Commercial Driver License Handbook


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Table of Contents

California Driver License Classes Valid As Of January 1, 2006

Section 1. Introduction (For all commercial drivers) Who needs a CDL? CDL Exceptions How to Get a CDL Additional Requirements State Laws and Rules Other Rules   Section 2. Driving Safely (For all commercial drivers) Vehicle Inspections Basic Control of Your Vehicle Shifting Gears Seeing Communicating Controlling Speed Managing Space Driving at Night Driving in Fog Driving in Winter Driving in Very Hot Weather Mountain Driving Railroad Crossings Seeing Hazards Emergencies Skid Control and Recovery Accident Procedures Fires Staying Alert and Fit to Drive HazMat Rules for all Commercial Drivers   Section 3. Transporting Cargo Safely (For all commercial drivers) Inspecting Cargo Cargo Weight and Balance Securing Cargo Handling Other Cargo   Section 4. Transporting Passengers (For a passenger transport endorsement) Vehicle Inspections Loading and Unloading Driving Techniques Passenger Management Miscellaneous Requirements   Section 5. Air Brakes (If you drive combination vehicles or tow vehicles with air brakes) The Air Brake System Dual Air Brake Systems Combination Vehicle Air Brakes Inspecting the Air Brake System Using Air Brakes

Section 6. Combination Vehicles (For a Class A CDL) Driving Combination Vehicles Safely Coupling and Uncoupling Inspecting a Combination Vehicle   Section 7. Doubles and Triples (For double or triple trailers) Towing Double/Triple Trailers Coupling and Uncoupling Inspecting Doubles and Triples Doubles/Triples Air Brake Check   Section 8. Tank Vehicles (For tank vehicles) Tank Vehicle Defined Inspecting Tank Vehicles Driving Tank Vehicles Safe Driving Rules   Section 9. Hazardous Materials/Wastes (For hazardous materials/wastes requiring placards) Intent of the Regulations Transporting Hazardous Materials Communication Rules Loading and Unloading Bulk Tanks Federal Driving and Parking Rules Dealing with Emergencies Appendix A—Table of Hazard Class Definitions Hazardous Materials Warning Labels and Placards Sample 1 Sample 2 General Guidelines on Use of   Section 10. Pre-Trip Test (Assists drivers taking the pre-trip test) All Vehicles External Inspection (School Bus/Truck/Tractor) School Bus Only Trailer Coach/Transit Bus Truck or Combination Vehicle Inspection Guide Passenger Transport Vehicle Inspection Guide   Section 11. Skills Tests (Assists drivers taking the skills test) Scoring Exercises   Section 12. Driving Test (Assists drivers taking the driving test) How You Will Be Tested   Glossary   Disclaimer   Where To Write

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