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Updated CDL Manual

The revised Commercial Driver’s License Manual, 2005 CDL Testing System (July 2017) will replace the current 2005 CDL Testing System (July 2014) and be available on December 9, 2019.

On December 9, 2019, the CDL knowledge exams will be updated to match the material in the Commercial Driver’s License Manual, 2005 CDL Testing System (July 2017).

Applicants attempting to complete a CDL knowledge exam should be provided the following information:

  • Prior to December 9, 2019, the CDL knowledge tests will be based on the 2005 CDL Testing System (July 2014).
  • On and after December 9, 2019, the CDL knowledge tests will be based on the Commercial Driver’s License Manual, 2005 CDL Testing System (July 2017).

In order to maintain compliance with the AAMVA 2005 CDL Skills Test Matrix as required by federal regulation 49 CFR 383.131(b), effective December 9, 2019 the below updates will be scored during the Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Skills Exam.

Vehicle Inspection Item(s)

Hydraulic Brakes Master Cylinder & Brake Fluid:

  • Checks that master cylinder is securely attached and not leaking
  • Checks the level of brake fluid in the reservoir to ensure it is between the add and full marks

Emissions After-Treatment Equipment, if equipped:

  • Checks DEF tank to ensure the level of diesel exhaust fluid in the tank is adequate (more than 1/8th tank)
  • Checks that DEF indicator on the dash is working properly

Hydraulic Brake Check:

Failure to perform both components of the hydraulic brake check will result in an automatic failure of the vehicle inspection test.

  1. Pump the brake pedal three times, then hold it down for five seconds. The brake pedal should not move (depress) during the five seconds.
  2. If equipped with a hydraulic brake reserve (back-up) system, with the key off, depress the brake pedal and listen for the sound of the reserve system electric motor.
  3. Check that the warning buzzer or light is off.

Air Brake Check (Air Brake Equipped Vehicles Only):

Failure to perform all three components of the air brake check correctly will result in an automatic failure of the vehicle inspection test. Air brake safety devices vary. However, this procedure is designed to see that any safety device operates correctly as air pressure drops from normal to a low air condition. For safety purposes, in areas where an incline is present, you will use wheel chocks during the air brake check. The proper procedures for inspecting the air brake system are as follows:

  1. With the air pressure built up to governor cutoff (120 – 140 psi), shut off the engine leaving the key in the “on” or “battery charge” position, chock your wheels if necessary, release the parking brake (all vehicles), and the tractor protection valve (combination vehicle) and fully apply the foot brake. Hold the foot brake for one minute. Check the air gauge to see if the air pressure drops more than three pounds in one minute (single vehicle) or four pounds in one minute (combination vehicle).
  2. Begin fanning off the air pressure by rapidly applying and releasing the foot brake. Low air warning devices (buzzer, light, flag) should activate before air pressure drops below 55 psi or level specified by the manufacturer.
  3. Continue to fan off the air pressure. At a range between 20 – 45 psi on a tractor-trailer combination vehicle (or level specified by the manufacturer), the tractor protection valve and parking brake valve should close (pop out). On other combination vehicle types and single vehicle types, the parking brake valve should close (pop out).