CDL Tests and Medical Documentation Cheat Sheet - Quick Reference Guide
This quick reference guide provides essential information about CDL tests and medical documentation at a glance. Use it for fast lookup of requirements, specifications, and key facts when studying for your CDL or maintaining your commercial driving privileges. This covers Sections 1.1 and 1.2 of the CDL manual.
CDL Vehicle Classes Quick Reference
| Class | Vehicle Description | GVWR/GCWR Requirement | Can Also Drive |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class A | Combination vehicles (tractor-trailers) | GCWR 26,001+ lbs AND towed unit exceeds 10,000 lbs | Class B, C |
| Class B | Heavy straight vehicles (buses, straight trucks) | Single vehicle GVWR 26,001+ lbs, or towing unit ≤10,000 lbs | Class C |
| Class C | Passenger/hazmat vehicles | Under 26,001 lbs GVWR | — |
Important: 26,001 pounds is the critical threshold for Class A and B vehicles. For Class A, the towed vehicle must EXCEED 10,000 pounds.
CDL Endorsements Reference
| Code | Endorsement | Requirements | Applies To |
|---|---|---|---|
| T | Double/Triple Trailers | Knowledge test | Class A only |
| N | Tank Vehicles | Knowledge test | Class A, B, C* |
| P | Passenger | Knowledge + Skills test | Class A, B, C |
| H | Hazardous Materials | Knowledge test + TSA background check | Class A, B, C |
| X | Tank + Hazmat Combined | Both N and H tests + TSA check | Class A, B, C |
| S | School Bus | Knowledge + Skills test | Class A, B, C |
*Tank Vehicle (N) applies to Class C only when hauling hazardous materials
Warning: The Hazardous Materials (H) endorsement requires fingerprinting and TSA background check in addition to the knowledge test.
CDL Restrictions Reference
| Code | Restriction | When Applied |
|---|---|---|
| E | No manual transmission | Skills test in automatic transmission vehicle |
| K | Intrastate only | Driver certifies as intrastate commerce |
| L | No air brake CMV | No air brake knowledge test or skills test without air brakes |
| M | No Class A passenger | Passenger skills test in Class B vehicle |
| N | No Class A/B passenger | Passenger skills test in Class C vehicle |
| O | No tractor-trailer | Skills test without fifth wheel connection |
| P | No passengers in CMV bus | CLP holder with P or S endorsement |
| V | Medical variance | Driver has medical variance on record |
| X | No cargo in tank vehicle | CLP holder with N endorsement |
| Z | No full air brake CMV | Skills test in air over hydraulic brakes only |
CDL Knowledge Tests Required
| Test | Who Must Take It |
|---|---|
| General Knowledge | ALL CDL applicants |
| Air Brakes | Anyone with air brake-equipped vehicle |
| Combination Vehicles | Class A applicants |
| Double/Triple Trailers | T endorsement applicants |
| Tank Vehicles | N endorsement applicants |
| Hazardous Materials | H endorsement applicants |
| Passenger | P endorsement applicants |
| School Bus | S endorsement applicants |
CDL Skills Test Segments
| Segment | Order | What's Tested |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Vehicle Inspection | First | Point to/touch components, explain what you check and why |
| 2. Basic Vehicle Control | Second | Forward, backward movement; turns within defined areas |
| 3. On-Road Driving | Third | Real traffic: turns, intersections, railroad crossings, curves, grades |
Important: You MUST pass each segment before advancing to the next. If you fail a segment, you cannot continue that day.
Medical Self-Certification Categories
| Category | When It Applies | Medical Certificate Required? |
|---|---|---|
| Interstate Non-Excepted | Interstate commerce, not exclusively excepted activities | YES - Federal DOT card |
| Interstate Excepted | Interstate commerce, ONLY excepted activities | NO |
| Intrastate Non-Excepted | Intrastate only, state requires medical cert | YES - State requirements |
| Intrastate Excepted | Intrastate only, state exempts from medical cert | NO |
Interstate Commerce Checklist
You are in INTERSTATE commerce if ANY of these apply:
- Drive from one state to another state or foreign country
- Drive within one state but cross into another state during the trip
- Drive within one state but cargo originated in another state
- Drive within one state but cargo is destined for another state
- Drive within one state but passengers began journey in another state
- Drive within one state but passengers will end journey in another state
Note: If NONE of these apply, you operate in INTRASTATE commerce.
Interstate Excepted Activities Checklist
You qualify for excepted interstate ONLY if you EXCLUSIVELY perform one of these:
- Transport school children/staff between home and school
- Federal, State, or local government employee
- Transport human corpses or sick/injured persons
- Fire truck or rescue vehicle during emergencies
- Propane winter heating fuel emergency response
- Pipeline emergency response
- Custom harvesting on farms
- Seasonal bee transportation (beekeeper)
- Farmer-operated non-combination vehicle within 150 air-miles
- Private passenger carrier for non-business purposes
- Transport migrant workers
Medical Certificate Quick Facts
| Item | Specification |
|---|---|
| Maximum validity | 24 months |
| Shorter validity | Examiner may issue for less based on health conditions |
| Vision standard | 20/40 in each eye (with or without correction) |
| Peripheral vision | 70° in each eye |
| Hearing standard | Forced whisper at 5 feet OR ≤40dB loss in better ear |
| BAC limit for CMV | 0.04% (half of standard 0.08% limit) |
Pre-Test Study Checklist
Before Knowledge Test:
- Read ALL applicable CDL manual sections
- Memorize key numerical values (distances, weights, times)
- Take multiple practice tests
- Review all missed questions until understood
- Verify testing location and requirements with SDLA
- Bring required ID and documentation
Before Skills Test:
- Practice vehicle inspection until automatic
- Practice all basic control maneuvers extensively
- Gain road experience in various conditions
- Verify test vehicle meets all requirements
- Confirm test appointment and location
- Bring CLP, valid medical certificate (if required), and vehicle documents
CDL Application Document Checklist
- Proof of identity (birth certificate, passport, or permanent resident card)
- Social Security card or documentation
- Proof of state residency (utility bills, bank statements, lease)
- Current driver's license
- Medical Examiner's Certificate (if required for your category)
- Medical variance documents (if applicable)
- Training certificates (if required by your state)
- Payment for applicable fees
Key Points to Remember
- 26,001 pounds is the critical weight threshold for Class A and B vehicles
- All applicants must pass the General Knowledge test regardless of class or endorsements
- Skills test segments must be completed in order: Inspection → Basic Control → On-Road
- Vehicle used for skills test determines what restrictions may apply to your CDL
- Most interstate commercial drivers need a DOT medical card (Non-Excepted Interstate)
- Medical certificate must stay current—no grace period if it expires
- Interstate commerce includes cargo with interstate origins/destinations, not just crossing state lines
- Excepted status requires EXCLUSIVE engagement in listed activities—any non-excepted work disqualifies you
- Hazmat endorsement is the only one requiring TSA background check
- CLP holders cannot carry passengers or cargo in tank vehicles
Important Timeframes
| Requirement | Timeframe |
|---|---|
| Report traffic violations to employer | Within 30 days |
| Report out-of-state violations to SDLA | Within 30 days |
| Report license status changes to employer | Within 2 business days |
| Hold CLP before skills test | Minimum 14 days |
| CLP validity | Up to 180 days |
| Medical certificate maximum validity | 24 months |
Quick Reference FAQs
Q: What is the weight threshold for a Class A CDL?
A: GCWR of 26,001 pounds or more, AND the towed vehicle must exceed 10,000 pounds GVWR. Both conditions must be met for Class A classification.
Q: What is the passing score for CDL knowledge tests?
A: Most states require 80% to pass. Check with your SDLA for exact requirements, as question counts vary by state.
Q: Do I need a medical certificate?
A: If you self-certify as Interstate Non-Excepted or Intrastate Non-Excepted, yes. If you self-certify as Excepted (either interstate or intrastate), no federal medical certificate is required.
Q: What endorsements require skills tests?
A: Passenger (P) and School Bus (S) endorsements require skills tests in the appropriate vehicle. All other endorsements require only knowledge tests (plus TSA check for Hazmat).
Q: Can I drive any CMV with a Class A CDL?
A: Yes, a Class A CDL allows you to drive Class A, B, and C vehicles, subject to your endorsements and restrictions.
Q: What happens if my medical certificate expires?
A: Your status becomes "not-certified" and you lose CMV driving privileges immediately. There is no grace period. Renew before expiration.
Q: What's the blood alcohol limit for CDL holders?
A: 0.04% when operating a CMV—half the standard 0.08% limit. Any detectable amount under 0.04% results in 24-hour out-of-service.
Q: How many CDLs can I have?
A: Only ONE. Having more than one CDL is illegal and can result in fines up to $5,000 or jail time.
Q: What manual sections should Class A applicants study?
A: Sections 1 (Introduction), 2 (Driving Safely/General Knowledge), 5 (Air Brakes—if applicable), 6 (Combination Vehicles), plus sections for any desired endorsements.
Q: Can violations in my personal vehicle affect my CDL?
A: Yes. Certain violations in your personal vehicle, including license suspension due to traffic violations, alcohol, controlled substances, or felonies, can result in CDL disqualification.
Next Steps
Use this cheat sheet alongside our comprehensive guides for deeper understanding. When you're ready to test your knowledge:
- Start practicing with our CDL General Knowledge questions
- Review specific topics in our detailed section guides
- Read the complete FAQ for answers to more questions
- Check our How-To Guide for step-by-step medical certification instructions
For complete information, see our CDL Tests and Medical Documentation Complete Guide.