If you're interested in obtaining a commercial driver's license, you may be worried about whether or not you have the skills needed to pass the CDL test. Fortunately, there are many ways to obtain a CDL practice test. Since a practice test is created based on the information that is likely to be on the CDL exam, this is an excellent way to boost your confidence, calm pre-test jitters, and make sure you're ready to earn a passing score when it's time to take the test for real.

Students enrolled in community college truck driving programs or other vocational schools for commercial drivers will typically have a chance to take a practice test as part of their classroom learning. Your state's DMV should also offer a CDL practice test as part of the commercial driver's manual that is distributed as a study guide. If these two sources don't provide enough information, there are also a number of private Web sites offering various sample exam questions for aspiring commercial drivers.

CDL tests are given in a multiple choice format, with a few true or false questions. If you aren't sure what the correct answer to a question is, the best approach is to pick the answer you think sounds most accurate. Do not leave any questions blank.

• How far should you look ahead when operating a commercial vehicle?
• What is the procedure to test hydraulic breaks for leaks?
• What are two examples of conditions that would require you to downshift?
• Where should your reflectors be placed when you are stopped on an undivided highway?
• What is hydroplaning?

In addition to the general knowledge test, there are a number of other written CDL tests that are required to obtain certain endorsements on your license. For example:

• A passenger transport test is needed to drive a bus.
• A school bust test will be required if you want to get a job as a school bus driver.
• An air brakes test must be taken if your vehicle has air brakes, including air over hydraulic brakes.
• A combination vehicles test is required if you want to drive combination vehicles.
• A tanker test is necessary for drivers who want to haul a liquid or liquid gas in a permanently mounted cargo tank rated at 119 gallons or more or a portable tank rated at 1,000 gallons or more.
• A doubles/triples test is part of the exam if you want to pull double or triple trailers.
• The hazardous materials test is necessary if you want to haul hazardous materials or waste in amounts that require placarding or transport materials listed as a select agent or toxin.