It’s no secret that commercial drivers must understand how to navigate their trucks and work vehicles safely, as well as earn a commercial driver’s license (CDL). Some of these maneuvers may seem basic, but the size of a commercial vehicle makes it a challenge to perform them correctly. Here, the highly recommended, professional instructors at Mike’s Driving School review the driving maneuvers and strategies drivers need to understand to earn a CDL.
What Maneuvers Are Required on a CDL Driving Exam?
The three parts of a CDL exam are a pre-inspection test, a backing test, and a road skills test. An examiner can evaluate a driver on any of the following maneuvers during a CDL exam. They can fail a driver if a maneuver isn’t performed completely or correctly:
Pre-Inspection Maneuvers
Part of a CDL exam includes a pre-inspection test. The section of the exam tests how well a driver understands the vehicle’s parts and their functions, ensuring everything meets safety standards.
A pre-inspection test includes:
Checking the vehicle’s most recent inspection report
Looking under the vehicle for leaks
Making sure the vehicle’s lights work
Reviewing the tires’ condition and tread depth
Studying fluid levels under the vehicle’s hood
Evaluating the vehicle’s braking system
Driving Maneuvers
During the backing test, an examiner will evaluate a driver’s ability to execute common driving maneuvers and track how often a driver crosses over boundaries. Maneuvers include:
Forward stop: The driver must drive their truck forward and stop with the front of the truck in a designated area without exceeding boundaries or stopping more than once. It helps demonstrate their ability to judge the front of their vehicle during a controlled stop
Forward offset tracking: This requires the driver to maneuver their truck around obstacles while moving forward, focusing on maintaining the right rear tire within a designated boundary. It helps test their ability to maneuver around other objects while moving forward.
Reverse offset backing: The driver, starting in one lane, must offset back their vehicle into an adjacent lane. They then park the vehicle at the end of an alley.
Straight-line backing: This is when a driver backs up their vehicle straight, without veering to the left or right across a boundary.
Road Skills Maneuvers
Examiners evaluate a number of road maneuvers, including:
Entering an intersection
Following the speed limit
Moving under bridges and overpasses
Starting and stopping the vehicle
Turning and using turn signals
Changing lanes and checking mirrors and blind spots
S.A.F.E.R. Strategies for Commercial Drivers
Commercial drivers must also execute different safety strategies while on the road. This acronym S.A.F.E.R., standing for Space, Attitude, Foresight, Eyesight, and Responsiveness, can help instill safe driving techniques:
Space: Large commercial vehicles take a longer time to start and stop. Make sure there is enough room between your vehicle and the one in front of you.
Attitude: Remain calm and composed so you can make good decisions on the road.
Foresight: Learn how to manage driving situations based on what other drivers or pedestrians do. Also, learn to adjust for inclement weather conditions.
Eyesight: Use your vehicle’s mirrors to prevent blind spots and maintain a constant overview of your surroundings.
Responsiveness: Knowing how your vehicle responds will help you react to different situations you face on the road.
Learn About Essential Driving Maneuvers From Mike’s Driving School
Mastering these driving maneuvers is essential for a driver to earn their CDL and demonstrate safe driving skills. Driving is only one aspect of passing a CDL exam. It’s important to study the CDL manual and know federal and state rules and regulations.
Make sure you’re prepared on the day of your CDL exam. Reach out to Mike’s Driving School at our CDL training yard in Clayton, New Jersey, to learn about our CDL program. Contact us to schedule an appointment today.
