CDL Knowledge & Skills Tests

CDL Knowledge and Skills Tests

A CDL will be issued only after you have passed all of the required knowledge and skills tests.

Knowledge Tests

• All test results will remain valid for one year from the date they were passed. If the appropriate license is not issued within the one-year period, the tests must be retaken.
• If you do not pass a test (knowledge or skills), you must wait three days before retaking the test (i.e., If you failed the test on Monday, you would be eligible to retest on Thursday).
• The test fees must be paid again.

CDL tests are not required at renewal time, with the exception of the Hazardous Materials knowledge test which must be passed prior to each renewal. Applicants must take the knowledge tests for the class of license applied for and also the test(s) for any endorsement(s) they wish to hold. In the front of the CDL driving manual, you will find a table showing you which sections of the manual to study for each test.

Skills Tests

After passing the knowledge tests and obtaining a CLP, you must make an appointment with a CDL Examiner to take the skills test. By Federal Law, You must have your CLP for at least 14 days before you can take a skills test.

CDL skills test examiners are contractors for the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) and most work other jobs.

NOTE: You should contact the examiner well ahead of your desired test date. Examiners are required to notify ITD of your skills test a minimum of 48 hours prior to the test taking place.

This allows state and federal auditors to monitor tests periodically to insure the examiner is conducting the test properly.

If an ITD or FMCSA auditor monitors your test, do not be concerned. The examiner will conduct your test the same as if the auditor was not there.

You can find a list of CDL Examiners at your DMV, or online at:

https://itd.idaho.gov/itddmv/?target=driverslicense-id-cards/#cdl

Before taking your skills test, it is highly recommended you review a study aid you can find on the ITD Website known as “Ten Easy Steps to a CDL”. You’ll find it here: https://itd.idaho.gov/wpcontent/uploads/2016/06/TenEasyStepsToACDL.pdf

Test Length: The test consists of three parts, and usually takes about two hours to complete. The Vehicle Inspection and Basic Control sections of the test are timed. See Chapter 11 and 12 of the CDL Manual for more information.

Special Note: The skills test is one test with three parts, not three separate tests; therefore, failing any part of the test counts as a failure for the entire test, and the entire test must be retaken. A commercial driver must be able to do a pre-trip inspection, backing maneuvers, and drive on public roads on a daily basis under stressful conditions. The test reflects these requirements.

The skills test must be taken in a vehicle that is representative of the license class you wish to operate.

IMPORTANT NOTE: If the vehicle used for the test:

• is not equipped with air brakes, your CDL will show an (L) restriction stating that you are not licensed to operate vehicles equipped with air brakes.
• is equipped with an automatic transmission, your CDL will show an (E) restriction- no manual transmission commercial vehicle. For purposes of the CDL skills test and the restriction, an automatic transmission includes any transmission not operating fully on the gear shift and clutch principle.
• is other than a tractor-trailer with fifth wheel for Class A combination, your CDL will show an (O) restriction- no tractor trailer. For purposes of the CDL test, the (O) restriction will be placed on your CDL if you test in any combination vehicle EXCEPT a tractor and a trailer with a full size fifth wheel coupling.

Further Information:

• The tractor-trailer is not required to have a sleeper
• There is no minimum length or type requirement for the trailer, except that it is a full size fifth wheel hitch semi-trailer
• Any pintle-hitch, gooseneck, bumper pull, or RV style fifth wheel equipped combination will receive an (O) restriction.
• Any tow vehicle except a dedicated tractor will receive an (O) restriction

Skills Test Vehicle & Requirements

Some examiners have vehicles that you can rent to take your skills test. If you rent a vehicle from them, they will have all of the appropriate vehicle documentation and insurance required by the state.

If you use a vehicle other than an examiner’s, you will need to bring to the test:

1. A roadworthy commercial vehicle with all lights, brakes, and required safety equipment in clean, good working order.
2. Proof of current insurance and vehicle registration.
3. Your Driver’s License and your receipt showing you have passed the knowledge tests and paid the skills test fee.

After completing the testing process, please wait 24 hours (or as directed by the Examiner) to ensure that the test results have been entered on your driving record. You must return to the Driver’s License office to obtain your CDL. You do not have the authority to operate a commercial vehicle until you obtain the CDL.