Community Forums

osok · 04-09-2014, 06:31 AM

Took the written test yesterday and passed. Was surprised that they made me take the CDL test. At least that is what the computer said as I started the test. Glad I also studied the CDL book or would never have passed. The paperwork they and I filled out stated I was requesting for RV. I asked why I was given CDL and the reply was we have to know you can drive that big thing.

Still must return to take drivers skill test. Thinking maybe I will go to Livingston or Liberty for drivers test. Took written in Cleveland.

Couple of very important questions that everyone needs to know or you should not be on the roads as you are not qualified.
1. How many headlights are required on farm tractor? Two
2. What year were commercial vehicles required to have blinkers? 1959
Were 3 or 4 more important knowledge questions like above.

Johnontheroad · 04-09-2014, 06:41 AM

The Class B (vehicles over 26,001 lbs) requires the written part of the CDL, but not the medical or the parking. So be prepared to take the CDL.

I took my driving test in Conroe, and the lady was very particular and had me take my MH over roads (and traffic) that I would avoid. It was a pretty tough test. But I understand Livingston is much more lenient.

TXiceman · 04-09-2014, 08:49 AM

In the past, the written test was only over ONE chapter in the CDL manual, not the whole thing. Have they changed the est requirements?

Ken

itgeekgal · 04-09-2014, 09:52 AM

There's similar requirements for a class B in Nevada... Had to take a special class A/B written exam and a separate air brake written exam, both of which are passable if you study the manual (which I had plenty of time to do as I waited 2 hours at the DMV to be called up to a window).

Tomorrow I take a 3 part driving test which includes pre-trip inspection, skills test including a 90 degree backup turn, and the actual on the road driving test.

osok · 04-09-2014, 03:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TXiceman

In the past, the written test was only over ONE chapter in the CDL manual, not the whole thing. Have they changed the est requirements?

Ken

Ken it appears that most if not all test questions came from CDL chapter 14. I was not sure what type of test to prepare for so I read both booklets. What surprised me was the amount of silly questions that really have nothing to do with anything you need to know. But it is a government test.

Perhaps the purpose of the silly questions is to verify you read the book instead of used common sense answering questions.

Now that I know they are using CDL requirements for the Non-CDL license, I will ensure I have coach CDL outfitted for driving test. Extra fuses are required, fire ext., and 3 red triangle markers. Which I agree I should have.

Tankd · 04-09-2014, 05:24 PM

I took my test this past Feb, and the administrator even asked me if I had studied chapter 14 of the CDL.

Quote:

Originally Posted by TXiceman

In the past, the written test was only over ONE chapter in the CDL manual, not the whole thing. Have they changed the est requirements?

Ken

RickO · 04-09-2014, 05:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TXiceman

In the past, the written test was only over ONE chapter in the CDL manual, not the whole thing. Have they changed the est requirements?

Ken

X2.

I hate that they include those "silly questions" like what year turn signals were required.

But I'm surprised to hear that a number of questions came from the "CDL" portion, not just chapter 14. I wonder if they asked any questions about hazmat, log books, etc.

Rick

TXiceman · 04-09-2014, 06:44 PM

My drive tester asked if I had reflectors or flares, but did not wantt o see them when I said "yes, in the tool box."

Ken

Lee L · 04-09-2014, 09:36 PM

Berry....how many questions were on your test? I took mine in November, here in Midland, and there were only 25 questions. None of them came from anywhere other than the general chapter....chapter 14 or 15, can't remember without looking at the book.

No safety equipment was required, or discussed in the driving test. The examiner was only interested in whether the horn and lights all worked. She did ask me to do the air brake test and offered to talk me through it if I didn't know how to do it.

Seems each DPS location differs on what they require.

JohnFreyja · 04-09-2014, 10:11 PM

In the mid 80's I took the U.S.Coast Guard Captain Lic. exam and one of the questions was What vessel might display a Blue Light...Police or Coast Guard was not the proper choice. None of the above was the correct choice because the Police or Coast Guard Vessels would display a FLASHING BLUE LIGHT. Yep, typical gov. test. FAA is similar. Fortunately, Washington State does not require any special license (yet) for my 45' Class A. However there is a learning curve!

wimberleyman · 04-10-2014, 10:56 PM

osok,

When you take the driving test be sure you know the complete air brake sequence from the CDL book. Also chock your wheels first thing, You won't get out of the yard without passing this part.

WM

spinn · 04-11-2014, 12:39 AM

When I took my test I asked the examiner if she wanted me to do a full air brake test, if she did I needed to get chocks out of a compartment. She asked if I had already done the tests today, I replied "yes". She said never mind then, let's get the exam started.

itgeekgal · 04-11-2014, 08:39 AM

I took the Nevada Class B test yesterday in Las Vegas... never made it to the driving test as I did not even pass the pre-trip inspection test.

I did not pass the wheel inspection as I said I would look for dents and damage but did not specify I would check welds (my aluminum wheels have no welds)

I did not pass the lug nut inspection as I said I would look for loose, damaged, rust or broken nuts bud did not specify I would look for MISSING nuts

I also did not point out (and inspect) my alternator belt, air compressor belt or power steering belt... I'm going to have to do some research to even find where these are located.

During the light check I failed to specify that I was checking to insure my rear light caps and reflectors were red vs my front lights were amber.

Had I passed, the next test was a skills test where you were required to (among other things) back up at a 45 degree turn without getting out to look, hitting any cones or using backup camera.

So I came home and drowned my sorrows in a bottle of wine. I'll try again in a few weeks, and worst case scenario move back to South Dakota where testing was a piece of cake.

ImperialRV · 04-11-2014, 08:56 AM

Why are these states making you do so much for a non-commercial license ??? I understand you should know some of these things but for a personal coach ???