The High Road™ Online CDL Training Program

The Most Effective CDL Test Preparation Course On The Planet

This program is 100% free for everyone!
  • 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.

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

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 and gives you continued reinforcement where you need it most.

Intelligent Halt System

Yellow Peterbuilt on the highway

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.

What would be the point of feeding you new materials if 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 until we see you're ready to continue on to new materials.

Dynamically Built, Interactive Quizzes

tractor trailer driving down the road

The multiple choice quizzes given on each page include 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.

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 at your own pace. Simply jump to a different section of the program when you're ready for a change of pace.

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 Built In

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.

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

tractor trailer

"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

Our 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, the endorsement exams, and prepare for the start of CDL training:

  • The entire CDL manual is built right in and split into small sections
  • A few multiple choice questions follow each section
  • Score tracking and progress reports throughout the program
  • A review system helps you learn by reinforcing the correct answers
  • A friendly and easy to use interface makes it a breeze to use

We've found a way to teach you the entire CDL manual faster and easier than you thought possible. By breaking it down into small sections and reviewing the questions several times you'll be well prepared for your CDL exams!

Random Questions From The High Road™ CDL Training Program

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

These Questions Are From The Illinois CDL Manual

Which statement is true about roof hatches on commercial buses?
  • Roof hatches should only be used as an emergency exit and should never be used as ventilation sources
  • The height of the bus is calculated assuming the roof hatches will be open
  • You may lock some emergency roof hatches in a partly open position for fresh air.
  • Roof hatches should be left open as regular practice
This is a review question from page 36 - click here to look up the answer

Quote From Page 55 Of The CDL Manual:

You may lock some emergency roof hatches in a partly open position for fresh air. Do not leave them open as a regular practice. Keep in mind the bus's higher clearance while driving with them open.

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.

Next
Where in the trailer could you place cargo so that the weight applied to the trailer tandems is greater than the weight of the cargo itself?
  • Directly above the drive axles
  • Slightly in front of the halfway point between the tractor drives and trailer tandems
  • Directly above the front axle of the trailer tandems
  • In the overhang portion of the trailer behind the center point of the trailer tandems
This is a review question from page 114 - click here to look up the answer

Quote From Page 0 Of The CDL Manual:

Because the trailer pivots up and down at the kingpin above the drive axles, the floor of the trailer acts as a lever pushing down against the trailer tandems when freight is loaded into the overhang portion of the trailer. The further back you load the freight into the overhang portion of the trailer, the more leverage it creates. The net effect of this leverage is that you're putting more weight on the trailer tandems than the cargo itself weighs, and you will actually take a little bit of weight off the drive axles at the same time.
Prev
Next
Which of the following lights do not need to be checked during an inspection?
  • Rear clearance lights
  • All of these lights need to be checked during an inspection
  • Turn signals
  • Identification lights
This is a review question from page 13 - click here to look up the answer

Quote From Page 21 Of The CDL Manual:

Lights and Reflectors:

- Rear clearance and identification lights clean, operating and proper color (red at rear).
- Reflectors clean and proper color (red at rear).
- Taillights clean, operating and proper color (red at rear).
- Right rear turn signal operating and proper color (red, yellow, or amber at rear).

Prev
Next
At what distance are you prohibited from smoking near a placarded cargo tank used for class 3 flammable liquids?
  • Within 10 feet
  • Within 25 feet
  • Within 75 feet
  • Within 50 feet
This is a review question from page 74 - click here to look up the answer

Quote From Page 101 Of The CDL Manual:

Do not smoke within 25 feet of a placarded cargo tank used for Class 3 (flammable liquids) or Division 2.1 (gases). Also, do not smoke or carry a lighted cigarette, cigar or pipe within 25 feet of any vehicle that contains:

  • Class 1 explosives
  • Class 2.1 flammable gas
  • Class 3 flammable liquids
  • Class 4.1 flammable solids
  • Class 4.2 spontaneously combustible
  • Class 5 oxidizers

TruckingTruth's Advice:

The cab of the truck, both inside and out, is considered part of the placarded vehicle, so no smoking is allowed by the driver of the vehicle while in the cab.

Prev
Next
What is the maximum height for all vehicles on all highways?
  • 12 feet, 9 inches
  • 13 feet
  • 14 feet, 6 inches
  • 13 feet, 6 inches
This is a review question from page 4 - click here to look up the answer

Quote From Page 10 Of The CDL Manual:

Height

The maximum height for all vehicles on all designated state and federal highways is 13 feet, 6 inches, including load from the underside of the tire to the top of the vehicle. This includes the US Interstate system. Individual states may set their own maximum height limits, but those limits must be equal to or greater than 13 feet, 6 inches.

TruckingTruth's Advice:

Any vehicles exceeding 13 feet, 6 inches in height must obtain proper permits.

Prev
Next
At what psi will the air compressor governor tell the air compressor to "cut out"?
  • About 90 psi
  • About 115 psi
  • About 110 psi
  • About 125 psi
This is a review question from page 45 - click here to look up the answer

Quote From Page 66 Of The CDL Manual:

Check air compressor governor cut-in and cut-out pressures: Pumping by the air compressor should start at about 100 psi and stop at about 125 psi. (Check manufacturer's specifications.) Run the engine at a fast idle. The air governor should cut out the air compressor at about the manufacturer's specified pressure. The air pressure shown by your gauge(s) will stop rising. With the engine idling, step on and off the brake to reduce the air tank pressure. The compressor should cut in at about the manufacturer's specified cut-in pressure. The pressure should begin to rise.

TruckingTruth's Advice:

It is important to memorize the "cut in" and "cut out" levels for the air governor as well as the terminology.

Cut in: When the governor tells the air compressor to start pumping air into the air tanks. This should occur when air pressure falls to about 100 psi.

Cut out: When the governor tells the air compressor to stop pumping air into the air tanks. This should occur when the air pressure has risen to about 125 psi.

Prev
Next
Before entering a curve, you should do all of the following except:
  • Remain in gear during the curve
  • Downshift to the right gear before entering the curve
  • Slow down to a safe speed before entering the curve
  • Brake hardest during the middle of the curve
This is a review question from page 16 - click here to look up the answer

Quote From Page 25 Of The CDL Manual:

Before entering a curve – Slow down to a safe speed, and downshift to the right gear before entering the curve. This lets you use some power through the curve to help the vehicle be more stable while turning. It also lets you speed up as soon as you are out of the curve.

Prev
Next
.5g is equal to what?
  • 100% of cargo weight.
  • 5,000 lbs.
  • 50% of cargo weight.
  • 5% of cargo weight.
This is a review question from page 152 - click here to look up the answer

Quote From Page 1 Of The CDL Manual:

  • g:

    The acceleration due to gravity, 9.823 m/sec2 (32.2 ft/sec2). For cargo securement purposes it is expressed as a percentage of cargo weight, i.e. .5g is 50% of force of gravity or 50% of cargo weight.

  • Prev
    Next
    Which of these statements accurately defines the maximum amount of air loss allowed with the service brake engaged?
    • The loss rate should be less than 2 psi in 1 minute for single vehicles and less than 3 psi in 1 minute for combination vehicles
    • The loss rate should be less than 4 psi in 1 minute for single vehicles and less than 5 psi in 1 minute for combination vehicles
    • None of these answers are correct
    • The loss rate should be less than 3 psi in 2 minutes for single vehicles and less than 4 psi in 2 minutes for combination vehicles
    This is a review question from page 45 - click here to look up the answer

    Quote From Page 66 Of The CDL Manual:

    Test air leakage rate: With a fully-charged air system (typically 125 psi), turn off the engine, release the service brake, and time the air pressure drop. The loss rate should be less than 2 psi in 1 minute for single vehicles and less than 3 psi in 1 minute for combination vehicles. Then apply 90 psi or more with the brake pedal. After the initial pressure drop, if the air pressure falls more than 3 psi in 1 minute for single vehicles and more than 4 psi for combination vehicles, the air loss rate is too much. Check for air leaks, and repair before driving the vehicle. Otherwise, you could lose your brakes while driving.

    TruckingTruth's Advice:

    You really need to memorize the allowable air leakage rates. This will very likely come up on your written exam and will come up again during the pre-trip exam. Here's what you should memorize (create flash cards if you have to).

    With the service brakes released (not depressing the brake pedal):

    • Air loss rate should be less than 2 psi in 1 minute for a single vehicle.
    • Air loss rate should be less than 3 psi in 1 minute for combination vehicles (vehicles with a trailer).

    With the service brakes depressed (pressing the brake pedal):

    • Air loss rate should be less than 3 psi in 1 minute for a single vehicle.
    • Air loss rate should be less than 4 psi in 1 minute for combination vehicles (vehicles with a trailer).

    Be sure to have that memorized. Very important!!

    Prev
    Next
    If you must park on the side of the road on a one-way or divided highway, your warning devices must be placed in all of the following locations except:
    • 100 feet behind the vehicle
    • 200 feet behind the vehicle
    • 100 feet in front of the vehicle
    • 10 feet behind the vehicle
    This is a review question from page 18 - click here to look up the answer

    Quote From Page 27 Of The CDL Manual:

    On or by a one-way or divided highway, place warning devices 10 feet, 100 feet and 200 feet toward the approaching traffic.

    TruckingTruth's Advice:

    Be sure to memorize how to place your warning devices during different situations. This is something that will very likely show up on your written test.

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    About Us

    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 for a great start to your trucking career.

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    Becoming A Truck Driver is a dream we've all pondered at some point in our lives. We've all wondered if the adventure and challenges of life on the open road would suit us better than the ordinary day to day lives we've always known. At TruckingTruth we'll help you decide if trucking is right for you and help you get your career off to a great start.

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