How to Pass the Basic Control Skills Test for CDL in California
02/03/2025
Guides
If you want to obtain a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) in California, one of the key steps is the Basic Control Skills Test. This test evaluates your ability to safely operate a large vehicle and maneuver it in confined spaces. In this article, we will break down the exercises included in the test and provide useful tips to help you pass successfully.
What Does the Basic Control Skills Test Include?
The test consists of four exercises:
Forward Stop
Straight Line Backing
Forward Offset Tracking
Reverse Offset Backing
Each exercise assesses essential skills such as precise stopping, backing up, avoiding cones, and accurately positioning the vehicle. Let’s go over each exercise in detail.
Exercise 1: Forward Stop
Objective: You must stop the front of your vehicle precisely within the designated stop box without going over the boundary.
How to perform the exercise:
Drive into a narrow lane.
Stop so that the front edge of your vehicle is inside the stop box.
Set the parking brake, shift to neutral, and signal the examiner.
Tips:
Assess the length of your vehicle’s front in advance.
Use mirrors for better positioning.
Exercise 2: Straight Line Backing
Objective: Demonstrate your ability to back up in a straight line.
How to perform the exercise:
Wait for the examiner’s signal to start.
Reverse the vehicle while staying within the lane formed by cones.
Stop when the front of the vehicle crosses the last set of cones.
Set the parking brake, shift to neutral, and signal the examiner.
Mistakes to avoid:
Excessive pull-ups.
Hitting cones or lane markings.
Tips:
Maintain a low speed.
You are allowed to exit the cab once to check your position.
Exercise 3: Forward Offset Tracking
Objective: Show that you can maneuver forward while avoiding obstacles.
How to perform the exercise:
Move forward and turn left to cross the lane into the opposite space.
Ensure the rear wheels pass between the lane marking and a cone.
Stop parallel to the outer boundary.
Mistakes to avoid:
Unnecessary backing up.
Hitting cones or lane markings.
Tips:
Make smooth turns.
Use side mirrors to check the rear wheel position.
Exercise 4: Reverse Offset Backing
Objective: Park the vehicle in a side-alley by reversing.
How to perform the exercise:
Start parallel to the outer boundary.
Reverse into the designated area, ensuring the rear of the vehicle remains within the marked zone.
Stop when the rear is within three feet of the end of the zone.
Make sure the vehicle is fully aligned and within the boundaries.
Mistakes to avoid:
Excessive pull-ups.
Hitting cones or crossing boundaries.
Incorrect final positioning.
Tips:
You are allowed two exits from the cab to check your position.
Move slowly and adjust your direction with small steering corrections.
How You Are Evaluated
Pull-ups: If you perform too many pull-ups to adjust your position, you will receive penalty points. Pull-ups refer to moving forward while reversing to correct an error or reposition the vehicle.
Encroachments: Running over lines or hitting cones results in penalty points. If you cross boundaries, you must stop and reposition the vehicle.
Looks: You are allowed a limited number of exits from the cab to check your position. Exceeding this limit is considered an error.
Final Position: The vehicle must be completely within the designated boundaries.
Failure to Follow Instructions: Not following the examiner’s directions may result in failing the test.
Useful Tips
Practice in advance: Try performing the exercises in a practice yard to get familiar with your vehicle’s dimensions.
Stay calm: Don’t rush. Controlling your speed helps avoid mistakes.
Listen to the examiner: If something is unclear, don’t hesitate to ask questions.
Prioritize safety: Always set the parking brake before exiting the cab.
What’s Next?
After passing the Basic Control Skills Test, you can proceed to the Road Test. Make sure you are well-prepared and confident in your driving skills.
