Idaho (ID) CDL manual 2026

Practice the manual, chapter by chapter

State manuals are built on the same national model, chapter for chapter. One thing to know from each chapter, then real questions from it to answer — tap an option to check yourself.

1. 1

   Introduction

   Everyone

   You will lose your CDL for at least one year for a first offense for causing a fatality through negligent operation of a CMV.

   What is the disqualification for a first railroad-highway grade crossing violation?

   1. AAt least 90 days
   2. BAt least 30 days
   3. CAt least 60 days
   4. DAt least 120 days

   What is the penalty for a third railroad crossing violation within three years?

   1. AAt least one year
   2. BAt least three years
   3. CAt least 180 days
   4. DAt least 120 days
   This chapter has 26 more questions. Practice them in the app and see your pass chance.
2. 2

   Driving Safely

   Everyone

   There are two main ways to know when to shift: engine speed shown on the tachometer and road speed, learning which speeds each gear covers.

   Why is a stopped bus a hazard to you?

   1. AIt blocks your view of the traffic signal
   2. BIt may pull out without signaling first
   3. CPassengers may cross in front of or behind it
   4. DIts mirrors extend into the passing lane

   What should you do about an aggressive driver's gestures?

   1. ARecord them for the incident report
   2. BAcknowledge them so the driver calms down
   3. CReturn them once, to establish a boundary
   4. DIgnore them and refuse to react
   This chapter has 290 more questions. Practice them in the app and see your pass chance.
3. 3

   Transporting Cargo Safely

   Everyone

   Placards are diamond-shaped hazard warning signs placed on vehicles to identify the hazard class of the cargo being transported.

   A dispatcher offers you a load that requires hazardous materials placards on the trailer, but you do not have a hazmat endorsement. What may you do?

   1. AHaul the load if the shipper provides the placards and shipping papers
   2. BHaul the load only on routes that avoid tunnels and major bridges
   3. CRefuse the load, because driving a placarded vehicle requires a hazmat endorsement
   4. DHaul the load if the hazardous portion stays in a separate compartment

   What do suspension systems carry from the manufacturer, like tires and coupling devices?

   1. AA recommended service interval
   2. BA maximum travel specification
   3. CA weight capacity rating
   4. DA minimum operating temperature
   This chapter has 26 more questions. Practice them in the app and see your pass chance.
4. 4

   Transporting Passengers

   P endorsement (bus)

   Urban mass transit coaches may have a brake and accelerator interlock system.

   What does the manual say about the seat belt at the driver's position?

   1. AIt is required only when passengers are aboard
   2. BThe seat should have one, and you should always use it
   3. CIt is optional if the seat has an air suspension
   4. DIt is required only on interstate charter runs

   A rider stacks several suitcases against a window marked as an emergency exit on your intercity bus. Why must you have the bags moved?

   1. ARiders must be able to reach and use every emergency exit
   2. BThe stack will block the climate control airflow
   3. CBags stored there are not covered by the carrier
   4. DWindow glass could scratch the luggage in transit
   This chapter has 98 more questions. Practice them in the app and see your pass chance.
5. 5

   Air Brakes

   Any vehicle with air brakes

   The brake pedal is also called the foot valve or treadle valve.

   How is supply pressure displayed on a vehicle with a dual air brake system?

   1. AA gauge for the primary system and a warning lamp for the secondary
   2. BOne gauge showing the lower of the two systems
   3. CA gauge for each half, or one gauge with two needles
   4. DOne gauge showing the combined total of both systems

   Your air compressor is belt-driven. What should you check about the belt during the pre-trip inspection?

   1. AThat the belt is in good condition and properly tight
   2. BThat the belt slips slightly to protect the compressor
   3. CThat the belt is loose enough to remove by hand
   4. DThat the belt has been coated with belt dressing
   This chapter has 148 more questions. Practice them in the app and see your pass chance.
6. 6

   Combination Vehicles

   Class A

   The trailer hand valve should be used only to test the trailer brakes, never for braking in motion or parking.

   After the fifth wheel jaws lock during coupling, how do you confirm the connection with a tug test?

   1. APull forward gently in low gear with the trailer brakes locked
   2. BBack up firmly once more to reseat the kingpin
   3. CShake the release handle while a helper watches the jaws
   4. DRock the trailer sideways using the steering axle

   While listening to the trailer brakes during coupling, what should you hear?

   1. AAir escaping continuously from both glad hand seals
   2. BA steady hiss that slowly fades as the tanks fill up
   3. CThe brakes move on application, air escapes on release
   4. DThe relay valve clicking once and then staying silent
   This chapter has 118 more questions. Practice them in the app and see your pass chance.
7. 7

   Doubles and Triples

   T endorsement

   A converter gear on a dolly is a coupling device of one or two axles and a fifth wheel, used to couple a semitrailer behind a tractor-trailer to form a double bottom rig.

   You are finishing the coupling of a set of doubles. What is the correct final position of the rear trailer's landing gear?

   1. ARaised completely
   2. BLeft wherever it sat when the dolly went under
   3. CLowered until it just touches the pavement
   4. DLowered enough to take weight off the dolly

   How does the walkaround inspection of a set of doubles differ from inspecting a tractor with one trailer?

   1. AOnly the converter dolly tires are an extra item
   2. BThere are more tires, lights, reflectors, and coupling points to check
   3. CThe rear trailer can be skipped if it was inspected yesterday
   4. DIt does not differ in any meaningful way
   This chapter has 98 more questions. Practice them in the app and see your pass chance.
8. 8

   Tank Vehicles

   N endorsement

   Bulkheads separate compartments but do not prevent liquid surge inside a partially filled compartment.

   Compared with most other kinds of cargo, why does a load of liquid in a tank make a truck easier to roll over?

   1. ALiquid cargo gradually lowers the air pressure in the tires
   2. BMuch of the load's weight is carried high above the roadway
   3. CLiquid loads are always heavier than dry freight loads
   4. DTank trailers ride on narrower axles than flatbed trailers

   What is the best overall driving style for keeping liquid surge under control in a loaded tank vehicle?

   1. AMake quick steering corrections to break up the liquid wave
   2. BDownshift rapidly so the engine can absorb the surge forces
   3. CBrake hard and early so the liquid settles before every stop
   4. DAccelerate, brake, and steer as smoothly and gradually as you can
   This chapter has 62 more questions. Practice them in the app and see your pass chance.
9. 9

   Hazardous Materials

   H endorsement

   The Hazardous Materials Regulations are found in parts 171-180 of title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations.

   Which classes may not be carried as overhang or tailgate loads?

   1. AClasses 1, 4, and 5
   2. BClasses 2.2, 6.2, and ORM-D
   3. CClasses 2, 3, and 6
   4. DClasses 7, 8, and 9

   What does the manual require for materials subject to spontaneous combustion or heating?

   1. AVehicles with sufficient ventilation
   2. BTransport only during daylight hours
   3. CA dedicated fire watch in the cargo area
   4. DRefrigerated transport at all times
   This chapter has 234 more questions. Practice them in the app and see your pass chance.
10. 10

    School Buses

    S endorsement

    Even with all mirrors properly set, a blind spot remains directly behind the rear of the bus.

    Compared with flat mirrors, what is the main advantage of the convex mirrors mounted on the sides of a school bus?

    1. AThey give a much wider view along the side of the bus than flat mirrors do
    2. BThey show objects at their true size and their actual distance
    3. CThey reveal the area hidden directly behind the rear bumper
    4. DThey remove any need to check the flat mirrors before moving

    Where are the outside convex mirrors mounted relative to the flat mirrors?

    1. AAbove them
    2. BOn the opposite front corner
    3. CBelow them
    4. DInboard of them, nearer the windshield
    This chapter has 98 more questions. Practice them in the app and see your pass chance.
11. 11

    Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection

    Everyone (skills test)

    Cracks, breaks, or holes in the cargo area can result in possible loss of cargo.

    Which kit, besides the first aid kit, must a school bus carry?

    1. AA window breakage kit
    2. BA body fluid cleanup kit
    3. CA tire repair kit
    4. DA spill containment kit

    When you check your seat belt during the in-cab inspection, what are you looking for?

    1. AThat it is long enough to wrap around the seat frame twice
    2. BThat the belt retracts fast enough to snap back on its own
    3. CThat the shoulder strap can be tucked behind your back easily
    4. DThat it mounts securely, latches properly, and is not frayed
    This chapter has 200 more questions. Practice them in the app and see your pass chance.

The official Idaho CDL manual