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The High Road™ Online CDL Training Program

The Most Effective CDL Test Preparation Course On The Planet

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  • Intro
  • Overview
  • Features
  • Testimonials
  • Tips/Advice

The High Road™ Online CDL Training Program Is Pure Awesomeness

We're not pulling any punches. We're going to say it like it is. This is the highest quality, most comprehensive online CDL training program ever created. As if that wasn't awesome enough, it also happens to be unconditionally free for everyone to use.

Our program has a ton of incredible features, and it's really user friendly. So grab a cup of coffee and strap yourself in because you're going to be blown away when you see what we have in store for you!

The Entire CDL Manual And Beyond

Our CDL training program has the entire CDL manual built right in. That alone will prepare you for all of the required written exams including the CDL learner's permit and all of the endorsement exams. Now that's pretty fantastic in itself, but as experienced drivers, we knew that wasn't nearly enough. No way.

Because passing the CDL exam isn't the real test. The real test begins when you're sitting behind the wheel of an 80,000 pound rig, and we want to make sure you have the knowledge it takes to survive out there in the trucking industry. So we've gone beyond the CDL manual and built several sections ourselves full of critical knowledge that will prepare you for a great start to your trucking career.

Who Designed This Training Program?

This training program was designed and built with the help of professional drivers, including certified CDL instructors with decades of safe driving experience. These experienced professionals know exactly what it takes to pass the CDL exams and become safe, productive drivers out on the road.

Our CDL training program has proven to be so effective that is has gone viral in the trucking community essentially overnight! We are blown away with the positive response to this program, and you're going to be amazed at how well it's put together. Take a couple minutes to browse the features, testimonials, and tips before you sign up and get going!

Features Of The High Road Training System

Includes The Complete CDL Manual & More

We've built the entire CDL manual right into our training system. But we didn't stop there! We've added several sections of our own to this training program so you'll be prepared for all of the written exams and life on the road.

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Our training program covers it all. After completing our program you'll have all of the knowledge necessary to pass the permit written exam and all of the endorsement exams.

But this training system was built by experienced drivers and trainers who know there's a lot more to life on the road than what the CDL manual covers. We've added our own sections covering Logbook Rules and Weight & Balance so you'll be ready to tackle some of the toughest aspects of life in the trucking industry.

Sophisticated Review System

Our advanced review system re-calculates your scores in real time and allows you to review the questions you need the most immediate help with each step of the way.

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Repetition is the key to memorizing large amounts of information. By continuously analyzing your scores on each question as you progress through the program, our review system will determine which questions you are having the most trouble with.

These high priority questions will be repeated as many times as is necessary to reinforce the correct answers. This system is capable of determining each person's strengths and weaknesses in real time, and gives you continued reinforcement where you need it most.

Intelligent Halting System

When we find that you are beginning to struggle, we temporarily stop giving you new materials and have you review the questions you're having the most trouble with.

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What would be the point of feeding you new materials if we see you're having trouble with what we've given you so far? The point is to learn the materials, not just fly through the program as quickly as possible.

If you miss a particular question too many times or your overall average drops below 85%, we will help you review the areas you're struggling with most until we see you're ready to continue on to new materials.

Dynamically Built, Interactive Quizzes

The multiple choice quizzes given on each page include both questions from the page being loaded and review questions from pages you've already completed. The order of the questions and answers are randomized, and the answers to review questions from previous pages can be lookup up in an instant.

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The quizzes are designed to work as a tool to help reinforce the information, not simply as a way to test your knowledge. We don't want you guessing at the answers, because guessing isn't learning. In fact, guessing can inhibit learning by reinforcing an incorrect answer.

When taking a quiz, the answer to each question can be quickly found in the content of the page, or in the case of review questions, with the click of a link which reveals the answer. This allows you to quickly find the correct answer, reinforces the information, and saves tons of precious time trying when having to look something up.

Complete The Materials In Any Order At Your Own Pace

We've designed our training program to be very flexible. You can complete the course materials in any order, and at your own pace. Simply jump to a different section of the program when you're ready for a change of pace.

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The optimal experience means being able to work on the materials you're interested in learning at the moment, and working when you feel fresh and ready to take on a challenge. Instead of forcing everyone to work on the same materials at the same pace, our program allows you the flexibility to choose the materials you're working on and set your own schedule.

Even our review system and halt mechanism have been designed to adjust to your preferences. You can take the course in any order you like and we'll send the proper review questions from sections you've already completed. If you begin to struggle, we'll halt your progress and force a review of the materials before allowing you to move on.

Insights, Tips, And Suggestions

Throught the program you'll find important tips, insights, and suggestions wherever you see the purple question mark () to help you understand the materials better and gain an understanding for how that knowledge will fit into the overall picture.

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Not all information is created equal. Certain bits of information may be critically important to the safe operation of the vehicle, and some information will almost certainly show up on the CDL exam.

We want to go beyond just teaching the information. We want you to understand why this information is so important and how it will affect your CDL testing and your career in the trucking industry.

What People Are Saying About The High Road Training System

"My own experience with the course itself was nothing short of amazing. To come into the course with absolutely no prior knowledge of the subject, and to be able to grasp the information, understand it, and retain it, has taken quite a bit off stress off me. Now I know that when I do enroll in a school, I can focus on the driving aspects, and not have to worry about the classroom side of things.

Being able to study at my own pace and in my own time was extremely helpful to me. Being able to see what areas I was having difficulty with, and being able to spend more time on those sections was so beneficial. The way the information is broken down and presented topic by topic keeps the course from being overwhelming, and the layout of the program itself is condusive to a variety of learning styles."

- Ahmalia

"My experience so far has been fantastic. It is set up in such a way that it learns and adapts to what the student needs to pay closer attention to. If the program notices you need to go over a certain subject again, it will halt you for a review so that you dont continuously get a subject wrong.

I love the way it pulls refresher questions from other parts of the course that you have already covered. It reinforces the information needed to not only pass the permit test, but engrains it so it almost becomes second nature.

After studying for a week, and taking the practice tests here for the basic info needed to obtain a CDL learners permit, I can consistantly pass the practice tests for General Knowledge, Air Brakes, Combination Vehicles, Doubles and Triples, and Passengers at my State DMV. My lowest score so far is 94%.

I feel that anyone who doesn't use this before attending a school or taking their permit test is wasting a valuable asset. Before taking the course, I was lucky if I had gotten anything above 68% by just studying the manual alone.

Thanks again Brett. I'm gonna pass this on to anyone who is looking to get their CDL."

- Skip

Hi Brett,

I just want to say thank you for putting online such a valuable resource.

I used your CDL training course to study for my CDL, and when I took my written tests the DMV administrator was amazed as I finished the test faster than anyone she had ever had in her facility, and with the highest scores she had ever seen. I took all of my endorsements (Hazmat, Doubles - Triples, Tanker, and Air Brakes) all in one sitting and without hesitation I knew all of the answers. Some were tricky and not in the Colorado Manual (which I had also read) however because of the knowledge I had gained from your course I was able to logically figure out the answers.

I can honestly say that had I simply read the CDL manual I would have struggled to pass the test at all. I am convinced your course made all the difference. I went in prepared and knew what to expect and how to answer.

Thanks again Brett. I'm gonna pass this on to anyone who is looking to get their CDL."

- Tom Cooper

I wanted to share something that just made me pat myself on the back today... I am currently attending the FFE Driving Academy (Now KLLM). Today was our final written exam for the school, tomorrow we go take the DPS written tests. Once the class tests were graded, our instructor told me that in the more than two years the school had been open and with all the hundreds of students that had gone through the program, I was the third person EVER to get a perfect score on all 5 written exams.

WOW!

Darn right I'm proud of myself, but I didn't do it alone. I can't express enough how helpful The High Road Training Program is, and can't thank Brett and TruckingTruth enough for putting it together.

- Joseph

"I think that the program is great! I love the way the halt feature works if it feels you're having a lot of trouble or just guessing, and the way the review system reinforces learning by re-introducing material in the form of review questions.

Even with the limited amount that I've completed thus far, I feel as if I was much more prepared when I began my schooling, and was amazed by the amount of material covered at school that I already knew just from having done this program here!"

- Rob "Moe Rhonic"

"My stress was easily cut in half by taking TruckingTruth's High Road online CDL course. I've taken many courses online and never have I seen a better product that can produce better results! I have fond memories spending endless hours studying. It was simple, clear, and so well thought out. I have absolutely nothing to criticize.

If I were to try and put a price tag on it, $250-450 easily! You and your Team of Truckers, which I can now say I legitimately am one, are the greatest!"

- Jay

"I have taken several courses via computer (Navy, private/instrument pilot exams, and teacher courses) and this incorporates all of the best of each. It is obvious you have spent an incredible amount of time bringing all of this information together.

Great job!"

- Larry

Understanding The Review System

The High Road Training Program™ will continuously adjust to your strengths and weaknesses as you work your way through. Each page of the program has its own set of questions. Along with those questions you'll see a mix of review questions from pages you've already completed. These review questions were not selected at random. We track your scores throughout the program and choose the questions you're struggling with the most, and those are the ones you'll be reviewing.

For instance...say you're ready to begin page 10. Before page 10 loads we calculate your scores on every question you've done so far, including all review questions, and decide which questions you need the most help with right now. Those high priority questions from the previous 9 pages will be loaded along with the questions from page 10.

So you don't have to keep track of what you're learning well and what you need help with - we're already doing that for you. Just work your way straight through the program and focus on getting every single question correct. We'll feed you the review questions you need the most help with throughout the program.

Do Not Guess At The Answers - Look Them Up!

Consider the quizzes at the end of each page to be a learning tool as opposed to a way of testing your knowledge. Repetition is the key to learning a large amount of materials, and the quizzes will help reinforce the correct information time and time again.

Keep in mind that your goal is to learn the materials, and guessing is not learning. In fact, guessing wrong will reinforce the incorrect answer, requiring extra repetitions of the correct answer to force the incorrect answer out of your mind.

So when taking the quizzes, please look up the correct answers and shoot for a perfect score on every quiz. With every review question you will see a link that will say "This is a review question. Click here to look up the answer". Please do it! Do not guess at the answers. We've put that link there so you can quickly and easily look up the answer. We want you to look it up. It's not a weakness or a failure on your part to have to look up the answer - that's a victory! Getting a question wrong is the only failure. So shoot for a perfect score on each quiz by looking up the correct answers each and every time. You'll learn the materials better and get through the program more quickly.

The High Road™ Online CDL Training Program is a complete CDL test preparation course. It has everything you'll need to pass the CDL permit exam and prepare for the start of CDL training:

  1. The entire CDL manual is built right in and broken down into small sections
  2. A few multiple choice questions follow each section
  3. Score tracking and progress reports available throughout the program
  4. A review system helps you learn by going over the questions you're struggling with
  5. A friendly and easy to use interface makes it a breeze to use
  6. And to top it off the whole darn thing is free :-)

Trying to read and memorize the entire CDL manual is a daunting task. We've made it so much easier by breaking it down into small sections with a few multiple choice review questions after each section.

Take a moment to learn more by exploring the tabs above and enjoy a preview of the user interface by answering some randomly chosen questions below.

Random Questions From The High Road™ CDL Training Program

Review Questions - Click On The Picture To Begin...

These Questions Come From The Illinois CDL Manual

A truck with a higher center of gravity is:
  • Less likely to tip over during a turn
  • More likely to tip over during a turn
  • Less difficult to maneuver when swerving around an obstruction
  • More likely to gain traction in a snowstorm
This is a review question from page 34 - click here to look up the answer

Quote From Page 52 Of The Illinois CDL Manual:

Do Not Be Top-Heavy - The height of the vehicle's center of gravity is very important for safe handling. A high center of gravity (cargo piled up high or heavy cargo on top) means you are more likely to tip over. It is most dangerous in curves or if you have to swerve to avoid a hazard. It is very important to distribute the cargo so it is as low as possible. Put the heaviest parts of the cargo under the lightest parts.

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The following are common suspension system defects except:
  • Missing or broken leaf springs
  • Cracked or broken spring hangers
  • Leaking shock absorbers
  • Bent side rails
This is a review question from page 8 - click here to look up the answer

Quote From Page 14 Of The Illinois CDL Manual:

The suspension system holds up the vehicle and its load and keeps the axles in place. Therefore, broken suspension parts can be extremely dangerous. Look for the following:

  • Spring hangers that allow movement of axle from proper position.
  • Cracked or broken spring hangers.
  • Missing or broken leaves in any leaf spring. If 1/4 or more are missing, it will put the vehicle "out of service," but any defect can be dangerous.
  • Broken leaves in a multi-leaf spring, or leaves that have shifted so they might hit a tire or other part.
  • Leaking shock absorbers.
  • Torque rod or arm, U-bolts, spring hangers, or other axle positioning parts that are cracked, damaged or missing.
  • Air suspension systems that are damaged and/or leaking.
  • Any loose, cracked, broken or missing frame members.
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When transporting passengers on a bus, when may passengers leave carry-on baggage in a doorway or aisle?
  • No obstacles should ever block an aisle or doorway which may trip other riders.
  • Baggage can only be placed in an aisle if it is tied or secured to a seat
  • Baggage may block doors as long as it is moved when the bus is loading or unloading passengers
  • Baggage can only be placed in the aisle if the owner of the baggage is available to move it when necessary
This is a review question from page 37 - click here to look up the answer

Quote From Page 55 Of The Illinois CDL Manual:

Do not allow riders to leave carry-on baggage in a doorway or aisle. There should be nothing in the aisle that might trip other riders. Secure baggage and freight in ways that avoid damage and:

  • Allow the driver to move freely and easily.
  • Allow riders to exit by any window or door in an emergency.
  • Protect riders from injury if carryons fall or shift.

TruckingTruth's Advice:

Even if you don't plan on obtaining a CDL passenger endorsement, you will still required to have an understanding of some basic passenger rules and regulations for the written exam.

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What is Rearward Amplification?
  • When turning, the trailer makes a tighter turning radius than the tractor
  • The "crack-the-whip" effect of a trailer when a sudden lane change or quick left or right movement is made
  • The momentum generated by the trailer of a vehicle during long or steep downgrades
  • Another term for a jackknifing trailer
This is a review question from page 48 - click here to look up the answer

Quote From Page 70 Of The Illinois CDL Manual:

Rearward Amplification - Trucks with trailers have a dangerous "crack-the-whip" effect. When you make a quick lane change, the crack-the-whip effect can turn the trailer over. There are many accidents where only the trailer has overturned.

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Next
When pulling back onto the roadway from the shoulder, you should deactivate your four-way flashers:
  • For approximately 30 seconds after re-entering traffic flow
  • Once you are in the traffic lane and up to highway speeds
  • Before rolling forward to re-enter the traffic flow
  • After you have re-entered the traffic lane
This is a review question from page 89 - click here to look up the answer

Quote From Page 129 Of The Illinois CDL Manual:

When instructed to resume:

- Check traffic and mirrors thoroughly in all directions.
- Turn off the four-way flashers.
- Activate the left turn signal.
- When traffic permits, release the parking brake and pull straight ahead.
- Do not turn the wheel before your vehicle moves.
- Check traffic from all directions, especially to the left.
- Steer and accelerate smoothly into the proper lane when safe to do so.
- Once your vehicle is back into the flow of traffic, cancel the left turn signal.

TruckingTruth's Advice:

Before you begin moving forward, you should activate the left turn signal so other motorists know you're getting ready to re-enter the traffic lane.

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Next
Each placard must be:
  • At least 7 inches away from any other markings
  • All of these are requirements for placards
  • Kept clear of attachments or devices such as ladders, doors and tarpaulins
  • Placed so the words or numbers are angled from lower left to upper right
This is a review question from page 68 - click here to look up the answer

Quote From Page 94 Of The Illinois CDL Manual:

Placards must appear on both sides and ends of the vehicle. Each placard must be:

  • Easily seen from the direction it faces.
  • Placed so the words or numbers are level and read from left to right.
  • At least 3 inches away from any other markings.
  • Kept clear of attachments or devices such as ladders, doors and tarpaulins.
  • Kept clean and undamaged so that the color, format and message are easily seen.
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Next
When approaching a downgrade, when is the best time to downshift?
  • None of these are correct
  • Downshift once the RPM's become too high for the current gear
  • Downshift about half way down the hill
  • Downshift before starting down the hill
This is a review question from page 16 - click here to look up the answer

Quote From Page 25 Of The Illinois CDL Manual:

Slow down and shift down to a speed that you can control without using the brakes hard. Otherwise the brakes can overheat and lose their braking power. Downshift before starting down the hill. Make sure you are in a low enough gear, usually lower than the gear required to climb the same hill.

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Next
Where does the Shippers Certification appear?
  • On a separate page placed behind the shipping paper
  • The original shipping paper
  • On the emergency response information sheet
  • On a separate page placed before the shipping paper
This is a review question from page 67 - click here to look up the answer

Quote From Page 93 Of The Illinois CDL Manual:

Shipper's Certification When the shipper packages hazardous materials, he/she certifies that the package has been prepared according to the rules. The signed shipper's certification appears on the original shipping paper. The only exceptions are when a shipper is a private carrier transporting their own product, and when the package is provided by the carrier (e.g., a cargo tank). Unless a package is clearly unsafe or does not comply with the HMR, you may accept the shipper's certification concerning proper packaging. Some carriers have additional rules about transporting hazardous products. Follow your employer's rules when accepting shipments.

Shippers print required markings directly on the package, an attached label or tag. An important package marking is the name of the hazardous material. It is the same name as the one on the shipping paper. When required, the shipper will put the following on the package:

  • Name and address of shipper or consignee.
  • Hazardous material's shipping name and ID number.
  • Required labels.
  • ID number on bulk packages.
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Next
Which of the following statements about the Emergency Air Line is false?
  • When the line loses air pressure, it causes the tractor protection valve to close
  • It controls the emergency brakes on combination vehicles
  • It supplies air to the trailer air tanks
  • It carries air controlled by the foot brake or trailer hand brake
This is a review question from page 49 - click here to look up the answer

Quote From Page 73 Of The Illinois CDL Manual:

The emergency line (also called the supply line) has two purposes:

  • (1) To supply air to the trailer air tanks
  • (2) to control the emergency brakes on combination vehicles.

Loss of air pressure in the emergency line causes the trailer emergency brakes to come on. The pressure loss could be caused by a trailer breaking loose, thus tearing apart the emergency air hose. Or it could be caused by a hose, metal tubing or other part that breaks, letting the air out. When the emergency line loses pressure, it also causes the tractor protection valve to close (the air supply knob will pop out).

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Next
During a pre-trip inspection, which of the following will help reduce the chances of a truck fire?
  • Looking for any leaking or under-inflated air bags
  • Ensuring tandem locking pins are in place
  • Making sure tires are not under-inflated
  • Checking all air hoses for leaks
This is a review question from page 31 - click here to look up the answer

Quote From Page 46 Of The Illinois CDL Manual:

Truck fires can cause damage and injury. Learn the causes of fires and how to prevent them. Know what to do to extinguish fires. Following are some causes of vehicle fires:

     
           
  • After accidents - Spilled fuel, improper use of flares.
    •        
  • Tires - Underinflated tires and duals that touch.
    •        
  • Electrical system - Short circuits due to damaged insulation, loose connections.
    •        
  • Fuel - Driver smoking, improper fueling, loose fuel connections.
    •        
  • Cargo - Flammable cargo, improperly sealed or loaded, poor ventilation.
    •    
 

Fire Prevention

 
Pay attention to the following:
       
             
  • Pre-trip inspection - Make a complete inspection of the electrical, fuel and exhaust systems, tires and cargo. Be sure to check that the fire extinguisher is charged.
    •          
  • Enroute inspection - Check the tires, wheels and truck body for signs of heat whenever you stop during a trip.
    •          
  • Follow safety procedures - Follow correct safety procedures for fueling the vehicle, using brakes, handling flares and other activities that can cause a fire.
    •          
  • Monitoring - Check the instruments and gauges often for signs of overheating, and use the mirrors to look for signs of smoke from tires or the vehicle.
    •    

TruckingTruth's Advice:

In very hot weather, an under inflated tire can easily reach high enough temperatures to start a fire. Tire fires are almost impossible to put out even with a fire extinguisher or plenty of water so it's best to avoid a tire fire from occurring in the first place. It's critically important that you keep your tires properly inflated, especially during very hot weather.

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Who Is Required To Get A CDL?

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Picture Of Brett Aquila
TruckingTruth was founded by Brett Aquila (that's me!), a 15 year truck driving veteran, in January 2007. After 15 years on the road I wanted to help people understand the trucking industry and everything that came with the career and lifestyle of an over the road trucker. We'll help you make the right choices and prepare you for a great start to your trucking career.