Month: June 2018

Driving the open road can be a lonely place at times. It is nice to have a listening ear, to see a smiling face, to have a companion there beside you. Who better than man’s best friend? Whether a dog, cat (or otherwise!), consider these points before bringing your pet along on a long drive.

Does the company allow pets? 

There are many major companies that allow pets to travel in-cab on long hauls, and of course, ones that do not. It is best to check with the company you are driving to ensure a pet is allowed to travel with you. If you are able, be sure to know the rules and pet deposit amounts required. A recently updated list of pet-friendly companies is available at truckingtruth.com.

How will your pet act? 

Some thoughts to consider when bringing a pet into a small space for prolonged periods of time: the size of the animal, amount of obedience, and bathroom/exercise needs. Most companies who accept pets use a size limit and/or a breed exclusion list. Keeping this in mind, if your dog or cat is accepted as a traveling companion, look at its ability to obey boundaries. The animal needs to understand that the driver’s area is not a place to hang out.

What will your pet require of you and your shared space? 

Remember, a pet needs a water source and food, which are two more things that take up space. Another consideration is the animal’s exercise and bathroom needs. For example, older dogs can have weak bladders. Unless you have a litter-trained dog, you will need to stop for a potty break whenever he/she needs it so as to prevent accidents. It is recommended to stop and walk a dog every 2-3 hours. Of course, cats are a different story, but ensuring a clean litter box that is readily available is a must, and a scratching board is a wise investment. Always remember to bring restraints and perhaps a crate for stops.

Requirements: 

Varying from state to state, most companies require paperwork that serves as a “pet passport”. Your pet will need to visit a USDA- accredited veterinarian to receive a health certificate before hitting the road. Be prepared with copies of the paperwork to provide to entities such as the state.

If you’re interested in joining the trucking world, but still don’t have your CDL, contact us today to learn about your training options. We’re ready to help you, and your pet, get on the road to a successful career. Happy trails and happy tails!

Passing the Indiana CDL exam takes more than reading the manual once. The exam has two parts: a written knowledge test and an on-road skills test. Both require consistent preparation. Students who understand the format, study the right material, and get enough behind-the-wheel time give themselves the best chance of passing on the first attempt.

This guide breaks down what the Indiana CDL exam covers and what students can do to prepare for each part.

It’s important to note that you need to have your Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) for at least 14 days before you’re able to take the CDL exam

What the Indiana CDL Exam Covers

The Indiana CDL exam is divided into two sections: the knowledge test and the skills test.

Knowledge Test

The general knowledge test consists of 50 multiple-choice questions based on the Indiana CDL Manual. Students must answer at least 40 questions correctly to pass, which equals an 80% score. The exam is taken on a computer at Indiana BMV offices. Topics include:

  • Driving safely
  • Transporting cargo safely
  • Vehicle inspection procedures
  • Air brakes (required if the vehicle has air brakes)
  • Combination vehicles (required for Class A)

Students applying for endorsements, such as Hazardous Materials, Tanker, or Passenger, must also pass additional knowledge tests for each endorsement.

Skills Test

The skills test has three parts: a vehicle inspection, basic vehicle control, and an on-road driving test. As of August 12, 2024, Indiana updated the vehicle inspection and basic control portions of the skills test to align with the CDL Manual. Students use a specific checklist during the vehicle inspection portion based on the vehicle class they are testing in.

Passing the skills test requires actual time behind the wheel, not just classroom study.

Study Tips for the CDL Knowledge Test

Use the Indiana CDL Manual as the Foundation

The general knowledge exam pulls directly from the Indiana CDL Manual. Students should read through the manual before doing anything else. The manual is available on the Indiana BMV website at no cost.

Take Practice Tests Regularly

Reading the manual is helpful, but practice tests show where the gaps are. Students who take multiple practice tests before the exam are more likely to score above the 80% passing mark. Free practice tests are available online and mirror the format of the real exam.

Focus on Weak Areas

After taking practice tests, students should pay attention to which topics they miss most often. Common problem areas include:

  • Stopping distances
  • Vehicle inspection steps
  • Air brake systems

Spending more time on those sections leads to better results.

Review One Section at a Time

The CDL Manual covers a lot of material. Students who try to study everything at once tend to retain less. Working through one section per study session and reviewing it before moving on helps with long-term retention.

Ask Instructors for Help

CDL instructors work with this material every day. If a student is struggling with a specific topic, asking the instructor directly is the fastest way to clear up confusion. DriveCo instructors are available to work with students outside of class time when needed.

Tips for the CDL Skills Test

Practice the Pre-Trip Inspection Until It Becomes Routine

The vehicle inspection portion of the skills test is graded on accuracy and completeness. Students need to know the inspection checklist for their vehicle class. Reviewing and practicing the checklist repeatedly helps it become second nature before test day.

Get Behind the Wheel as Often as Possible

The basic vehicle control and road test portions require hands-on experience. Students should take every opportunity to practice yard maneuvers, such as:

  • Backing
  • Aligning
  • Docking
  • Driving in real traffic conditions

DriveCo students complete training both in the yard and on public roads to prepare for this.

Slow Down During Maneuvers

Many students lose points during backing exercises by rushing. Taking extra time on slow maneuvers is almost always the better choice. Speed is not graded; accuracy is.

Know What Disqualifies a Test

Some errors during the skills test result in automatic failure, including:

  • Accidents
  • Traffic violations
  • Refusing to perform a required maneuver

Students should review the scoring criteria for the Indiana CDL skills test before their exam date.

Checklist of Day of Exam reminders

Frequently Asked Questions

How many questions are on the Indiana CDL general knowledge test?

Yes, the test has 50 questions. Students must answer at least 40 correctly, which is an 80% score, to pass.

What happens if a student fails the Indiana CDL knowledge test?

Students can retake the test, but Indiana BMV rules require a waiting period before retesting. Students should check current BMV guidelines for specific waiting period requirements.

How long do students have to pass the skills test after getting a CLP?

A CLP is valid for 180 days in Indiana. Students must pass the skills test before the CLP expires.

What is tested during the CDL vehicle inspection portion of the skills test?

Students are tested on their ability to identify and explain key components of the vehicle, including brakes, tires, lights, mirrors, and fluid levels. The checklist varies depending on the vehicle class being tested.

Does a student need to pass all three parts of the skills test in one visit?

No. If a student fails one portion of the skills test, they may retake only the failed portion rather than repeating the entire test.

What endorsements require a separate knowledge test?

Endorsements that require a separate knowledge test include:

  • Hazardous Materials (H)
  • Tanker Vehicles (N)
  • Passenger (P)
  • School Bus (S)
  • Doubles/Triples (T).

How long does it take to complete CDL training at DriveCo?

DriveCo’s Class A CDL training program is designed to prepare students for both the knowledge and skills tests. Program length varies by schedule and location. Students can contact a DriveCo admissions advisor for specific class schedule information.

DriveCo CDL Learning Center offers Class A CDL training at locations across Indiana, including Evansville, Gary, Hamilton County, Jasper, and La Porte. For information about enrollment, class schedules, or tuition assistance options, contact an admissions advisor at 800-330-3984.

Sometimes it may seem challenging to decide what to get Dad on Father’s Day when he’s a truck driver. Ties certainly won’t work. Surprisingly, there are many gifts to choose from without breaking the budget and have a lot of fun besides.

Gift Suggestions for a Truck Driver 

  • Purchase some comfortable clothes for Dad’s truck driving job. Children can get in on the act too by selecting some caps which are priced for about $7.50 at Walmart for him to wear.
  • Let Dad know about the Trucker Path Pro app. This app will ease his work in many ways and provide much-needed knowledge, such as DOT inspections, weigh station status, fuel prices, and vacancies at stops. It also handily provides info on the local restaurants, hotels, dealerships, repair shops, etc.
  • Does your father/husband enjoy reading? Pick up some books by his favorite authors or subscribe to some magazines to help him relax after a tiring day.
  • Take Dad to purchase an inverter. (Up to 25.99, Home Depot). He will know what the company allows. The lower power converters can provide the energy source for a DVD player, ($34 to $50, Walmart), or a small microwave ($49 to $59 at Walmart). Some companies place limitations, so it’s best to have Dad with you when you make the purchase.
  • An electric blanket, (from $39 to $74, Walmart), is one of the luxuries that can remind a trucker of the comforts of home. Consider picking one up. Some may even be on sale for this time of year.
  • Gift him with a multi-tool or tools needed on the road. A multi-tool ($9.99 to $17, Walmart) consists of several size blades, screwdrivers, and scissors that neatly fit into a pocket. For larger jobs, consider purchasing him a tool you’ve heard him wishing for.
  • Are his maps becoming weathered and worn? Replace them with fresh maps for the times when the GPS service cuts out in a dead service area.
  • Finally, don’t forget the personal touches. Contrive ways for him to speak to you at home, hear your voices on recordings, and read letters. Skype is another great way to stay in touch. Provide ways for him to reciprocate, and he’ll feel closer to home than ever.

One Last Item

If your dad is not yet a truck driver, acquire an application from DriveCo CDL Learning Center as a gift. The best vote of confidence in his dream is to help him with that first step. May all of our truckers have a Happy Father’s Day from your friends at DriveCo!