Oregon CDL Practice Test

Correct answer: 18 for intrastate; 21 for interstate commerce

You must be at least 18 to hold an Oregon CDL, but at least 21 to drive a commercial vehicle in interstate commerce. Oregon counts operation within the state as interstate if the trade, traffic, or transportation originates or terminates outside Oregon.

Correct answer: At least one year of driving experience in a non-commercial Class C vehicle

To qualify for an Oregon CDL you must have at least one year of driving experience in a non-commercial Class C vehicle, in addition to holding or meeting the qualifications for an Oregon (non-commercial Class C) driver license.

Correct answer: When obtaining a Class A or B CDL for the first time, upgrading Class B to Class A, or getting a passenger or school bus endorsement for the first time

ELDT must be completed before scheduling the skills test for a first-time Class A or B CDL, a Class B-to-A upgrade, or a first-time passenger (P) or school bus (S) endorsement. You must also complete ELDT before taking the hazardous materials endorsement knowledge test for the first time. Training must come from a provider on the FMCSA Training Provider Registry.

Correct answer: Non-excepted interstate

Most drivers should certify non-excepted interstate. If there is any chance you may operate in non-excepted interstate commerce and you qualify, certify that type — otherwise your CDL or CLP may be needlessly restricted to Oregon-only or specific operations, and changing it later may require a new CDL issued at a DMV office.

Correct answer: Two years

A MEC can be valid for no more than two years. While you hold a CDL or CLP, DMV monitors your MEC; if it expires, you must submit a new certificate or surrender your CDL or CLP, or DMV must cancel it. The exam may only be done by an examiner on the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners.

Correct answer: At least 14 days

You must get and hold a valid Oregon CLP for at least 14 days before you take the CDL skills test. If your CLP expires before you pass the skills test, you must obtain a new CLP and complete all skills-test segments again — even ones you had already passed.

Correct answer: English only — interpreters are not allowed

Commercial knowledge tests in Oregon are only available in English, and interpreters are not allowed. Audio assistance is available on the touchscreen if you request it, and you may bring your own wired earbuds.

Correct answer: As early as the same day, depending on terminal availability

You may retake a failed knowledge test as early as the same day, subject to terminal availability and wait times. If you fail, you may also request a document listing the manual sections relevant to the questions you missed.

Correct answer: Six months from the date the test was passed

Commercial knowledge test scores are valid for six months from the date passed. If they are not used for an issuance within six months, the test must be retaken. Skills test results are likewise valid for six months.

Correct answer: Requesting audio assistance and using your own wired earbuds

Tests are given on a touchscreen and audio assistance is available if you request it — you may bring your own wired earbuds. You cannot use any manuals, electronic devices, or notes. The tests are not timed, but you must finish before the office closes, and the test ends once enough questions are answered to determine a pass or fail.

Correct answer: To the right

If an oncoming driver has drifted into your lane, a move to your right is best. If that driver realizes what happened, the natural response is to return to their own lane.

Correct answer: Avoid braking until your speed has dropped to about 20 mph, then brake gently

If you must leave the road, avoid using the brakes until your speed drops to about 20 mph, then brake very gently to avoid skidding on the loose surface. Keep one set of wheels on the pavement if possible to help maintain control.

Correct answer: Hold the wheel tightly, turn sharply back onto the road, then countersteer immediately — as a single steer-countersteer move

Do not try to edge gradually back on — your tires might grab unexpectedly and you could lose control. Turn sharply enough to get back on safely, and when both front tires are on the pavement, countersteer immediately as one steer-countersteer move.

Correct answer: Controlled braking and stab braking

To stop quickly and stay in control, use controlled braking (brake as hard as you can without locking the wheels, with small steering movements) or stab braking (apply fully, release when the wheels lock, reapply once they roll again).

Correct answer: It does not mean jamming the brake pedal down as hard as you can

Emergency braking does not mean pushing the brake pedal down as hard as you can. That only keeps the wheels locked up and causes a skid, and if the wheels are skidding you cannot control the vehicle.

Correct answer: Downshift, pump the brake pedal, use the parking brake, and find an escape route

When hydraulic pressure is lost, downshift into a lower gear, pump the brake pedal to try to build pressure, and use the parking/emergency brake (pressing the release at the same time so you can keep the wheels from locking). While slowing, look for an escape route.

Correct answer: Use the escape ramp — that is what it is built for

Any driver who loses brakes going downhill should use an escape ramp if one is available. Escape ramps use soft gravel or an uphill grade to stop the vehicle and are built to bring runaway trucks safely to a halt.

Correct answer: Being in a low enough gear and going slowly enough that the brakes are not overworked

Going slowly enough and braking properly in the proper low gear will almost always prevent brake failure on long downgrades. Once the brakes have failed, you must look outside the vehicle for something to stop it.

Correct answer: No — stay off the brake until the vehicle slows, holding the wheel firmly, then brake gently

Braking when a tire has failed could cause loss of control. Unless you are about to hit something, stay off the brake until the vehicle slows down, hold the steering wheel firmly with both hands, then brake gently, pull off, and stop.

Correct answer: A loud bang, heavy vibration or thumping, or the steering suddenly feeling "heavy"

The major signs of tire failure are sound (the loud "bang" of a blowout), vibration (heavy thumping can mean a flat), and feel (heavy steering usually means a front tire has failed; a failed rear tire may cause the vehicle to fishtail).