If you’ve been interested in exploring truck driver training or maybe are even currently enrolled in a program, there is one hurdle that looms on the horizon: the commercial driver’s license (CDL) exam. Before you can get behind the wheel and start your trucking career in earnest, you must earn your CDL, which means passing both a written exam and a driving test that will challenge your knowledge of the rules and regulations that come with being a truck driver. And if you’re on a path toward this career, we want to look at some of the most common mistakes students and applicants make during the process.

What are Common CDL Application Mistakes?

1. Not Preparing Well Enough 

While becoming a licensed truck driver isn’t going to take you four years on a traditional college campus, it is a skilled field that requires plenty of studying and preparation. Don’t sell yourself or the exam short by not dedicating enough time to committing the laws, rules, and details to memory. The written exam is going to consist of multiple parts on everything from general information to air brakes, safety procedures, and more. Studying the official CDL manual can help prepare you, but for those who are looking for more support, enrolling in an accredited CDL training program can be a game changer.  

2. Rushing Your Pre-Trip Inspection 

Your ability to control and drive a CDL-class vehicle is one of the biggest components of your licensure, but before you even get behind the wheel, you’ll perform a pre-tip inspection on your vehicle. With the test administrator, you’ll look over every part of the truck the engine, axles, lights, fluids, brakes, steering, and more. It’s a verbal exam and demonstration, so take your time, make sure to say at least two things about every item, and point to or touch every item. 

3. Over-Relying on Practice Tests 

Practice tests can be a great resource for preparing yourself for the CDL exam and getting used to the format and style, but it shouldn’t be the only tool you use. For one thing, you can’t know exactly what you’ll be tested on, so it’s far better to leverage your classroom education resources – if you’re in a CDL training program – or your official CDL manual. Also, you’ll want to get as much time behind the wheel as possible because trucking is, ultimately, a hands-on career and passing the written exam won’t mean much if you can’t ace the driving test. 

4. Not Looking Up the Specifics for Your State 

A lot of CDL regulations are the same across the country, but it’s important you discover the exact requirements of the state you live in so you don’t miss any specific prerequisites. For example, Texas has requirements like: 

  • Completing Entry Level Driver Training at a school like ASC Technical Institute in El Paso, Texas 
  • Passing knowledge tests that include Texas Commercial Rules, General Knowledge, Combination (Class A Only), Air Brake (if applicable), and Endorsements 
  • Passing the driving tests, including Vehicle Inspection (Pre-Trip) Test, Basic Vehicle Control Test, and Road Test 

5. Not Prioritizing the Basics 

There are quite a few things to learn and keep in mind when you’re looking to get licensed as a CDL driver, but not all topics are created equal. Learning about transporting hazardous materials is important, but that might not end up being a big part of your career, so you might want to put a bit more weight behind foundational concepts. Things like emergency procedures, speed management, and defensive driving are critical not just to the exam, but to your overall career.  

6. Forgetting Key Driving Details 

Given how important the driving portion of the CDL process is, it’s worth highlighting a few of the most common errors that will get you dinged by your test examiner. This includes things like: 

  • Messing up your gear shifts by grinding gears, shifting at the wrong time, stalling, etc. 
  • Forgetting to use your turn signals in all cases, including lane changes and merges, as well as turns 
  • Underestimating the weight and momentum of your vehicle, leading to hard and jerky braking 
  • Not paying close enough attention to road signs, warning signs, construction signs, and weight restrictions 

7. Underestimating the Size of Your Truck 

Driving a commercial vehicle is very different from driving a Honda Civic, and one of the most obvious, important ways is in sheer size. Managing your space as a CDL truck driver is a major skill that your examiner is going to be assessing closely. They’re going to be looking at how you maintain your lane discipline, navigate turns within lane markers, and maintain safe distances from other vehicles. 

8. Not Taking Your Time on the Test 

Don’t rush. Don’t. Rush. It can’t be said enough. In the written exam, read each question and consider the potential answers carefully before you pick your response. Don’t short-change yourself by trying to beat the clock. 

9. Letting Nerves and Overthinking Get the Best of You 

This easily applies to both the written exam and the driving test. While, like we’ve said before, you don’t need to rush, spending excessive time second-guessing every question will ultimately do more harm than good. And when you’re on the road, staying calm is vital to overall test performance. Nervous jitters and overthinking are more likely to add up to small driving errors. 

Prepare for Your CDL Exam at ASCTI

Readying yourself to pass your CDL application and exam and beginning your trucking career can open a lot of possibilities, and ASC Technical Institute in El Paso, Texas, can help you get started. Our 8-week Truck Driving CDL program prioritizes time behind the wheel, getting the experience and knowledge you need. If you are interested in learning more, ASC Technical Institute is here to help. Learn more about our Truck Driving CDL Program today to get started.