A state-specific commercial driver guide or manual is a handbook that details everything you need to know about safely driving a commercial vehicle in that particular state. Every state has its own CDL handbook and CDL test. Most of the information and questions and answers are crossovers from state-to-state, based on the Federal Department of Transportation and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). This is because the FMCSA requires all states to be in compliance with any federally mandated regulations for the commercial driving sector. For example, once electronic logging devices (ELDs) were mandated for federal regulations, states had a set period of time in which to update their own regulatory codes.
When you read through one of these state’s commercial driver guides or handbooks, there’s a lot of information; however, don’t get overwhelmed. It’s important to understand the rules and state safety regulations, but with some studying and practice test taking, you should be well prepared.
Every state will provide you with a copy of the state-specific commercial driver handbook/manual/guide. You can get a copy either digitally online or in print in the mail. If you are interested in the digital file (online version of the state-specific CDL handbooks/manuals/guides), click your state abbreviation below (you will be taken directly to the PDF version, which you will need to download):
AL AK AZ AR CA CO CT DE FL GA
HI ID IL IN IA KS KY LA ME MD
MA MI MN MS MO MT NE NV NH NJ
NM NY NC ND OH OK OR PA RI SC
SD TN TX UT VT VA WA WV WI WY
Start by reading your state guide. Then work your way through Roehl’s CDL Practice Tests, where you can find CDL test questions and answers in printable or written form. This way you can see examples of test questions along with CDL test answers.