You are getting a professional license, the state examiner will expect you to drive at a professional level.
The only way the test can be pasted is drive according to Section 13 of your CMV Manual.
These driving habits should be practice long before you attempt this test, don't wait until the day
before or day of your test. Everything on the drive portion of the test is covered in this section and
everything in this section will be on the drive test.
Section 13
On-road Driving
This Section Covers
• How You Will Be Tested
You will drive over a test route that has a variety of
traffic situations. At all times during the test, you
must drive in a safe and responsible manner; and
you must:
Wear your safety belt.
Obey all traffic signs, signals, and laws.
Complete the test without an accident or
moving violation.
During the driving test, the examiner will be scoring
you on specific driving maneuvers as well as on
your general driving behavior. You will follow the
directions of the examiner. Directions will be given
to you so you will have plenty of time to do what
the examiner has asked. You will not be asked to
drive in an unsafe manner.
If your test route does not have certain traffic
situations, you may be asked to simulate a traffic
situation. You will do this by telling the examiner
what you are or would be doing if you were in that
traffic situation.
13.1.1 - Turns
You have been asked to make a turn:
Check traffic in all directions.
Use turn signals and safely get into the lane
needed for the turn.
As you approach the turn:
Use turn signals to warn others of your turn.
Slow down smoothly, change gears as needed
to keep power, but do not coast unsafely.
Unsafe coasting occurs when your vehicle is
out of gear (clutch depressed or gearshift in
neutral) for more than the length of your vehicle.
If you must stop before making the turn:
Come to a smooth stop without skidding.
Come to a complete stop behind the stop line,
crosswalk, or stop sign.
If stopping behind another vehicle, stop where
you can see the rear tires on the vehicle ahead
of you (safe gap).
Do not let your vehicle roll.
Keep the front wheels aimed straight ahead.
When ready to turn:
Check traffic in all directions.
Keep both hands on the steering wheel during
the turn.
Keep checking your mirror to make sure the
vehicle does not hit anything on the inside of
the turn.
Vehicle should not move into oncoming traffic.
Vehicle should finish turn in correct lane.
After turn:
Make sure turn signal is off.
Get up to speed of traffic
Use turn signal
Move into right-most lane when safe to do so (if
not already there).
Check mirrors and traffic
13.1.2 - Intersections
As you approach an intersection:
Check traffic thoroughly in all directions.
Decelerate gently.
Brake smoothly and, if necessary, change
gears.
If necessary, come to a complete stop (no
coasting) behind any stop signs, signals,
sidewalks, or stop lines maintaining a safe gap
behind any vehicle in front of you.
Your vehicle must not roll forward or backward.
When driving through an intersection.
Check traffic thoroughly in all directions.
Decelerate and yield to any pedestrians and
traffic in the intersection.
Do not change lanes while proceeding through
the intersection.
Keep your hands on the wheel.
Once through the intersection:
Continue checking mirrors and traffic.
Accelerate smoothly and change gears as
necessary.
13.1.3 - Urban Business
During this part of the test, you are expected to:
Make regular traffic checks
Maintain a safe following distance.
Your vehicle should be centered in the proper lane (right-most lane)
You should keep up with the flow of traffic.
Do not exceed the posted speed limit.
13.1.4 -Lane Changes
During multiple lane portions of the test, you will be
asked to change lanes to the left, and then back to
the right.
You should make the necessary traffic
checks first
Then use proper signals and smoothly
change lanes when it is safe to do so.
13.1.5 - Expressway or Rural/Limited Access Highway
Before entering the expressway:
Check traffic.
Use proper signals.
Merge smoothly into the proper lane of traffic.
Once on the expressway:
Maintain proper lane positioning, vehicle spacing, and vehicle speed.
Continue to check traffic thoroughly in all directions.
When exiting the expressway:
Make necessary traffic checks.
Use proper signals.
Decelerate smoothly in the exit lane.
Once on the exit ramp:
You must continue to decelerate within the lane markings
Maintain adequate spacing between your vehicle and other vehicles.
13.1.6 - Stop/Start
For this maneuver, you will be asked to pull your
vehicle over to the side of the road and stop as if
you were going to get out and check something on
your vehicle.
You must check traffic thoroughly in
all directions
Move to the right-most lane or
shoulder of road.
As you prepare for the stop:
Check traffic.
Activate your right turn signal.
Decelerate smoothly, brake evenly, change gears as necessary.
Bring your vehicle to a full stop without coasting.
Once stopped:
Vehicle must be parallel to the curb or shoulder
of the road and safely out of the traffic flow.
Vehicle should not be blocking driveways, fire
hydrants, intersections, signs, etc.
Cancel your turn signal.
Activate your four-way emergency flashers.
Apply the parking brake.
Move the gear shift to neutral or park.
Remove your feet from the brake and clutch pedals.
When instructed to resume:
Check traffic and your mirrors thoroughly in all directions.
Turn off your four-way flashers.
Activate the left turn signal.
When traffic permits, you should release the parking brake and pull straight ahead.
Do not turn the wheel before your vehicle moves.
Check traffic from all directions, especially to the left.
Steer and accelerate smoothly into the proper lane when safe to do so.
Once your vehicle is back into the flow of traffic, cancel your left turn signal.
13.1.7 - Curve
When approaching a curve:
Check traffic thoroughly in all directions.
Before entering the curve, reduce speed so further braking or shifting is not required in the curve.
Keep vehicle in the lane.
Continue checking traffic in all directions.
13.1.8 - Railroad Crossing
Before reaching the crossing, all commercial drivers should:
Decelerate Brake smoothly, and shift gears as necessary.
Look and listen for the presence of trains.
Check traffic in all directions.
Do not Stop
Do not change gears, pass another vehicle, or change lanes while any part of your vehicle is in the crossing.
13.1.9 - Bridge/Overpass/Sign
After driving under an overpass, you may be asked to tell the examiner what the posted clearance or
height was. After going over a bridge, you may be asked to tell the examiner what the posted weight
limit was. If your test route does not have a bridge or overpass, you may be asked about another
traffic sign. When asked, be prepared to identify and explain to the examiner any traffic sign which
may appear on the route.
13.1.11 - General Driving Behaviors
You will be scored on your overall performance in
the following general driving behavior categories:
13.1.11(a) - Clutch Usage (for Manual Transmission)
Always use clutch to shift.
Do not rev or lug the engine
Do not ride clutch to control speed, coast with the clutch depressed, or "pop" the clutch.
13.1.12(b) - Gear Usage (for Manual Transmission)
Do not grind or clash gears.
Select gear that does not rev or lug engine.
Do not shift in turns and intersections.
13.1.13(c) - Brake Usage
Do not ride or pump brake.
Do not brake harshly. Brake smoothly using steady pressure.
13.1.14(d) - Lane Usage
Do not put vehicle over curbs, sidewalks, or lane markings.
Stop behind stop lines, crosswalks, or stop signs.
Complete a turn in the proper lane on a multiple lane road (vehicle should finish a left turn in the
lane directly to the right of the center line).
Finish a right turn in the right-most (curb) lane.
Move to or remain in right-most lane unless lane is blocked
13.1.15 - Steering
Do not over or under steer the vehicle.
Keep both hands on the steering wheel at all times unless shifting.
Once you have completed shift, return both hands to the steering wheel.
13.1.16 - Regular Traffic Checks
Check traffic regularly.
Check mirrors regularly.
Check mirrors and traffic before, while in and after an intersection.
Scan and check traffic in high volume areas and areas where pedestrians are expected to be
present.
13.1.17 - Use of Turn Signals
Use turn signals properly.
Activate turn signals when required.
Activate turn signals at appropriate times.
Cancel turn signals upon completion of a turn or lane change.
********************************************************************************
This section ony if you are driving a bus, a school bus, or a vehicle displaying placards
If you are driving a bus, a school bus, or a vehicle displaying placards, you should be prepared to
observe the following procedures at every railroad crossing.
As the vehicle approaches a railroad crossing:
Activate the four-way flashers.
Stop the vehicle within 50 feet but not less than
15 feet from the nearest rail.
Listen and look in both directions along the track for an approaching train and for signals
indicating the approach of a train.
If operating a Bus:
Open the window prior to crossing tracks.
Keep hands on the steering wheel as the vehicle crosses the tracks.
Do not stop
Do not change gears
Do not change lanes while any part of your vehicle is proceeding across the tracks.
Four-way flashers should be deactivated after the vehicle crosses the tracks.
Continue to check mirrors and traffic.
Not all driving road test routes will have a railroad
crossing. You may be asked to explain and
demonstrate the proper railroad crossing
procedures to the examiner at a simulated location.
13.1.10 - Student Discharge (School Bus)
If you are applying for a School Bus endorsement, you will be required to demonstrate a student
discharge.
Please refer to section 10 of the CDL manual.
As you approach the student pick up, you must:
Decelerate and approach at a slow rate of speed while continuing to check traffic.
Activate amber warning lights and right turn signals.
Move as far as possible to the right on the traveled portion of the roadway.
Recheck traffic.
As you stop for the student discharge, you must:
Bring school bus to a complete stop at least 10' away from students at the stop.
Place the transmission in neutral/park and set the parking brake.
Activate the stop arm and red warning lights.
When discharging students, you must:
Communicate to students.
Check traffic.
Open the student door.
Check for students.
When students are crossing, you must:
Check traffic.
Communicate to students.
Check for students.
When resuming from the student discharge, you must:
Check all mirrors.
Turn off warning lights and stop arm.
Close the door
Check traffic.
Accelerate away from the stop area.
You are getting a professional license, the state examiner will expect you to drive at a professional level.
The only way the test can be pasted is drive according to Section 13 of your CMV Manual.
These driving habits should be practice long before you attempt this test, don't wait until the day
before or day of your test. Everything on the drive portion of the test is covered in this section and
everything in this section will be on the drive test.
Section 13
On-road Driving
This Section Covers
• How You Will Be Tested
You will drive over a test route that has a variety of
traffic situations. At all times during the test, you
must drive in a safe and responsible manner; and
you must:
Wear your safety belt.
Obey all traffic signs, signals, and laws.
Complete the test without an accident or
moving violation.
During the driving test, the examiner will be scoring
you on specific driving maneuvers as well as on
your general driving behavior. You will follow the
directions of the examiner. Directions will be given
to you so you will have plenty of time to do what
the examiner has asked. You will not be asked to
drive in an unsafe manner.
If your test route does not have certain traffic
situations, you may be asked to simulate a traffic
situation. You will do this by telling the examiner
what you are or would be doing if you were in that
traffic situation.
13.1.1 - Turns
You have been asked to make a turn:
Check traffic in all directions.
Use turn signals and safely get into the lane
needed for the turn.
As you approach the turn:
Use turn signals to warn others of your turn.
Slow down smoothly, change gears as needed
to keep power, but do not coast unsafely.
Unsafe coasting occurs when your vehicle is
out of gear (clutch depressed or gearshift in
neutral) for more than the length of your vehicle.
If you must stop before making the turn:
Come to a smooth stop without skidding.
Come to a complete stop behind the stop line,
crosswalk, or stop sign.
If stopping behind another vehicle, stop where
you can see the rear tires on the vehicle ahead
of you (safe gap).
Do not let your vehicle roll.
Keep the front wheels aimed straight ahead.
When ready to turn:
Check traffic in all directions.
Keep both hands on the steering wheel during
the turn.
Keep checking your mirror to make sure the
vehicle does not hit anything on the inside of
the turn.
Vehicle should not move into oncoming traffic.
Vehicle should finish turn in correct lane.
After turn:
Make sure turn signal is off.
Get up to speed of traffic
Use turn signal
Move into right-most lane when safe to do so (if
not already there).
Check mirrors and traffic
13.1.2 - Intersections
As you approach an intersection:
Check traffic thoroughly in all directions.
Decelerate gently.
Brake smoothly and, if necessary, change
gears.
If necessary, come to a complete stop (no
coasting) behind any stop signs, signals,
sidewalks, or stop lines maintaining a safe gap
behind any vehicle in front of you.
Your vehicle must not roll forward or backward.
When driving through an intersection.
Check traffic thoroughly in all directions.
Decelerate and yield to any pedestrians and
traffic in the intersection.
Do not change lanes while proceeding through
the intersection.
Keep your hands on the wheel.
Once through the intersection:
Continue checking mirrors and traffic.
Accelerate smoothly and change gears as
necessary.
13.1.3 - Urban Business
During this part of the test, you are expected to:
Make regular traffic checks
Maintain a safe following distance.
Your vehicle should be centered in the proper lane (right-most lane)
You should keep up with the flow of traffic.
Do not exceed the posted speed limit.
13.1.4 -Lane Changes
During multiple lane portions of the test, you will be
asked to change lanes to the left, and then back to
the right.
You should make the necessary traffic
checks first
Then use proper signals and smoothly
change lanes when it is safe to do so.
13.1.5 - Expressway or Rural/Limited Access Highway
Before entering the expressway:
Check traffic.
Use proper signals.
Merge smoothly into the proper lane of traffic.
Once on the expressway:
Maintain proper lane positioning, vehicle spacing, and vehicle speed.
Continue to check traffic thoroughly in all directions.
When exiting the expressway:
Make necessary traffic checks.
Use proper signals.
Decelerate smoothly in the exit lane.
Once on the exit ramp:
You must continue to decelerate within the lane markings
Maintain adequate spacing between your vehicle and other vehicles.
13.1.6 - Stop/Start
For this maneuver, you will be asked to pull your
vehicle over to the side of the road and stop as if
you were going to get out and check something on
your vehicle.
You must check traffic thoroughly in
all directions
Move to the right-most lane or
shoulder of road.
As you prepare for the stop:
Check traffic.
Activate your right turn signal.
Decelerate smoothly, brake evenly, change gears as necessary.
Bring your vehicle to a full stop without coasting.
Once stopped:
Vehicle must be parallel to the curb or shoulder
of the road and safely out of the traffic flow.
Vehicle should not be blocking driveways, fire
hydrants, intersections, signs, etc.
Cancel your turn signal.
Activate your four-way emergency flashers.
Apply the parking brake.
Move the gear shift to neutral or park.
Remove your feet from the brake and clutch pedals.
When instructed to resume:
Check traffic and your mirrors thoroughly in all directions.
Turn off your four-way flashers.
Activate the left turn signal.
When traffic permits, you should release the parking brake and pull straight ahead.
Do not turn the wheel before your vehicle moves.
Check traffic from all directions, especially to the left.
Steer and accelerate smoothly into the proper lane when safe to do so.
Once your vehicle is back into the flow of traffic, cancel your left turn signal.
13.1.7 - Curve
When approaching a curve:
Check traffic thoroughly in all directions.
Before entering the curve, reduce speed so further braking or shifting is not required in the curve.
Keep vehicle in the lane.
Continue checking traffic in all directions.
13.1.8 - Railroad Crossing
Before reaching the crossing, all commercial drivers should:
Decelerate Brake smoothly, and shift gears as necessary.
Look and listen for the presence of trains.
Check traffic in all directions.
Do not Stop
Do not change gears, pass another vehicle, or change lanes while any part of your vehicle is in the crossing.
13.1.9 - Bridge/Overpass/Sign
After driving under an overpass, you may be asked to tell the examiner what the posted clearance or
height was. After going over a bridge, you may be asked to tell the examiner what the posted weight
limit was. If your test route does not have a bridge or overpass, you may be asked about another
traffic sign. When asked, be prepared to identify and explain to the examiner any traffic sign which
may appear on the route.
13.1.11 - General Driving Behaviors
You will be scored on your overall performance in
the following general driving behavior categories:
13.1.11(a) - Clutch Usage (for Manual Transmission)
Always use clutch to shift.
Do not rev or lug the engine
Do not ride clutch to control speed, coast with the clutch depressed, or "pop" the clutch.
13.1.12(b) - Gear Usage (for Manual Transmission)
Do not grind or clash gears.
Select gear that does not rev or lug engine.
Do not shift in turns and intersections.
13.1.13(c) - Brake Usage
Do not ride or pump brake.
Do not brake harshly. Brake smoothly using steady pressure.
13.1.14(d) - Lane Usage
Do not put vehicle over curbs, sidewalks, or lane markings.
Stop behind stop lines, crosswalks, or stop signs.
Complete a turn in the proper lane on a multiple lane road (vehicle should finish a left turn in the
lane directly to the right of the center line).
Finish a right turn in the right-most (curb) lane.
Move to or remain in right-most lane unless lane is blocked
13.1.15 - Steering
Do not over or under steer the vehicle.
Keep both hands on the steering wheel at all times unless shifting.
Once you have completed shift, return both hands to the steering wheel.
13.1.16 - Regular Traffic Checks
Check traffic regularly.
Check mirrors regularly.
Check mirrors and traffic before, while in and after an intersection.
Scan and check traffic in high volume areas and areas where pedestrians are expected to be
present.
13.1.17 - Use of Turn Signals
Use turn signals properly.
Activate turn signals when required.
Activate turn signals at appropriate times.
Cancel turn signals upon completion of a turn or lane change.
********************************************************************************
This section ony if you are driving a bus, a school bus, or a vehicle displaying placards
If you are driving a bus, a school bus, or a vehicle displaying placards, you should be prepared to
observe the following procedures at every railroad crossing.
As the vehicle approaches a railroad crossing:
Activate the four-way flashers.
Stop the vehicle within 50 feet but not less than
15 feet from the nearest rail.
Listen and look in both directions along the track for an approaching train and for signals
indicating the approach of a train.
If operating a Bus:
Open the window prior to crossing tracks.
Keep hands on the steering wheel as the vehicle crosses the tracks.
Do not stop
Do not change gears
Do not change lanes while any part of your vehicle is proceeding across the tracks.
Four-way flashers should be deactivated after the vehicle crosses the tracks.
Continue to check mirrors and traffic.
Not all driving road test routes will have a railroad
crossing. You may be asked to explain and
demonstrate the proper railroad crossing
procedures to the examiner at a simulated location.
13.1.10 - Student Discharge (School Bus)
If you are applying for a School Bus endorsement, you will be required to demonstrate a student
discharge.
Please refer to section 10 of the CDL manual.
As you approach the student pick up, you must:
Decelerate and approach at a slow rate of speed while continuing to check traffic.
Activate amber warning lights and right turn signals.
Move as far as possible to the right on the traveled portion of the roadway.
Recheck traffic.
As you stop for the student discharge, you must:
Bring school bus to a complete stop at least 10' away from students at the stop.
Place the transmission in neutral/park and set the parking brake.
Activate the stop arm and red warning lights.
When discharging students, you must:
Communicate to students.
Check traffic.
Open the student door.
Check for students.
When students are crossing, you must:
Check traffic.
Communicate to students.
Check for students.
When resuming from the student discharge, you must:
Check all mirrors.
Turn off warning lights and stop arm.
Close the door
Check traffic.
Accelerate away from the stop area.
