Commercial Driver’s License Exam: The Skills Tests

When you pass the required Knowledge Tests, you can take the CDL Skills Test.

There are three parts of the CDL Skills Test: the pre-trip inspection test, the basic control skills test, and the road test.

If you wish to obtain a license for a particular vehicle, you must take these tests in that type of vehicle.

PRE-TRIP INSPECTION TEST
This test is an informal procedure. You will be asked to perform a pre-trip inspection on the truck you will be using to take the driving tests. To prepare for this test, you should keep in mind these objectives:

1. Know and observe vehicle inspection safety rules.
2. Recognize the vehicle component(s) involved in each tractor-trailer inspection step.
3. Know the purpose of each tractor-trailer inspection step.
4. Know the inspection criteria for each tractor-trailer inspection step.

This test will cover safety rules, engine compartment checks, engine start checks, and walkaround inspection.

A Simple Guide To Vehicle Inspection

Safety Rules
Follow these safety rules:
Make sure you keep the examiner in sight.
Make sure the vehicle can’t move before getting in front, behind, or under! USE CHOCKS!
Enter/exit vehicle using correct procedure.

The following are items the examiner will want you to check.

Engine Compartment Inspection
Oil level check: You should pull out the dipstick and see where the oil level is relative to the full or refill mark. The level must be above the refill mark.
Coolant level check: You should look at the sight glass or reservoir, or remove the radiator cap and look to see the level. Adequate level will show in sight glass or be visible in the radiator when the cap is removed.
NOTE: If the engine is hot, do not remove the radiator cap! If there is no sight glass, indicate that you would remove the cap. If there is a sight glass, do not remove the radiator cap—you will be marked incorrect if you do.


Power steering fluid check: With the engine stopped, you must pull out the dipstick and see where the fluid level is relative to the refill mark. The level must be above the refill mark.
Water pump, alternator, and air compressor drive belt checks: With the engine off, you should point to, touch, or press the belt to test that it is tight enough. You must inspect that the belt is not frayed, has no visible cracks, loose fibers, or other signs of wear. If the belt appears worn or loose, you should push the belt with your hand and look for excessive deflection.
NOTE: Make sure you are inspecting the correct belt. The air compressor may not be belt driven—if this is the case, mention this. You may be marked incorrect if you do not.


Fluid leaks: Make sure to check for signs of fluid puddles, or dripping fluids on the ground under the engine, or the underside of the engine.

Engine Start
Proper clutch/gear shift operation: You should depress the clutch before turning on the starter, to prevent vehicle from moving and to reduce the load on the starter motor. (On an automatic transmission, the selector should be in the “park” position if available, or in the “neutral” position if not.)
Engine oil pressure check: After the engine starts, check that oil pressure is building to normal. The oil gauge should show either increasing or normal oil pressure. Make sure the warning light is not on.
Ammeter/voltmeter check: You should check the gauge that shows that the alternator or generator is charging. Make sure the warning light is not on.
 

Air brake checks: You should perform the following checks:
Let air pressure build to governed or cut-out pressure.
With engine off, wheels chocked, and parking brake released, fully apply footbrake to see if air pressure drops more than three pounds in one minute (single vehicle) or more than four pounds in one minute (for combination vehicles).
Start fanning off the air pressure by rapidly applying and releasing the footbrake: low-air-pressure warning alarm should activate before air pressure drops below 60 psi.
Continue to fan off the air pressure: At approximately 40 pounds pressure on a combination vehicle, the tractor protection valve should close (pop out); on straight vehicles, the spring brake push/pull valve should pop out. On truck tractors, the parking brake push/pull valve should pop out before the pressure has dropped below 20 psi.
Steering wheel play check: You should work the steering wheel back and forth to determine whether less than 5 to 10 degrees (less than 2” at the rim of a 20” wheel) of free play exists. (With power steering, you must perform this with the engine running, while observing the left front wheel to see that it does not move.)
Parking brake check: You must check that the parking brake will hold the vehicle, by gently trying to pull forward with the parking brake on.
Mirror checks: You must check all mirrors for proper adjustment, cracked or loose glass or fittings, and cleanliness.
Windshield checks: You should check the windshield for cracks, dirt, and illegal stickers or other obstructions to your view.
Wiper checks: You should check to make sure that the wipers operate and appear securely mounted. Washer (if present) should be checked, as well as the performance of the wiper blades.
Lighting indicator checks: Check the dashboard indicator lights for turn signals, flashers, and headlight high beam.
Horn checks: Check that the electric and/or air horns work.
Heater/defroster check: Make sure that heater/defroster will blow air on windshield as required by safety regulations.
Safety/emergency equipment checks: You should check for the presence of three red reflective triangles (or flares), for a properly charged and rated fire extinguisher (one rated 5B:C or more, or two rated 4B:C), and for electrical fuses (if used in the vehicle).

Walkaround Inspection
Suspension inspection (repeat at each wheel as appropriate, depending on construction and accessibility): Look for broken spring leaves, leaves that have shifted and are close to or contacting tires, rim, brake drum, frame, or body; missing or broken leaves in the spring. For coil springs, look for broken or distorted springs. For air suspension, you should listen for audible air leaks.
You should check that the torsion bar assembly, torque arm, or control arm (as applicable) is not cracked, broken or missing.
Check all brackets, bolts, and bushings used for attaching spring to axle and vehicle frame. You should check for cracked or broken spring hangers ; broken, missing or loose bolts; missing or damaged bushings; broken, loose, or missing axle mounting parts.
Make sure that the shock absorber mounting is secure; no fluid should be leaking.

Wheel inspection (repeated at each wheel as appropriate):
Rims. You should check for damaged or bent rims; rims should not have welding repairs and should not have rust areas indicating that the rims or lug nuts are loose.
Tires. Check tread depth, tire inflation, and that tires are evenly worn. Look for cuts or other damage. Make sure that valve caps and stems are not broken or damaged and that treads are not separating from the tire.
NOTE: Minimum tread depth is 4/32 inch on front tires and 2/32 inch on other tires. A proper check of inflation requires the use of a tire pressure gauge. A tire mallet or iron can be used on dual tires to check that one tire is not flat. You will be marked incorrect if you simply kick a tire, especially a front tire!
Axle seals. On driving wheels, the drive axle flange gaskets should be checked for leaks (any sign of lubricant coming from the hub area).
Hub oil seals. Wheels that are not powered (for example, most front wheels) may have hub oil seals which are transparent to permit checking oil level, or have removable plastic caps that permit checking oil level. Level should be checked, and all types of hubs should be checked for signs of lubricant leaks.
Lug nuts. Check that all lug nuts are present; that nuts are not loose (try to turn nuts; look for rust trails around nuts); that no cracks radiate from lug bolt holes; that there is no distortion of the holes.
Spacers of dual wheels. The driver should check that dual wheels are evenly separated, and that the tires are not touching one another.

Figure: Tire Inflation
 

Brake checks (at each wheel):
Slack adjuster. Make sure to check for broken, loose, or missing parts. Make sure the angle between the push rod and adjuster arm is slightly more than 90 degrees when the brakes are applied or pulled by hand. When the slack adjuster is pulled by hand, the brake rod should not move outward more than approximately one inch.

Brake chamber and hoses. The brake chamber should not be cracked or dented, and it should be securely mounted. The hoses carrying air to the brake chamber should not be frayed, cracked, or abraded from rubbing on other vehicle parts.

Brake drums. Check for cracked drums, brake shoes or pads with oil, grease, or brake fluid on them. Make sure brake shoes are not worn dangerously thin, or are missing.
 

Fuel tank: Check for leaks from fuel tanks and for secure mounting of the fuel tank.
 

Front-of-vehicle inspection: Check headlights (high and low beams), turn signals , clearance lights , and identification lights for illumination, cleanliness, unbroken lenses, and secure fastening.
Check that the steering box is secure (no loose or missing nuts or bolts, no broken parts), with no power steering leaks, and that the power steering hoses are in safe condition.
Check steering linkage (no loose or missing nuts or bolts; connecting links, arms, rods not worn or cracked; joints or sockets not worn or loose).
 

Under-vehicle checks: Make sure that the drive shaft is not bent or cracked and that universal joints and fasteners appear to be secure.
Check the exhaust system (if it’s underneath), making sure that all visible parts are securely mounted and that there are no cracks, holes, or severe dents.
Check the frame of the vehicle (no cracks or bends in longitudinal frame members; no loose, cracked, bent, broken, or missing cross members; no signs of breaks or holes in floor of cargo area).
 

Bus items: Make sure that passenger emergency exits (doors, roof hatches, designated windows) work correctly and are secured properly.
Make sure that passenger entry doors open, close and lock correctly, and that entry steps are clear. Make sure that treads are not loose or worn enough to trip a passenger.
Check that passenger seats are securely fastened to the bus and don’t have broken frames.
Make sure that baggage compartment doors are secure.
 

Truck tractor items: Check air and electric lines connected to trailer. Make sure the lines are not cut, cracked, chafed, worn, spliced, taped, tangled, crimped, pinched, frayed, or dragging against vehicle parts.
Check that the catwalk is secure.

Figure: Walkaround Sequence

Make sure to check the fifth wheel—mounting (look for loose or missing mounting brackets, clamps, bolts, nuts); safety latch (locked, to hold fifth wheel jaws shut); no cracks or breaks in the platform structure; release arm or device is in “engaged” position; kingpin appears undamaged and properly clasped by the fifth wheel locking jaws, with no space between upper (i.e., apron) and lower halves of the fifth wheel. Locking pins of sliding fifth wheel (if truck has one) must be present and locked in place.
Check to make sure that lights and reflectors on rear of tractor are present, intact, secure, clean, and working. Make sure splash guards or mudflaps are securely mounted.
 

Trailer front: Check that air and electric lines are not cut, cracked, chafed, worn, spliced, taped, tangled, crimped, pinched, or dragging against vehicle parts.
Make sure that a header board (front end structure), which protects the driver from forward movement of the cargo, is present, securely mounted, and undamaged.
Lights and reflectors on the front end of the trailer must be present, intact, secure, clean, and working.
 

Side of trailer: Check that all landing gear are fully raised and that the crank handle is present and secured. All landing gear frame parts must be present, secure, and not bent or damaged.
Check that the lights and reflectors on the side are present, intact, secure, clean, and working.
Check that the van body doors are securely shut and that cargo is properly tied down.
Make sure that the trailer frame has no cracks or bends in longitudinal members and that there are no loose, cracked, bent, broken, or missing cross members. There should be no signs of breaks or significant holes in the flooring or van body.
 

Rear: Check that the taillights, stop lights, turn signals, flashers, identification lights, clearance lights, and reflectors are present, intact, secure, clean, and working. Make sure that all cargo is tied or otherwise secured, as necessary, and that the van doors (if any) are securely shut.

Basic Control Skills Test
This test is an informal procedure that is taken on a driving course, which will be marked off by boundary lines and traffic cones. The driving course may be an off-road site, or a road with very little traffic. To prepare for this test, you should keep in mind these objectives:
Know and observe safety rules.

Be familiar with the Basic Control Skills (BCS) performance criteria (encroachment, pullups, final position).

Recognize the layout of each of the six BCS maneuvers:

1. Right turn.
2. Stopline.
3. Straight line backing.
4. Alley dock.
5. Parallel park (sight and right side).
6. Backward serpentine.

NOTE: This test may consist of seven exercises: one from each of the areas above, including one for each type of parallel parking.

A SImple Guide To Basic Conrol Skills

Safety Rules
Follow these safety rules:

1. Make sure you keep the examiner in sight.
2. Make sure you signal “final position” with the horn. Always assume that the vehicle may move. Position yourself so you won’t be hurt if it does.

Basic Control Skills Performance Criteria
Encroachment: Driving over boundary lines, traffic cones, or any other type of marker.
Pull-ups: Any time you stop your vehicle and move in reverse to better position the vehicle, or to correct a mistake.
Final Position: The point at which you have completed the test exercise. At this point, you signal completion with your horn.

Basic Control Skills Maneuvers
Right Turn: During the test, the examiner will ask you to drive forward and make a right turn around a traffic cone or some other type of marker. At the completion of the turn, signal your final position with your horn. The examiner will record the distance your truck came within the traffic cone/marker and whether or not you hit the cone/marker. He will also record the number, if any, of pull-ups that were made to complete the turn.
NOTE: You will fail this test if you drive over a traffic cone or marker.


Stop Line: The examiner will have you drive forward and then stop at a stop line. You must stop as close as possible to the stop line as you can, without going over it. Signal with your horn when you have completed the stop. When you have completed this exercise, the examiner will measure how close your bumper is to the stop line.
NOTE: You will fail this test if you go over the stop line.


Straight Line Backing: You will be tested on your ability to back in a straight line. You will be asked to back down an alley (an alley being the lane marked off by boundary lines and traffic cones) approximately 100 feet in length and 12 feet in width. You must back down the alley without driving over the sides of the alley. When you have finished this exercise, use your horn to signal final position. The examiner will record whether or not you touched any of the boundary lines and the number, if any, of pull-ups that were made to complete this exercise.
NOTE: You will fail this test if you cannot properly back up, if you fail to use your mirrors, and/or if you need to move forward to straighten the vehicle three or more times.


Alley Dock: During this exercise, you will be asked to back into an alley, with the object being to get as close as you can to the left side and rear of the alley. You should not back past the end of the alley, or drive over any boundary lines or markers. When you have reached your final position, signal with your horn. The examiner will then record whether or not you touched or crossed any of the boundary lines or markers. He will also measure the distance between the stop line and the rear of your vehicle.
NOTE: You will fail this test if you back over a traffic cone, marker, or curb; if you fail to perform a complete alley dock; or if you must perform four or more pull-ups to complete the alley dock.


Parallel Park: There are two types of parallel parking that you will be asked to perform: parallel parking from the sight side and parallel parking from the right side.
Sight-side parallel parking will require you to parallel park in a parking space that is on your left side. The parking space you will be parking in will be 10 feet longer than the length of your vehicle. You will have to drive past the parking space and then back into it. You must park your vehicle as close to the curbside and rear of the parking space as you can, with your vehicle completely in the space. You should signal with your horn upon completing this exercise.
The examiner will record the number, if any, of pull-ups that were made to complete this exercise. He will also record if you hit any cones, or touched or crossed any boundary lines. The last thing the examiner will do will be to measure the distance your vehicle is from the front, back, and curbside lines of the parking space.
Right-side parallel parking will require you to parallel park in a parking space that is on your right side. You will follow the same procedure as in sight-side parallel parking to perform this exercise; however, you will be approaching from the opposite direction. The parking space you will be parking in will be 10 feet longer than the length of your vehicle. You will have to drive past the parking space and then back into it. You must park your vehicle as close to the curbside and rear of the parking space as you can, with your vehicle completely in the space. Again, you should signal with your horn upon completing this exercise.
As with sight side parallel parking, the examiner will record the number, if any, of pull-ups that were made to complete this exercise. He will also record if you hit any cones, or touched or crossed any boundary lines. The last thing the examiner will do will be to measure the distance your vehicle is from the front, back, and curbside lines of the parking space.
NOTE: You will fail this test if you drive/back over a traffic cone, marker, or boundary line; if you cannot parallel park successfully; or if you perform three or more pull-ups to complete each exercise.


Serpentine: There are two types of serpentine that you may be asked to perform: forward and backward.
Forward serpentine is an exercise for which a row of three cones will be set up. You will have to drive through this course, weaving in and out of the cones, in a serpentine manner. You must not hit any of the traffic cones or markers. One pull-up may be allowed during this exercise, and some examiners may allow you to get out of your vehicle to check its position. You should stop when you move past the last cone and then signal final position with your horn. The examiner will record how well you drive through the course, if you hit any cones, and the number, if any, of pull-ups made to perform this exercise.
NOTE: You will fail this test if you drive over a traffic cone, boundary line, or marker; or if you cannot successfully complete the exercise.


Backward serpentine is an exercise for which a row of three cones will be set up. You will have to back through this course, weaving in and out of the cones, in a serpentine manner. You must not hit any of the traffic cones or markers. One pull-up may be allowed during this exercise, and some examiners may allow you to get out of your vehicle to check its position. You should stop when you move past the last cone and then signal final position with your horn. The examiner will record how well you back through the course, if you hit any cones, and the number, if any, of pull-ups made to perform this exercise.

NOTE: You will fail this test if you back over a traffic cone, boundary line, or marker; if you cannot successfully complete the exercise; or if you need to perform five or more pull-ups to complete the exercise.
 

ROAD TEST
For the road test, you must be able to correctly perform the following maneuvers:

1. Left turns.
2. Right turns.
3. Procedure to follow at a railroad crossing.
4. A stop and start on a grade.
5. Driving up a hill or grade.
6. Stopping at and going through intersections.
7. Driving on straight sections of urban/rural roads.
8. Driving around curves.
9. Driving on an expressway.
10. Backing in a straight line.
11. Parallel parking.
12. Forward stopping.

You will also be observed for your skill in:

1. Using the clutch properly.
2. Using gears properly.
3. Using brakes properly.
4. Obeying traffic signs.
5. Operating the vehicle safely.

What the Examiner Will Be Looking for
Left/Right Turns: As you approach each turn, the examiner will check if you:

1. Check traffic. You must look straight ahead, left, right, and to the rear using your mirrors.
2. Signal. You must signal at least 100 feet before the turn.
3. Slow down. Slow smoothly and change gears as needed to keep power. Do not coast with your foot on the clutch.
4. Position your vehicle. Get into the correct lane and position your vehicle to make the turn.
5. You should time your arrival so stopping isn’t necessary. If you must stop prior to the turn, the examiner will check if you:
6. Maintain a gap. Stop far enough back so you can see the rear wheels of the vehicle in front.
    

Stop in the correct place. Stop so your vehicle is:

1. Not in the intersection.
2. Not over the stop line.
3. Not past the sidewalk.
4. Not past the stop sign or other marker.
5. Stop fully. You must not coast and must come to a full stop. Make sure you always stop in gear. Stopping out of gear could be considered not having control of the vehicle, and an automatic failure.
6. Keep the wheels straight. You must keep your wheels straight ahead while stopped.

While turning, the examiner will check if you:

1. Check traffic.
2. Keep both hands on the wheel.
3. Change gears. You must not change gears during the turn. Gear changing should only be done to get started from the stopped position.
4. Maintain a smooth speed and turn smoothly without stops.
5. Turn correctly. You must not turn too wide or short. Do not go over or touch the curb or cause other traffic to back up.

As you complete the turn, the examiner will check to see if you:

1. Check traffic.
2. Are in the correct lane. You must finish the turn in the correct lane. For a left turn, use the left lane; and for a right turn, use the right lane.
3. Cancel the signal. You must turn off the turn signal.
4. Accelerate for left turns and move right. You must accelerate smoothly and move into the right lane when traffic is clear.
    

Railroad Crossings: When crossing railroad tracks, the examiner will check that you:

1. Check traffic. You should look left and right, roll down the window (or, if driving a bus, open the door) to listen.
2. Do not change gears while on the tracks.
3. Do not stop or brake on the tracks and do not make lane changes or pass on the tracks.
4. Keep to posted speed limits.
    

Stop on Grades: The examiner may have you stop and start on a grade. When stopping on a grade, the examiner will check that you:

1. Check traffic prior to stopping.
2. Turn signals on.
3. Position the vehicle on the right side of the roadway.
4. Slow down smoothly, changing gears to keep power, and that you do not coast.
5. Once stopped, the examiner will check that you:
6. Have positioned the vehicle parallel to the curb.
7. Do not let the vehicle roll forward or backward.
8. Cancel the turn signal and turn on the four-way flashers.
9. Put on the parking brake, put the gear shift in neutral, release the foot brake, and take your foot off the clutch.
    

Start on Grades: The examiner will tell you to continue and check that you:

1. Check traffic.
2. Turn your four-way flashers off and your left-turn signal on.
3. Release the parking break, put vehicle in gear, and do not turn the steering wheel before the vehicle moves.
4. Do not stall the engine when starting, or roll backward.
5. Continue to check traffic.
6. Accelerate smoothly and blend with traffic.
    

Driving up Grades: As you drive up a grade, the examiner will check that you:

1. Select the proper gear, change gears to maintain speed, and do not lug the engine.
2. Stay in the right-most lane.
3. Keep hands on the steering wheel.
4. Use four-way flashers if you are moving too slow for traffic.
5. Check traffic, especially to the left and rear (use mirrors).
    

Driving Down Grades: As you drive down a grade, the examiner will check that you:

1. Select the proper gear (lower gear) before the grade. Only gentle to moderate braking should be needed to control speed and engine RPM.
2. Do not ride the clutch.
3. Check the brakes by applying them before the grade.
4. Maintain a steady speed and do not ride or fan the brakes.
5. Stay in the right-most lane and maintain the correct following distance.
6. Check traffic especially to the left and rear using your mirrors.
    

Intersections: If you must stop at the intersection, the examiner will check the same items as when you stop for a turn. As you drive through an intersection, the examiner will check that you:

1. Check traffic.
2. Yield to pedestrians and other traffic, as required.
3. Do not change lanes in the intersection.
4. Do not change gears in the intersection.
5. Do not lug or rev engine.
6. Smoothly drive through the intersection without disrupting traffic.
    

Straight Roads: As you drive down a straight city or county road, the examiner will check that you:

1. Regularly check traffic, watch for hazards, and look far enough ahead (12 to 15 seconds).
2. Select the proper lane and stay to the center of the lane without wandering back and forth.
3. Maintain the correct speed and avoid continual slowing up, stopping, and accelerating.
4. Maintain the correct following distance. One second per 10 feet of vehicle length plus one additional second for speeds over 40 mph.
    

Changing Lanes: When you must change lanes, the examiner will check that you:

1. Check the traffic to the front and the rear, especially the blind spot.
2. Signal the lane change.
3. Do not tailgate while waiting to change lanes.
4. Make a smooth lane change and maintain your speed, allowing for correct distance between all vehicles.
5. Cancel the signal.

Curves: In curves, the examiner will check that you:

1. Reduce your speed before the curve.
2. Do not brake while in the curve.
3. Maintain your speed during the curve without a strong pull to the side.
4. Keep all vehicle wheels in your lane.
5. Continually check traffic and use your mirrors to watch the tracking of your vehicle.

Underpasses/Bridges: As you go under an underpass or over a bridge, the examiner may ask you:
The posted height of the underpass.
The weight limit of the bridge.
 

Expressway Driving: As you merge onto the expressway, the examiner will check that you:

1. Check traffic.
2. Check the blind spot.
3. Signal at least soon enough that expressway traffic can see the signal.
4. Merge without stopping.
5. Use acceleration lane to accelerate to speed of traffic flow.
6. Merge smoothly while maintaining following distance.
7. Move to the center of the driving lane and cancel the signal.
    

When changing lanes on the expressway, the examiner will check that you:

1. Check traffic to front and rear, especially in blind spots.
2. Signal the lane change.
3. Do not tailgate while waiting to change lanes.
4. Make a smooth lane change, maintain your speed, and allow for the correct distance between all vehicles.
5. Cancel the signal.
6. As you exit the expressway, the examiner will check that you:
7. Check traffic in front and rear, especially to the right and in blind spots.
8. Signal the exit.
9. Smoothly enter the exit lane at the start of the exit lane.
10. Slow down in the deceleration lane.
11. Do not exceed the ramp speed and have no noticeable pull to the side on the ramp curve.
12. Do not tailgate on the ramp.
13. Cancel the signal.
     

Backing/Parallel Parking: During the test, the examiner will have you back up your vehicle. The examiner will check you as you back in a straight line and as you parallel park. Make sure you:

1. Check your backing area. (Get out and look.)
2. Sound your horn as a warning.
3. Turn on your four-way flashers.
4. Control your vehicle while backing.
5. Do not run over curbs or course markings.
6. Stop when directed by the examiner.
7. Try to be within 18 inches from the curb.

Forward Stopping: The examiner will have you forward stop your vehicle at a given point. Make sure you stop in one smooth braking action.
General Driving Skills: The examiner will check your general driving skills throughout the test. Make sure you:

1. Use your clutch properly. Don’t coast with the clutch in, don’t ride the clutch, don’t snap the clutch, and don’t lug or over-rev the engine.
2. Use gears correctly. Select the correct gear and don’t grind or clash gears.
3. Use brakes correctly. Brake smoothly with steady pressure.
4. Don’t ride the brakes and don’t brake hard or fan air brakes.
5. Steer correctly, keep both hands on the wheel, and don’t under- or over-control the steering.
6. Obey all traffic signs and laws.
7. Drive safely without an accident. Do not run over curbs or sidewalks. Stay in your traffic lane. Drive so you are never forced to take evasive action.
8. Wear your seat belt at all times.

Once again, for the road test, you will need to know how to make a left and right turn, and you must know what to do when you reach a railroad crossing. You may want to practice stopping and starting your truck on a grade, and driving up a hill or grade. Although you probably are familiar with driving on straight sections of urban and rural roads, and what the proper procedure is for stopping at and going through intersections, you may want to review these points carefully because you will be required to know how to do these correctly. Driving on curves and expressway driving will also be tested. If you have trouble backing in a straight line and parallel parking, you should brush up on these skills before taking the test. Finally, you should make sure you can bring your truck to a smooth stop.
Some examiners will want commentary driving, which is calling out potential hazards, railroad crossings being clear, crosswalks, and bridge height and weight limits. Some other things to keep in mind are to make sure you never make another vehicle back up to avoid being hit by you, find out if it is legal and safe to make a right on red if you are allowed to, and claim the intersection when making a left turn at a green light. Any curb hit on the road test can be an automatic failure whether going straight or backing up.

Scoring The Road Test
Each state develops its own tests and scoring systems. During your road test, the test route may offer many different types of traffic situations, which may require you to call upon all of your knowledge and driving skills. Although you may perform any of the driving maneuvers listed (in the beginning of this section) at many different times during your road test, your performance of a certain maneuver will not be graded each time it is performed. You may be graded on the maneuver more than once; however, this depends on the scoring system of the state.
When you take your road test, the examiner will have preplanned scoring rules that he/ she will follow in determining when a certain maneuver will be graded. Before your test, it will be decided when and where each maneuver will be graded. For example, you may make seven left turns, but you may only be graded on three of them. The three graded turns will have been performed at certain locations that were decided upon before the test. This may, however, work to your benefit, if you happen to make a mistake while performing a maneuver that is not being graded.
At each predetermined scoring location, the examiner may not only grade the maneuver you are performing as a whole, but may also grade you on:

1. How often you check your mirrors.
2. Your lane positioning.
3. Your speed and how well you control it.
4. Whether or not you use your signal.
5. If you cancel the signal.
6. Whether or not you begin or end in the wrong lane.
7. Whether or not you swing your truck too wide or too short.
8. Whether or not you search for hazards.
9. How you perform gear shifts.
10. If you check the traffic around you.
11. Whether or not you notice and/or follow all traffic signs.

Other skills.
Although you may not be penalized for making certain mistakes during a maneuver that is not being graded, you may be penalized for other, more serious offenses. The following offenses are very serious and are counted as grounds for automatic failure:

1. Inability to correctly use your vehicle equipment.
2. Refusing to perform or complete any part of the road test.
3. Not yielding to a pedestrian who is in the process of crossing at a crosswalk and/or passing a vehicle that has yielded to a pedestrian crossing in a crosswalk.
4. Passing a school bus that is in the process of unloading and/or loading students, while the bus is flashing its red lights.
5. Running a stop sign, stop line, or red light.
6. Turning from a wrong lane (turning left from the right lane of a street with four lanes), especially if this creates a traffic hazard.
7. Driving the wrong way on a one-way street and driving the wrong way on a two-way street.
8. Stopping your vehicle in a busy intersection.
9. If you are involved in an accident in which someone was injured or in which there is any amount of damage to property.
10. If other drivers are forced to take action to avoid an accident with you.
11. If the examiner must help you to avoid an accident.
12. Driving on sidewalks or up curbs, especially if this causes a hazard to pedestrians.

Although each state develops its own scoring systems, there are federal regulations, which state that “to achieve a passing score on the skills test, the driver applicant must demonstrate that he/she can successfully perform all of the skills listed.” State scoring systems define in their own terms what it means to “successfully perform all of the skills listed.”
There are different types of scoring systems used to score the road test. Some systems:

1. Rank the performance of a maneuver as good, fair, poor, or failing.
2. Only score imperfect performances of maneuvers.
3. Assign fixed values to each maneuver.
4. Give the final score in terms of a percentage.
5. Credit you for each maneuver performed correctly.

Before taking the road test, be sure to find out how your state scores the test, the passing score, offenses for automatic failure, and how to go about taking the test over if you do fail.