Frequently Asked Questions
ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS YOU MAY HAVE ABOUT ELITE TRUCK SCHOOL
Is Elite Truck School licensed?
Yes. Our school is licensed by the Oregon Higher Education Coordinating Commission and by the Washington State Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board. We are also registered on the TPR with the FMCSA.
Will Elite Truck School help me get my Commercial Learners Permit?
If I have trouble learning from a book, is this going to limit me in the program?
What if my driving record is not clean?
Will my age limit me in getting into Elite Truck School or finding a job afterward?
Where are your campus locations?
What is the schedule for the program?
How hard is the CDL Test?
One of the first questions we get is how hard the test will be to pass. If you’ve studied hard and often, then the written portion of the test should go smoothly and won’t throw any surprises your way, but the driven test is what usually gets most people anxious. The thing to remember about the driven test is that it will test you on things that you already know and have already done. However, it will be designed to measure how you do under pressure. When you’re operating a big vehicle, you’ve got to be able to keep your head if something goes wrong. If you let yourself become overwhelmed, then you’re more likely to make mistakes, and even the smallest mistake can cost lives when you’re driving a big rig. If you can keep a clear head, then the test will be simple.
How do I prepare for the test and pre-trip inspection?
The key to preparing for the exam is to study, know your truck, and practice as often as you can. The more you get used to driving in a rig and the more familiar you are with it, the better you’ll do on the exam. Pre-trip inspection can be one of the trickiest requirements to pass CDL test expectations. We’ll have gone over this with you at Elite Truck School, but you’ll want to make sure you study the process and know what to check. There will be an in-cab inspection to make sure everything is functional, including the lights, gauges, and the air brakes in particular. The external inspection will ask you to check main elements like fluid levels, lights, tires, belts, and engine compartment. You should check every external aspect of your rig before you hit the road. Be thorough. Beyond knowing your vehicle, you’ll need to make sure you’re physically ready for the exam. Get quality sleep the night before. Avoid drinking too much caffeine the morning of, and make sure you eat breakfast so you aren’t distracted by a growling stomach.
What do I need to score, and what are common mistakes make during the CDL test?
The written score needed to pass CDL test requirements is an 80. Common mistakes that people make on the written portion usually involve overthinking and second-guessing. The main thing you’ll want to do is trust your instincts and be confident in your knowledge. As for the driving test, you’ll want to avoid automatic fails, like hitting curbs, forgetting to use your turn signal when changing lanes, not checking your mirrors, rolling backwards from a stop, and running a red light. Other common mistakes that aren’t automatic fails include missing a shift and taking a turn too wide due to being overly cautious. These won’t count against you as much as automatic fails, but they are things your instructor will keep an eye out for.
What else can I do to help myself pass the test?
The biggest thing you can do to help yourself pass CDL test expectations is to stay calm. We know that you’ll feel the pressure of your future, your career, and your financial security weighing on you when you go to take your test, but working yourself up is going to lead to mistakes. Follow these CDL test tips and take your time on your test. Be confident. If you’ve come this far, you won’t encounter anything new or unexpected, and you’ve got the skills to make it happen.
Have additional questions? Reach out to our Admissions Team at +1 202-531-6898, and they’ll assist you with any inquiries and guide you toward embarking on a fresh career journey!
