Study That Handbook

Well today was the day I went to take my cdl permit test. I was so nervous and was studying for it as well. I failed on the general knowledge portion and air brakes. Passed on the combination. When I was studying I did read the handbook. But then decided to do these practice test fourm's, apps and watching Roehl's practice test videos. NOPE NOPE. Going back on reading that handbook like I should of done. Because when I took the test I was hoping to see some the questions I was doing on these platforms. Some where on there but not so much. So, I recommend to anyone that is studying for their permit test, is to read that handbook.

Well if you follow the High Road Training on here, and do all the practice tests a few times, you should ace the test in any state.

I know that Utah likes to rewrite the questions. Read the question very carefully. They like to write questions that say “which of these is not “ so read carefully and go slowly.

when I took the test I was hoping to see some the questions I was doing on these platforms. Some where on there but not so much. So, I recommend to anyone that is studying for their permit test, is to read that handbook.

You don't need to memorize the questions. You need to know the material. You can take your CDL test several times and never see the same questions on the tests. If you know the material, then you can ace the test no matter how they ask the questions. That is the whole point of being tested. They aren't testing your memory, but your knowledge.

You can read that boring handbook all you want, but if you really want to learn the material you should use the High Road CDL Training Program. The CDL manual is built right into the program and it has a built in algorithm that makes sure you are learning the material. If you aren't then it will wear you down with repetition until you prove to be a good student. It's awesome, and it's free!

Thanks guy's for your feedback.

Well today was the day I went to take my cdl permit test. I was so nervous and was studying for it as well. I failed on the general knowledge portion and air brakes. Passed on the combination. When I was studying I did read the handbook. But then decided to do these practice test fourm's, apps and watching Roehl's practice test videos. NOPE NOPE. Going back on reading that handbook like I should of done. Because when I took the test I was hoping to see some the questions I was doing on these platforms. Some where on there but not so much. So, I recommend to anyone that is studying for their permit test, is to read that handbook.

Offering my opinion here... and agreeing with Travis in that studying the actual manual should be performed... in addition to performing the HRT.

I completed my permit testing, a bit over a week ago. I opted to 'not' study the endorsement sections at that time. The steps I took to study for the permit test are as follows:

1) The first time through, I read through the HRT study sections and then answered the HRT sample test questions.

2) For all subsequent times with the HRT, I would reset the scores to zero... and then go through the questions only. Each loop I took through the questions would take me about 2.5 hours to complete the questions. I became extremely proficient with the HRT questions for the permit test.

3) For fear of the unknown as to what may be on the test, I opted to read through the actual DOT manual... AZ version... and sections only pertaining to the permit.

4) For a little over 1 week... I would do the HRT questions one day... and read-through of the actual manual the next day.

Test day.... I was feeling extremely confident. As I started stepping through the tests…. Instant anxiety. Historically, I am a relatively good test taker. That day… I felt a bit of despair. I took a few deep breaths… told my self to read slowly… fully understand each question… and choose… what I deemed to be the ‘best’ answer.

Some of the questions were similar to HRT and/or could be answered based on studying HRT only. Many of the questions were vastly different from HRT… more so than just adding the word ‘not’ or ‘except.’ I skipped some questions, however, for many of the questions… I had to take my best self-educated guess… even after reviewing the actual manual.

As such… I passed the permit test. I think I had only 1 or 2 incorrect per section.

And… back to my opinion... based on my experience: HRT is extremely beneficial and is a must…. It is an excellent foundation for studying for the permit test. I think people also need to spend time studying the actual manual.

G…

I kinda wish I'd come across this thread earlier. But, since I didn't, I'd also like to proffer my thoughts, based on my own experience, to help others who may follow.

I studied all sections of the HRT and went through the tests about 1.25 times. I did this over the course of about 3 weeks as I had time. I had a basic grasp on much of the materials taught, but there were a few sections that I struggled through (pre-trip inspections - I'm more of a visual and hands-on learner. Also, struggled with logbooks and some of the mathematics and calculations, e.g. fuel weights, burnoff, mileage, etc. I can do it, it just takes a little bit). After successfully completing HRT I started studying my state (Utah) CDL manual. I got about 30 pages in before I tired of it as it covered much* of what the HRT did, and so I decided to go to take the real test at the DMV.

*Note: There were several things covered in the Utah CDL manual that the HRT did NOT cover. At all. At least that I could remember.

I initially tested for General, Combination, and Air Brakes. I failed the General, but passed the other two. As Travis and penn99 noted above there were a number of questions that were asked which were vastly different than what HRT covered. But it was also my fault as I had not prepared as I should have by finishing study of the Utah manual and instead relied too heavily on the knowledge gleaned from HRT. They asked if I wanted to retake the General and I said yes, as well as adding Doubles/Triples and Tanker. The second time I passed the General as they asked more questions that were covered by the HRT, and repeated several that I had failed on the first go so I knew the right answer (you can review your failed questions to learn what the right answer is and why). I also passed the other endorsements.

So, if I were to start over and take it again, or offer my advice to others, my personal opinion would be as follows:

1. Be patient with yourself and don't rush your studies, and, when the time comes, the actual test. 2. Read through your state's manual! It will likely contain material not found in the HRT (or other online practice tests), and may be more specific to your state laws. 3. Study and take the HRT (and/or other online practice tests). You can do this at your own speed, and the HRT test is fantastic in that it regularly tests your knowledge on previous chapters and material covered. Don't be afraid to restart the test or redo chapters that you struggle with. Also, make sure to click on the notes as they often expound on or emphasize important points that are key. 4. Read through your state's manual again, as this will give a refresher on material that is specific to your state and which WILL be found on the test. 5. Don't get too stressed out and worried about knowing every little detail. You don't have to get 100% to pass the test. Furthermore, you can take each test up to 2 times before a second fee is required. I don't know if there is an upper limit on how many times you can retake the test. 6. Go take the test! 7. Remember step 1 - Be patient with yourself. Even though the test is timed you'll find that you have plenty of time, especially if you have studied the material well. If you don't know the exact answer you can usually work through the problem with some common sense (though there are a few tricky ones that seem to go against reason!). Also remember step 5 - If at first you don't succeed, try try again! You will learn from your mistakes and you will also likely be asked many of the same questions, making it easier next time. 8. Success!

Couple of questions on General Knowledge I missed were about buses. Since I'd no plan for passengers I'd ignored anything that said buses for the most part. I read it but just filed it in the "idgaf" category.

Study up and as others have said the practice here will help. You got it bro

Well today was the day I went to take my cdl permit test. I was so nervous and was studying for it as well. I failed on the general knowledge portion and air brakes. Passed on the combination. When I was studying I did read the handbook. But then decided to do these practice test fourm's, apps and watching Roehl's practice test videos. NOPE NOPE. Going back on reading that handbook like I should of done. Because when I took the test I was hoping to see some the questions I was doing on these platforms. Some where on there but not so much. So, I recommend to anyone that is studying for their permit test, is to read that handbook.