Obtaining your Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) is a significant milestone, but the road to earning your license can be challenging. Whether you’re preparing for the CDL written test or the skills (driving) test, mistakes are common—especially under the pressure of testing conditions. Fortunately, many of these mistakes can be easily avoided with proper preparation, focus, and awareness.
In this article, we’ll highlight the most common mistakes drivers make during the CDL testing process and provide practical tips on how to avoid them. Whether you’re testing for a Class A, Class B, or Class C CDL, these insights can help you pass your exam confidently and efficiently.
1. Not Studying the CDL Manual Thoroughly
Mistake: Skipping or skimming through the CDL manual is a common mistake many test-takers make, assuming they can “wing it” on the written portion. The CDL manual covers everything from road signs to laws governing the transportation of hazardous materials, and missing key details can cost you the exam.
How to Avoid It:
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Study the CDL manual cover-to-cover. Don’t just focus on sections you think are important. Study road signs, laws, and vehicle inspections thoroughly.
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Use practice tests: Many online resources provide CDL practice tests that simulate the real exam. They’ll help you identify any gaps in your knowledge.
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Set aside time each day: Consistent, daily study sessions are far more effective than cramming all at once. Aim for 30–60 minutes a day leading up to your test.
2. Failing to Perform a Proper Pre-Trip Inspection
Mistake: One of the most common CDL road test mistakes is failing the pre-trip inspection. This portion of the exam requires you to check your vehicle thoroughly, pointing out all critical components (brakes, lights, tires, etc.). A missed step or failure to identify key parts of the inspection can lead to an automatic failure.
How to Avoid It:
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Practice your pre-trip inspection repeatedly before your test. Make sure you know each step in order.
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Study the vehicle inspection checklist: Break it down into sections and practice performing the inspection in a methodical way.
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Verbally explain each step: During your road test, you’ll need to verbally explain what you’re inspecting. Practice saying each inspection step out loud while you do it to build muscle memory.
3. Improper Shifting Techniques (Manual Transmissions)
Mistake: If you’re testing in a manual transmission vehicle, improper shifting is a common error. Whether it’s missing a gear, grinding the gears, or not downshifting properly, these mistakes can lead to test failure or deduction of points.
How to Avoid It:
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Practice shifting: Make sure you spend plenty of time practicing shifting in the vehicle you’ll use for the test. The best way to avoid mistakes is through repetition.
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Pay attention to RPMs: Shift when the engine reaches the appropriate RPM to ensure smooth gear changes.
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Don’t rush: It’s easy to panic and rush through shifting, but doing so can lead to mistakes. Keep your focus on smooth, controlled movements.
4. Poor Turning and Lane Control
Mistake: Improper turning and not maintaining proper lane control is another common mistake during the CDL skills test. Because commercial vehicles are larger, taking wide turns or encroaching on adjacent lanes can result in failure.
How to Avoid It:
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Practice turning: When turning corners or making wide turns, make sure you use your mirrors to check for clearance and practice taking wider turns.
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Be aware of your truck’s length: Remember, you’re driving a longer, larger vehicle than a standard car, so adjust your turns accordingly. This can be tricky in tight spaces.
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Slow down before turns: Take turns at a slower speed and make sure you’re in the correct lane before turning.
5. Failing to Check Blind Spots
Mistake: Failing to check your blind spots is one of the most dangerous mistakes you can make during your CDL road test. Whether you’re changing lanes, merging onto highways, or backing up, missing a crucial check of your blind spots can result in a failure.
How to Avoid It:
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Check mirrors constantly: Make it a habit to check your side mirrors, rearview mirror, and blind spots regularly while driving.
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Use the “mirror, signal, maneuver” method: Always check mirrors before signaling and before any maneuver. This ensures you’re aware of other vehicles on the road.
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Make head checks: Before changing lanes or turning, perform a head check by physically turning your head to ensure no one is in your blind spot.
6. Not Following Proper Backing Procedures
Mistake: Backing up a large vehicle, especially in tight spaces, is one of the most difficult tasks during the CDL road test. Failing to back up safely—whether by hitting an obstacle, going out of bounds, or not using the mirrors effectively—can result in an automatic failure.
How to Avoid It:
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Practice backing up: Practice in various settings—straight lines, tight spots, and angled spaces. The more practice you get, the better your skills will become.
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Use your mirrors: Always use side mirrors and your rearview mirror to monitor your surroundings while backing up. Never rely solely on the rearview camera if available.
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Go slow: Don’t rush the backing process. Move slowly and steadily to avoid hitting obstacles or failing to park correctly.
7. Lack of Proper Speed Control
Mistake: Driving too fast or too slow can create problems during your CDL test. Speeding is dangerous, and driving too slowly can make it difficult for other vehicles on the road to follow or pass you. In both cases, the examiner will deduct points.
How to Avoid It:
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Drive at a safe speed: Always maintain a safe and legal speed for the road conditions, traffic flow, and type of vehicle you’re driving.
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Maintain control: Avoid sudden accelerations or decelerations. Keep a steady, controlled speed unless the road conditions require adjustments.
8. Neglecting to Signal Properly
Mistake: Failure to signal or signaling too late is another common mistake. Whether you’re turning, merging, or changing lanes, signaling is essential for communicating your intentions to other drivers.
How to Avoid It:
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Signal early: Get into the habit of signaling at least 100 feet before making a turn or lane change.
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Use turn signals properly: Ensure your signals are clear and activated well before making any maneuver. Never assume other drivers know your intentions.
9. Lack of Preparation for the Written Exam
Mistake: Many applicants neglect the CDL written exam, thinking it’s just a formality. In reality, the test covers a lot of important knowledge—everything from road signs to commercial driving regulations—and failure to study can result in a failed exam.
How to Avoid It:
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Study the CDL manual thoroughly and review the practice tests available online.
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Understand the questions: The written exam includes multiple-choice questions, so make sure you understand each topic, such as load safety, vehicle weight limits, and hazardous materials regulations.
Conclusion
The CDL test is designed to assess your ability to safely operate a commercial vehicle. By understanding and avoiding the common mistakes listed above, you can greatly increase your chances of passing your exam on the first try.
Remember, preparation is key. Practice your skills, study the manual, and stay calm during the test. With the right focus and effort, you’ll be ready to earn your CDL and start your career on the road!