quickly you need to stop.
Control the pressure so the vehicle comes to a smooth, safe stop. If you have a manual transmission, push the clutch in when the engine is close to idle.
Because you cannot see everything behind your vehicle, backing is always dangerous. Avoid backing whenever you can. When you park, try to park so you will be able to pull forward when you leave. When you have to back, here are a few simple safety rules:.
Start in the Proper Position. Put the vehicle in the best position to allow you to back safely. This position will depend on the type of backing to be done. Look at Your Path. Look at your line of travel before you begin. Get out and walk around the vehicle.
Check your clearance to the sides, overhead, in, and near the path your vehicle will take. Use Mirrors on Both Sides. Check the outside mirrors on both sides frequently. Get out of the vehicle and check your path if you are unsure. Back Slowly. Always back as slowly as possible.
Use the lowest reverse gear. That way you can more easily correct any steering errors. You also can stop quickly, if necessary. Backing toward the right side is very dangerous because you cannot see as well. Use driver-side backing—even if it means going around the block to put your vehicle in this position. The added safety is worth it. Use a Helper. Use a helper when you can. There are blind spots you cannot see. The helper should stand near the back of your vehicle where you can see the helper.
Before you begin backing, work out a set of hand signals that you both understand. When backing a car, straight truck, or bus, turn the steering wheel toward the direction you want to go. When backing a trailer, turn the steering wheel in the opposite direction. Once the trailer starts to turn, you must turn the wheel the other way to follow the trailer. Whenever you back with a trailer, try to position your vehicle so you can back in a straight line.
Back slowly so you can make corrections before you get too far off course. Correct Drift Immediately. As soon as you see the trailer getting off the proper path, correct it by turning the steering wheel in the direction of the drift.
Pull Forward. When backing, make pull-ups to reposition your vehicle when needed. Correct shifting of gears is important. If you cannot get your vehicle into the right gear while driving, you will have less control. Basic Method for Shifting Up. Most heavy vehicles with manual transmissions require double clutching to change gears. This is the basic method:.
Shifting gears using double clutching requires practice. If you remain too long in Neutral, you may have difficulty putting the vehicle into the next gear. If so, do not try to force it.
Return to Neutral, release the clutch, increase the engine speed to match the road speed, and try again.
Downshifting, like upshifting, requires knowing when to shift. Use either the tachometer or the speedometer and downshift at the right rpm or road speed. Special conditions where you should downshift are:. Before Starting Down a Hill. Slow down and shift down to a speed that you can control without using the brakes hard. Otherwise the brakes can overheat and lose their braking power.
Downshift before starting down the hill. Make sure you are in a low enough gear, usually lower than the gear required to climb the same hill. Before Entering a Curve. Slow down to a safe speed, and downshift to the right gear before entering the curve. This lets you use some power through the curve to help the vehicle be more stable while turning. It also allows you to speed up as soon as you are out of the curve.
Multi-speed rear axles and auxiliary transmissions are used on many vehicles to provide extra gears. You usually control them by a selector knob or switch on the gearshift lever of the main transmission. There are many different shift patterns. Learn the right way to shift gears in the vehicle you will drive. Some vehicles have automatic transmissions. You can select a low range to get greater engine braking when going down grades.
The lower ranges prevent the transmission from shifting up beyond the selected gear unless the governor rpm is exceeded.
It is very important to use this braking effect when going down grades. They reduce brake wear and give you another way to slow down. There are 4 basic types of retarders exhaust, engine, hydraulic, and electric. All retarders can be turned on or off by the driver. On some vehicles, the retarding power can be adjusted.
Because these devices can be noisy, be sure you know where their use is permitted. When your drive wheels have poor traction, the retarder may cause them to skid.
Therefore, you should turn the retarder off whenever the road is wet, icy, or snow covered. These questions may be on the test. If you cannot answer them all, re-read Subsections 2. Not looking properly is a major cause of accidents. Importance of Looking far Enough Ahead. Because stopping or changing lanes can take a lot of distance, knowing what the traffic is doing on all sides of you is very important. You need to look well ahead to make sure you have room to make these moves safely.
How far Ahead to Look. Most good drivers look at least 12 to 15 seconds ahead. That means looking ahead the distance you will travel in 12 to 15 seconds. At highway speeds it is about a quarter of a mile. If you are not looking that far ahead, you may have to stop too quickly or make quick lane changes.
Looking 12 to 15 seconds ahead does not mean not paying attention to things that are closer. Good drivers shift their attention back and forth, near and far. Figure 2.
Look for Traffic. Look for vehicles coming onto the highway, into your lane, or turning. Watch for brake lights from slowing vehicles. By seeing these things far enough ahead, you can change your speed, or change lanes if necessary to avoid a problem. If a traffic light has been green for a long time it will probably change before you get there.
Start slowing down and be ready to stop. Road conditions. Look for hills and curves— anything for which you will have to slow or change lanes.
Pay attention to traffic signals and signs. Traffic signs may alert you to road conditions where you may have to change speed. Check your mirrors regularly. Check more often in special situations. Every registered motor vehicle must have at least 2 mirrors, including 1 attached to the left-hand side, and located to give a clear view of the roadway to the rear for a distance of at least feet.
Mirror Adjustment. Mirror adjustment should be checked prior to the start of any trip and can only be checked accurately when the trailer s are straight. You should check and adjust each mirror to show some part of the vehicle. This will give you a reference point for judging the position of the other images. Regular Checks. You need to make regular checks of your mirrors to be aware of traffic and to check your vehicle.
Check your mirrors for vehicles on either side and in back of you. In an emergency, you may need to know whether you can make a quick lane change.
Use your mirrors to spot overtaking vehicles. Check your mirrors regularly to know where other vehicles are around you, and to see if they move into your blind spots. Check Your Vehicle. Use the mirrors to keep an eye on your tires. It is one way to spot a tire fire. If you are carrying open cargo, you can use the mirrors to check. Look for loose straps, ropes, or chains. Watch for a flapping or ballooning tarp. Special Situations. Special situations require more than regular mirror checks.
These are lane changes, turns, merges, and tight maneuvers. Lane Changes. You need to check your mirrors to make sure no one is alongside you or about to pass you. Check your mirrors:. In turns, check your mirrors to make sure the rear of your vehicle will not hit anything. When merging, use your mirrors to make sure the gap in traffic is large enough for you to enter safely. Tight Maneuvers. Any time you are driving in close quarters, check your mirrors often.
Make sure you have enough clearance. How to use Mirrors. Use mirrors correctly by checking them quickly and understanding what you see. When using your mirrors while driving on the road, check them quickly. Look back and forth between the mirrors and the road ahead. Do not focus on the mirrors for too long. Otherwise, you will travel quite a distance without knowing what is happening ahead.
This is often helpful. But everything appears smaller in a convex mirror than it would if you were looking at it directly. Things also seem farther away than they really are. It is important to realize this and to allow for it. Other drivers cannot know what you are going to do until you tell them.
Signaling what you intend to do is important for safety. Here are some general rules for signaling. Put your turn signal on before changing lanes. Change lanes slowly and smoothly. Slowing Down. Warn drivers behind you when you see you will need to slow down.
A few light taps on the brake pedal—enough to flash the brake lights—should warn following drivers. Use the 4-way emergency flashers for times when you are driving very slowly or are stopped. Warn other drivers in any of the following situations:.
Do not Direct Traffic. Some drivers try to help out others by signaling when it is safe to pass. You should not do this, it could cause an accident.
You could be blamed and it could cost you many thousands of dollars. Other drivers may not notice your vehicle even when it is in plain sight. To help prevent accidents, let them know you are there.
When Passing. Whenever you are about to pass a vehicle, pedestrian, or bicyclist, assume they do not see you. They could suddenly move in front of you. When it is legal, tap the horn lightly or, at night, flash your lights from low to high beam and back.
And, drive carefully enough to avoid an accident even if they do not see or hear you. When it is Hard to see. At dawn, dusk, in rain, or snow, you need to make yourself easier to see. If you are having trouble seeing other vehicles, other drivers will have trouble seeing you.
Turn on your lights, use the headlights, not just the identification or clearance lights. Use the low beams; high beams can bother people in the daytime as well as at night. When Parked at the Side of the Road. When you pull off the road and stop, be sure to turn on the 4-way emergency flashers. This is important at night. Do not trust the taillights to give warning. Drivers have crashed into the rear of a parked vehicle because they thought it was moving normally.
If you must stop on a road or the shoulder of any road, you must put out your emergency warning devices within 10 minutes. Place your warning devices at the following locations:. When putting out the triangles, hold them between yourself and the oncoming traffic for your own safety. So other drivers can see you. Use Your Horn When Needed. Your horn can let others know you are there.
It can help to avoid an accident. Use your horn when needed. However, it can startle others and could be dangerous when used unnecessarily. Driving too fast is a major cause of fatal accidents. You must adjust your speed depending on driving conditions. These include traction, curves, visibility, traffic and hills. The Effect of Speed on Stopping Distance. The faster you drive, the greater the impact or striking power of your vehicle. When you double your speed from 20 to 40 mph the impact is 4 times greater.
The braking distance is also 4 times longer. Triple the speed from 20 to 60 mph and the impact and braking distance is 9 times greater. At 60 mph, your stopping distance is greater than the length of a football field. Increase the speed to 80 mph and the impact and braking distance are 16 times greater than at 20 mph.
High speeds greatly increase the severity of accidents and stopping distances. By slowing down, you can reduce braking distance. The heavier the vehicle, the more work the brakes must do to stop it and the more heat they absorb. The brakes, tires, springs, and shock absorbers on heavy vehicles are designed to work best when the vehicle is fully loaded. Empty trucks require greater stopping distances because an empty vehicle has less traction.
Control and Stopping Requirements. The service brake must hold the vehicle or combination of vehicles stationary on any grade on which it is operated under all conditions of loading or unloading. The service brakes of every motor vehicle or combination of vehicles must be capable of stopping from an initial speed of 20 mph as follows maximum stopping distance MSD in feet:. You cannot steer or brake a vehicle unless you have traction.
Traction is friction between the tires and the road. There are some road conditions that reduce traction and call for lower speeds. Slippery Surfaces. It will take longer to stop, and it will be harder to turn without skidding, when the road is slippery. Wet roads can double stopping distance. You must drive slower to be able to stop in the same distance as on a dry road. On packed snow, reduce speed by a half, or more. If the surface is icy, reduce speed to a crawl and stop driving as soon as you can safely do so.
Identifying Slippery Surfaces. Sometimes it is hard to know if the road is slippery. Whether you're in the mood for a walk on the beach, a hike through the woods, or a quick fishing break at the lake, the diversity of South Carolina's natural world is sure to satisfy. Wouldn't you like to make your living traveling the beautiful Palmetto State? You can—by becoming a SC commercial driver.
The SCDMV will test you on your knowledge of the new driving and safety skills that you need to master in order to operate a commercial vehicle. In preparation for your exams, you have the option of enrolling in commercial Driver's Ed classes. You could also have to complete mandatory CDL training depending on the type of commercial vehicle you plan on driving.
Keep reading for more information about state-required commercial driver training and CDL test prep in South Carolina. Per new federal entry-level driver training requirements effective February 7, , the SC Department of Motor Vehicles now mandates new CDL applicants complete an entry-level driver training course through an authorized provider. As stated above, there are different types of commercial driver training.
However, South Carolina school bus drivers are state-required to complete SC commercial driver's education that is specific to transporting students. To get your school bus certificate you'll need to finish the following mandatory trainings with a certified instructor in your school district:. To maintain your certificate, you'll need to complete at least 10 hours of annual in-service training with your school district.
For more information about school bus driver training in South Carolina, contact the Department of Education at Despite this, you should still consider taking a course, as it will most likely improve your chances of being able to pass the SCDMV's required commercial driver exams in a single attempt. All SC commercial driver's license applicants are required to pass the following tests:. You'll also need to pass additional CDL tests if the classification and endorsement s on your desired commercial driver license require it.
To ensure that you're adequately prepared on testing day, make sure that you know exactly which classification and endorsement s apply to your prospective South Carolina CDL. If you'd like more information about commercial vehicle classifications and endorsements, refer to the guides below:.
As mentioned earlier, taking CDL test prep classes is not mandatory for commercial driver applicants in South Carolina. However, taking a preparatory commercial Driver's Ed course can still be extremely beneficial for the following reasons:. These different types of commercial driver education programs that you'll encounter will help you prepare for the SCDMV's CDL tests in the following ways:.
If you begin to look into your different South Carolina CDL test prep options, make sure to ask the following questions about each of the programs you're considering:.
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