Having successfully passed the required Knowledge Tests, the applicant must now demonstrate they can handle the vehicle on the range and road. This testing takes place during the General Skills Tests and they are assessed in three sections, Pre-Trip Inspection, Basic Vehicle Control and On-Road Driving. Each test is designed to assess the applicant’s ability, but also to reinforce the attitude of professionalism and safety that will be essential to them as a Commercial Driver.
Note that these tests cannot be aided by the use of an interpreter and must be completed in English.
The first part of the CDL Skills test is the Pre-trip inspection. In keeping with the theme of anticipation, the CDL driver will consistently carry out a Pre-trip inspection of their vehicle before every journey, so this test is largely a process that will become routine once the applicant begins driving professionally.
The goal of the pre-trip inspection is to make sure the applicant can determine if the vehicle is safe to drive. This typically takes place with the examiner asking the applicant to complete a full pre-trip inspection on the vehicle, explaining each element of it as they do so.
Many applicants improve their chances of passing the pre-trip inspection portion of the skills test with a pre-trip video and CDL inspection checklist. Get more information on these pre-trip inspection study tools here.
Basic Vehicle Control Test
This test will assess the applicant’s ability to maneuver the vehicle in common situations, such as forward, reverse and turns in defined areas. The examiner will make clear the manner in which each aspect of the control test is to be fulfilled.
While the area set out for the test may be indicated with cones or similar markers, it is worth remembering that they are placed to simulate the distances and features of real-life scenarios. As with the last test, before the applicant is asked to demonstrate their skills on the public roads - it is imperative that their understanding of the capabilities and limitations of the vehicle are as complete as possible.
On-Road Driving Test
As the final test, the On-Road Driving Test is the applicant’s opportunity to demonstrate their skill to drive safely and efficiently on public roads. The test could include lane changes, left and right turns, general intersection behavior, varying gradients and a variety of road situations. This is not a test to “show off” the applicant’s ability, but more the chance to display the skills and behavior of a professional driver, maintaining a safe and courteous attitude to other road users, while fulfilling their work. The examiner will direct the applicant on where to drive and on what maneuvers they are required to perform.
Due to the need for specially designed testing areas, the Skills Tests can only be carried out at properly equipped sites. In Florida, these sites are Gainesville, Marianna, Miami-Coral Reef and Sarasota and, in most cases, Skills Tests are only undertaken by appointment. To locate the test site the website below provides contact details and addresses.
www.flhsmv.gov/ddl/cdlsites_state.html
Upon successfully passing the CDL skills test, the applicant can move forward with obtaining the actual CDL license from the FLHSMV location most convenient for them. Learn more about the requirements and costs associated with being issued a CDL in Florida on the next page.
