Federal CDL Study Guide (sample)
Original study summaries based on federal rules and the model CDL manual. Sample development content — not a complete or official manual.
1. General Knowledge
1.1 CDL classes1.2 Endorsements and restrictions1.3 Why vehicle inspections matter 2. Driving Safely
2.1 Seeing ahead and around you2.2 Managing space (following distance)2.3 Speed and stopping distance2.4 Distracted driving 3. Transporting Cargo
3.1 Inspecting cargo3.2 Weight and balance 4. Air Brakes
4.1 Parts of an air brake system4.2 Air brake system checks4.3 Braking on long downgrades 5. Combination Vehicles
5.1 Coupling and uncoupling5.2 Trailer air controls 6. Doubles and Triples
6.1 Pulling doubles and triples 7. Tank Vehicles
7.1 Driving tank vehicles 8. Hazardous Materials
8.1 Shipping papers8.2 Placarding basics8.3 Driver duties 9. Passenger Vehicles
9.1 Passenger safety 10. School Bus
10.1 Danger zones and mirrors 11. Pre-Trip Inspection
11.1 The seven-step method11.2 Tires 12. Basic Vehicle Control
12.1 Backing safely 13. Road Signs
13.1 Sign shapes and colors 14. Railroad Crossings
14.1 Crossing procedures 15. Emergency Procedures
15.1 Warning devices15.2 Fires and brake failure 16. Hours of Service Basics
16.1 Property-carrying drivers16.2 Passenger-carrying drivers 17. Cargo Securement Basics
17.1 Minimum number of tiedowns