Source: Driving-Tests.org CDL program data. Individual school results may vary.

Key Takeaways

• Study your state’s CDL manual 鈥� every test question comes directly from this book.
• Take practice tests daily for at least one week 鈥� they reveal weak spots and build test familiarity.
• Master the pre-trip inspection 鈥� it’s one of the top failure points on the skills test.
• Memorize exact numbers 鈥� examiners expect precise answers on PSI, tread depths, and distances.
• Practice backing maneuvers more than anything else 鈥� it’s the single most common failure point on the skills test.
• Enroll in a professional training program 鈥� some structured programs report pass rates of 95% or higher, compared to a national average of around 50%.

1. Study the CDL Manual Thoroughly

Your state’s CDL manual is your primary resource. Every question on the knowledge test comes from this book. Download the California CDL handbook here.

How to study it effectively

• Read it a minimum of three times 鈥� first for familiarity, then for retention.
• Focus only on sections that match your license class. Skip passenger and school bus chapters unless you need those endorsements.
• Mark key numbers and measurements as you go. Write summary notes in your own words.
• Use flashcards for specific numbers, measurements, and procedures.
• Start several weeks out. Daily study beats cramming every time.

2. Take CDL Practice Tests Regularly

Practice tests show you exactly where you stand before test day. Plan to take them daily for at least one week leading up to your exam.

Where to find free practice tests

• Driving-Tests.org 鈥� general knowledge, air brakes, HazMat, school bus, and pre-trip. Includes manual-based explanations.
• CristCDL.com 鈥� free since 1999, no sign-up, unlimited attempts. Questions pulled directly from each state’s DMV manual.

Start in study guide mode to learn the material, then switch to timed mode to simulate real test pressure. Retake as many times as needed.

3. Enroll in a Professional CDL Training Program

Self-study works for some people, but structured programs offer something books can’t: time behind the wheel in a real truck with an experienced instructor.

National first-time pass rates for CDL knowledge tests hover around 50%, according to data from Driving-Tests.org. Some structured training programs report pass rates of 95% or higher for candidates who complete their programs. These programs combine classroom instruction with actual behind-the-wheel practice, which books alone can’t provide.

What to look for in a CDL school

• FMCSA approval 鈥� confirms the school meets federal safety and training standards. Verify this before enrolling.
• Student-to-instructor ratio 鈥� programs with 3:1 ratios give you more one-on-one time. Larger classes mean less individual attention.
• Job placement assistance 鈥� schools with carrier connections can move you from training to a paying job faster.
• Cost and financing 鈥� programs typically run $3,000 to $10,000. Company-sponsored options can drop this to as little as $155 in exchange for a driving commitment. Many schools offer scholarships and military benefits.

Most full-time programs run 3 to 6 weeks. Part-time options stretch to 3 months

4. Master the Pre-Trip Inspection

The pre-trip inspection is one of the most common failure points on the CDL skills test. You must name each part, point to it, and explain what problems you’re looking for. Vague language and missed components result in automatic failure.

The 7-Point Inspection System

• Engine compartment: fluid levels, belts, hoses
• In-vehicle checks: gauges, brakes, emergency equipment
• Front of vehicle: lights, leaks, steering components
• Sides of vehicle: mirrors, fuel tanks, battery
• Rear of vehicle: lights and reflectors
• Coupling devices (combination vehicles): fifth wheel, air lines
• Trailer: damage, proper equipment

Common mistakes that cause failures

• Using vague or informal language instead of exact manual terminology
• Skipping the air brake test 鈥� this is an automatic failure
• Failing to state the exact tread depth: 4/32″ for steer tires
• Rushing through or losing your order mid-inspection

5. Memorize Critical Numbers and Measurements

When examiners ask about air brake pressures, tire tread depths, or following distances, they expect exact answers. “Around” and “approximately” are not acceptable responses during testing.

Sources: FMCSA regulations; state CDL manuals. Air brake pressure ranges may vary slightly by vehicle manufacturer.

6. Practice Backing Maneuvers Extensively

Backing maneuvers are the single most common failure point on the CDL skills test. The Basic Control Skills Test now includes 4 exercises in tighter spaces. Examiners choose from six possible maneuvers.

The 6 possible backing exercises

• Straight-line backing 鈥� reverse between cone rows without hitting boundaries
• Offset backing 鈥� back left or right into a space beside your starting position
• Parallel parking (driver side) 鈥� standard parallel into a marked space
• Parallel parking (conventional) 鈥� right-side approach
• Alley docking 鈥� rear bumper must land within 3 feet of the end of the space
• Reverse offset backing 鈥� combines parallel and offset moves; rear bumper must land inside a 3-foot box

Scoring rules to know before you start

• Crossing a boundary line: 2 points
• Extra pull-up: 1 point
• Automatic failure: 13 points total
• Free moves: 1 pull-up + 1 look (straight-line); 2 of each (offset)

Key technique: steering is reversed when backing. Turn the wheel opposite to the direction you want the trailer to go. Use idle speed and small corrections 鈥� large wheel movements push you off course.

7. Understand Air Brake Systems Inside Out

The air brakes endorsement requires both theory and hands-on inspection knowledge. This is the single hardest portion of the CDL exam 鈥� 80% of first-time applicants fail it.

Key components and what they do

• Air compressor 鈥� pressurizes air and sends it to storage tanks; runs continuously with the engine
• Governor 鈥� controls when the compressor pumps; cuts in around 100 psi, cuts out between 110-130 psi
• Air storage tanks 鈥� hold enough reserve for 10-12 full brake applications if the compressor fails
• Brake chambers 鈥� convert compressed air into mechanical force that stops the truck
• Slack adjuster 鈥� connects the pushrod to the S-cam, which forces brake shoes against the drum
• Spring brakes 鈥� emergency system; engage automatically if air pressure drops too low

Air brake inspection steps (in order)

• Turn the key on, then fan the service brake below 90 psi
• Start the engine and wait for the governor to cut out between 120-140 psi
• Press both truck and trailer air valves
• Run leakage test: hold service brake for 60 seconds and check for pressure drop

8. Get Plenty of Behind-the-Wheel Practice

Book knowledge prepares you for the written exam. Seat time builds the skills to pass the skills test. Most training programs structure it this way:

Typical training progression

Week 2 鈥� Straight-line backing, basic shifting, pre-trip practice

Week 3 鈥� Offset backing, alley docking, turning techniques

Week 4 鈥� Road driving on city streets, highways, and varying traffic conditions

After every session: write down what went well and what gave you trouble. Use those notes to guide your next study period.

9. Learn From Experienced Instructors

Federal rules require CDL instructors to hold a valid CDL and at least two years of commercial driving experience. Their hands-on background gives you access to practical knowledge that textbooks don’t cover.

Questions to ask before you enroll

• Have they driven long-haul routes in difficult conditions?
• Have they handled brake failures, blown tires, or emergency situations?
• Do they adjust their teaching based on how individual students learn?

Strong instructors will give you extra time on weak areas 鈥� parallel parking, pre-trip inspection, backing 鈥� without rushing through the material to stay on schedule.

10. Create a Structured Study Schedule

You must hold your Commercial Learner’s Permit for at least 14 days before taking the CDL skills test. Use every one of those days with a plan.

Study in 45-minute sessions with short breaks in between. Silence your phone. Set a specific goal for each session 鈥� a number of pages, or one complete inspection section.

11. Stay Calm and Manage Test Day Anxiety

Nerves are normal. The candidates who perform best on test day treat it like another training session rather than a high-pressure performance.

12. Know Why People Fail 鈥� and Avoid the Same Mistakes

Source: California DMV, Statewide Evaluation of CDL Written Knowledge Tests (Research Report RSS-08-225, 2008). California-specific data; results may vary by state.

Understanding where candidates typically fail gives you a clear roadmap for where to focus your preparation. The two hardest written tests 鈥� Air Brakes and Combination Vehicles 鈥� have documented failure rates that underscore how much focused study they require.

Written test failures

• Skipping the manual and relying on common sense 鈥� the exam covers technical specifics that require actual study
• Rushing through questions and making careless errors
• Second-guessing correct answers
• Using only practice tests without reading the manual 鈥� this leaves gaps that show up on test day

Skills test failures

• Turning too fast, causing the trailer to drift into other lanes
• Oversteering during straight-line backing or not catching trailer drift early
• Underestimating stopping distances and braking too late
• Safety violations 鈥� running red lights, failing to signal, or any accident during testing 鈥� result in automatic disqualification

Conclusion

Passing your CDL test on the first try comes down to preparation and consistency. Study your state’s manual thoroughly, take practice tests daily, and enroll in a professional training program if you can. Focus extra attention on pre-trip inspections, backing maneuvers, and air brake systems 鈥� these are where most candidates fall short. Memorize the critical numbers, get real seat time behind the wheel, and build a structured study plan during your 14-day CLP waiting period. With the right preparation, first-time success is within reach.

FAQs

How long should I study before taking my CDL test?

Start studying several weeks before your scheduled exam, with at least 45 minutes of focused study each day. Consistent daily sessions beat cramming and lead to better retention on test day.

What is the minimum tire tread depth for CDL vehicles?

Steer tires require a minimum of 4/32 inch tread depth in every major groove; drive and trailer tires require 2/32 inch minimum.

What are the most common reasons people fail the CDL skills test?

Backing maneuvers, particularly alley docking, are the top failure point. Other common failures include turning too fast, delayed braking, and incomplete or vague pre-trip inspections.

What should I do on test day to perform my best?

Get at least 7 hours of sleep, eat a protein-rich breakfast, and arrive 30 minutes early. If you make a mistake during testing, take a breath, trust your training, and keep going.

The post 12 Proven Tips on How to Pass Your CDL Test on the First Try appeared first on 91影视.

Looking for a particular resource? Jump ahead!

• CDL 91影视 at ACI
• Financial Aid for CDL and Truck Driver Training
• What to Expect in Truck Driver Training
• Prepare for Your CDL Permit Test
• More CDL Training Questions? We’ve Got Answers!

CDL 91影视 at ACI

Here at 91影视, we offer a variety of different CDL classes at different campuses to help incoming students prepare for their new career in the trucking industry. This includes a variety of Class A CDL courses as well as a refresher course for those who have previously received their commercial driver’s license.

Professional Truck Driver Program

Our Professional Truck Driver Program, offered at all 5 of our campuses, is our introductory truck driver training program. This course is designed for students who have no prior experience in the industry and are looking to get their CDL. This training has extensive classroom training and behind-the-wheel practice to prepare you for the exam. This course is 4 weeks long and will total 160 hours of classroom and range training.

Advanced Professional Truck Driver Program

For students who would like more time to build their skills behind the wheel, we offer an Advanced Professional Truck Driver Program. This 6-week course covers the same crucial topics included in our Professional Truck Driver Program but adds more time in the driver’s seat to prepare for the Class A CDL exam.

Ag Transportation

If you鈥檙e interested in our Ag Transportation program, offered at both our Visalia and Las Vegas campuses, it is also open to students with no prior experience. This extended course provides advanced training to students on procedures for both the truck driving and agricultural industries. Like with our other truck driver training programs, you鈥檒l be prepared for the operations of truck driving, but also be instructed on how to transport products and equipment in the agricultural industry. For this 20-week course, students will have ample time to become comfortable behind the wheel and transporting specialty agricultural materials.

Commercial Driver 3-Week Program

The Commercial Driver 3-Week Program is an expedited course for students who already have a valid CDL Permit in California or Nevada, and a valid DOT medical card. This course is a behind-the-wheel only program to prepare students for the driving portion of the exam. With only 120 hours needed to complete this course, our staff works quickly to ensure that students are ready to hit the road with confidence as soon as possible.

Financial Aid for CDL and Truck Driver Training

At 91影视, we help all our incoming students find ways to pay for the CDL training they need. When our students meet with the Financial Aid Office, the goal is to find the right payment method for them. This could include using any military benefits, government funding, or payment plans.

Many students who walk through the door may qualify for military benefits when they choose to enroll at 91影视. Whether they are an active military member, a veteran, or a family member of a military member, they may be eligible for a variety of financial aid programs.

Programs you may qualify for

• Post 9/11 GI Bill
• Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB)
• Special Vocational Training (SVT)
• Survivors and Dependents Educational Assistance Program
• Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR)
• Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP)
• DoD Tuition Assistance (TA) Program
• Military Spouse Career Advancement Accounts (MyCAA)

If you wish to know more about your options, check out our Veterans Assistance page, or connect with our Financial Aid Office.

Another popular financing option is known as the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, or WIOA. This grant provides individuals who are looking for training with funding to individuals who want to start a new career so they can succeed in the workforce. WIOA partners with the Department of Labor and other federal partners to help states offer this program for those who need assistance affording their training.

The federal government may also award incoming students grants based on their qualifications. A common grant would be the Federal Pell Grant. This form of financial aid is typically given to undergraduate students who demonstrate exceptional financial needs and have not yet earned a degree or certificate. Unlike loans, students do not have to repay Pell Grants.

Financial need is determined by the Department of Education, and qualification is based on a variety of options. This includes your financial need, the cost to attend school, and your status as a student. If you would like to learn more about the Pell Grant and how you can qualify, let our Financial Aid Office help you get started.

If you鈥檙e not interested in taking out a loan, or you cannot qualify for grants, 91影视 also offers payment plans as an alternative. This will break the tuition cost into equal monthly payments. Our Financial Aid office will also be happy to help you set up automated payment plans for your schooling. If you鈥檙e interested in setting up monthly payment plans, our Financial Aid Office will work to find the right fit for you!

If you鈥檙e interested in other payment options, check out our tuition assistance page for a full list of financial aid opportunities.

What to Expect in Truck Driver Training

At 91影视, our courses are designed to combine classroom training and behind-the-wheel practice. Classroom training is built to prepare you for the CDL written exam with the Department of Motor Vehicles. Driving on the range and practicing on the road are also a crucial part of obtaining your CDL.

The first step in each of our courses is to prepare students for their CDL permit test. This takes place during the first week of training, and we prepare our students to obtain their Class A driving permit with all endorsements, except for the hazardous materials endorsement. This endorsement requires that you take an additional Hazmat theory course that is included in the Entry-Level Driver training prior to the exam.

Once a student achieves their permit, we will start entry-level driver training. This includes everything a student can prepare for when getting on the road behind the wheel. From different weather conditions to night operation and space management, our students will learn the proper protocol when handling the truck. Our students also learn the importance of pre-trip inspection and post-trip inspection. During this time, we teach them how to identify parts and inspect their vehicle to ensure safety.

When our students are able to understand their truck inside and out, that鈥檚 when we get them driving. Students start training with basic maneuvers such as backing, alley docking, parallel parking, and coupling/uncoupling. Students will also learn basic handling of the truck both on the range and the public roads. This is the longest portion of the training, ensuring that students are safe and comfortable behind the wheel prior to taking their exams.

Prepare for Your CDL Permit Test

The CDL training courses that are offered at 91影视 are designed to help you prepare for the exams, but attending class is not the only way to prepare. Students must also put forth the effort in preparing for the test. It鈥檚 important to study and become proficient in every aspect of truck driving to pass.

It鈥檚 important that students don鈥檛 simply memorize terms and rules; they need to understand the concepts and feel comfortable in the driver鈥檚 seat. It鈥檚 also important for students to practice their exam, with several online options like . This will prepare students for the California DMV written tests.

If you鈥檙e looking for ways to study outside of the classroom 鈥� take a look at this , or this .

More CDL Training Questions? We’ve Got Answers!

In this blog, we鈥檝e answered a lot of questions about what to expect as a new CDL student. But what if you have other questions? We鈥檝e created a section of frequently asked questions for incoming students or people just interested in learning more. Our staff is also a wealth of knowledge when it comes to trucking and is ready to answer any questions you may have about education or the trucking industry.

Ready to Begin CDL Training? Start Your Trucking Career with ACI!

The post Start Your CDL Training Journey: The Best Truck Driver Training Resources appeared first on 91影视.

Logan attended both our Visalia and Fresno campuses earlier this year, graduating just a few months ago. Before getting his tanker endorsement with us, Logan was doing something else exciting 鈥� loading helicopters. Working with the agricultural community, he helped prep helicopters to crop dust fields. Although, this wasn鈥檛 the job he wanted to have for the next 30 years, he wanted something more reliable.

A New Path with Purpose: Why Logan Chose a CDL Career

鈥淚 wanted a more reliable and steady income. Acquiring a CDL makes you employable in the 49 continental states,鈥� he states, 鈥淚 wanted to always have steady employment to help raise my kids.鈥�

After multiple people recommended 91影视, Logan chose to enroll at our Visalia campus.. When asked about his experience at both the Visalia and Fresno campuses, he had nothing but kind things to say about the staff members. From start to finish, there were staff members and instructors that helped him to succeed.

鈥淢elissa was so perfect at the pre-trip and wouldn鈥檛 allow anyone to cut corners, she didn鈥檛 want to make us unsafe drivers.鈥�

More Than Just a Job: Driving Toward Rocket Launch Sites

In the short time following his training with ACI, Logan found himself employed quickly. Logan started to drive tanker trucks with a lot of different contents. One of these deliveries being calumet 鈥� an inactive ingredient in rocket fuel. While it鈥檚 considered a non-hazmat material, Logan is working toward getting his hazmat endorsement. This is so that he can deliver more materials to popular launch sites. This would include hauling hazmat and doubles, so that he can haul all the materials needed for rocket fuel.

While rocket fuel is not the only delivery Logan makes, his contract doing so has helped others. Most notably, he delivered materials to a launch station preparing to retrieve Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams from the International Space Station in March of this year.

Eyes on the Horizon: What鈥檚 Next for Logan in Trucking

鈥淪ince graduating, I鈥檝e hauled tankers, pneumatics, low beds, flatbeds, as well as bottom-dump and side-dump trailers 鈥� all for the same company.鈥� He explained, 鈥淚鈥檝e already got to haul eight different types of trailers over the course of two months.鈥�

Logan has been working hard from the beginning to give himself every opportunity in the trucking industry. He actively pursued his hazmat certification and licenses as a bulk milk hauler and sampler. This helped him gain valuable experience with each haul he completed. By making himself skilled in so many parts of the trucking field, he鈥檚 been able to assists companies like Kinder Morgan and Harris Ranch in transporting their products.

We asked Logan what he would tell any future students at ACI. His best advice for future CDL drivers: apply yourself.

鈥淒on鈥檛 let any personal distractions come in the way of your future goals,鈥� Logan recommends, 鈥淥nce you get your CDL and find your place of employment, it鈥檚 a major relief.鈥�

He also mentions how important your driving record is for success in the CDL industry. He even made a comparison between a drivers performance and their resume. ACI is here to help each and every one of our students understand the importance of driver safety. Logan got to experience that first-hand at our Fresno campus.

鈥淚 100% know that Fresno will create a safe driver, and it will help them to acquire their CDL without fail if they attend that campus.鈥�

If you鈥檙e ready to launch yourself into a career in trucking, reach out to us today to get started! Learn the !

The post A Tanker Endorsement that Launched a Successful Career appeared first on 91影视.

Autonomous Vehicles

A hot topic in the industry is the arrival of self-driving trucks. Although fully self-driving trucks might not be here yet, we’re already seeing some features that help trucks drive themselves a bit. Things like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assistance are being added to trucks. These features not only make driving safer but also help trucks use less fuel.

Smart Planning with Data

Trucking companies now have superpowers thanks to data. They can track their trucks in real-time and use that info to plan better routes, save fuel, and make deliveries faster.

Eco-Friendly Trucks

People are worried about the environment, so trucking is going green. Electric trucks that run on clean energy are becoming popular. They don’t pollute like regular trucks and can save money in the long run.

Keeping Things Moving, No Matter What

The COVID-19 pandemic showed how important it is to keep things moving, even when there are big problems. Trucking companies are learning to be ready for anything by making their plans more flexible and smart.

In short, the future of trucking is all about using new tech and being kinder to the planet. While there are still some bumps in the road, like rules and roads that need upgrading, the future looks exciting. With teamwork between truckers, lawmakers, and tech experts, we’re set to roll into a smarter, greener tomorrow for trucking!

Get started in towards a career in trucking today! Call our admissions team at 866-951-4821 to learn more about enrolling with ACI!

The post What’s Next for Trucking? appeared first on 91影视.

Visalia CDL Training and Welding Training

The ACI Visalia campus is our oldest campus, having been open since 1993. However, it has recently moved to a new state-of-the-art facility in 2022. The new Visalia campus is located at and offers students both CDL and welding training courses. The complete list of the courses provided at Visalia is Class A CDL training, Advanced Class A CDL training, CDL refresher training, Agricultural Transportation training, and advanced welding training. The new Visalia campus provides students access to the four-acre truck driving yard and our 5,000 sq. ft. welding lab.

Fresno CDL and Welding Training

Our Fresno campus, located at , was the second campus we opened in July 2000. When we opened our Fresno campus, welding also joined our programs list. As of 2022, the programs offered at our Fresno campus are Class A CDL training, Advanced Class A CDL training, Agricultural Transportation training, and Advanced Welding training.

Merced CDL Training

Due to increased student demand, we opened our Merced campus in March of 2015. Our Merced campus is at . The Merced campus offers Class A CDL training, Advanced Class A CDL training, CDL refresher training, and Agricultural Transportation training. Merced helps us reach all students in the Valley and give them the best Commercial truck driver training possible.

Bakersfield CDL and Welding Training

ACI Bakersfield is one of three campuses offering both CDL training and welding courses. Our Bakersfield campus is located at and has been open since 2018. Our CDL training programs include our Class A CDL training, Agriculture Transportation training, Advanced Class A CDL training, and a CDL refresher course. Our Bakersfield campus also offers ACI鈥檚 advanced welding training, our 38-week welding certification course.

Las Vegas CDL Training

In 2020 we opened the ACI Las Vegas campus using our over 30 years of knowledge in the trucking industry to provide the best training in the North Las Vegas area for our students. We opened our Las Vegas campus at ; it became our fifth campus. The Las Vegas campus offers Class A CDL training, Advanced Class A CDL training, CDL refresher training, and Agricultural Transportation training. Students that attend our Las Vegas will have access to our four-acre paved training yard and new upgraded classrooms.

Come to ACI to be trained by the best staff in California! Contact us today to reserve your seat at one of our campuses.

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Thank A Driver with a Home Cooked Meal

Drivers have limited home-cooked meal options while on the road, meaning they often eat typical truck stop snacks or fast-food items. To show appreciation for the hard work they are providing this season, you can opt to share your own turkey spread! Alternatively, there are many organizations, such as , where you can volunteer to deliver ready-made meals to drivers. Whichever you choose may seem like a small sentiment, but truck drivers will for sure be very grateful!

Show Thanks by Picking Up the Check

If your celebrations happen at a restaurant or diner, check if any drivers are also enjoying a meal. If so, you can offer to cover their bill. You could even invite them to join in your festivities, as many of them are away from their own celebrations and traditions. Truck drivers can provide great company and interesting conversations, as they encounter something new every day that they’re driving across the country. And to think, all of that could begin with a small kind gesture of gratitude!

Spread Holiday Cheer with Thank-You Themed Goody Bags

A great way to get the whole family involved is to set up a goody bag creation station to pass out to drivers you encounter throughout the season. The bags can be filled with travel-size essential items, grab-and-go snacks, or holiday-themed d茅cor they can use to spruce up their trucks. You might also want to include a themed greeting card that everyone can sign. The best part 鈥� these items can be purchased at your local dollar store! Once all the bags are filled, make sure to keep them somewhere that can be easily accessed to hand out, such as your car. This inexpensive gift idea can have the biggest impact on a driver鈥檚 day!

Post on Social Media Using the #ThankATrucker Hashtag

Social media has become a very popular way for drivers to keep in touch with their family and friends. This gives you the perfect opportunity to show your thankfulness to drivers, and best of all 鈥� it’s free to do! Before you post, make sure to include the hashtag #ThankATrucker so your message can reach even more drivers than you thought possible! You can also repost messages from others who are using the hashtag to spread their positive sentiments. Lastly, you can ask your friends or followers to also create a caption with the hashtag and help spread good messages to all drivers!

Truck Drivers Thank 91影视

While everyone is thanking our heroes of the road, truck drivers are also showing their gratitude to those who helped them get where they are today. 91影视 has received many heartfelt messages of thanks and appreciation from our graduates who underwent our CDL training program and have gone on to create successful and lucrative driving careers with our trucking partners. Many graduates share their stories with us online, but some make sure to stop by their campus in person. Drivers also make sure to stop by our Job Placement program offices to pass along their gratitude to those who helped get the ball rolling toward their new careers.

Let ACI help you begin your new driving career! Fill out the form on this page or give us a call at 866-218-7968 to get your spot reserved in our next class!

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In an attempt to combat this problem, here are some of the risks associated with driving on underinflated tires and some measures that truck drivers can take to ensure this does not happen.

Risks of driving on underinflated tires

Reduced Traction and Poorer Steering –Underinflated tires will not grip the road as well as tires that are fully inflated. This means that vehicles can be more challenging to steer, particularly in wet conditions or driving on imperfect road surfaces. This presents a real danger to road users. According to the National Transportation Safety Board, there are around each year due to tire-related issues. Underinflated tires are one of the most commonly cited issues of this kind.

Increased Chance of Tire Blowout- When a tire is underinflated, pressure from the road transfers from the supple tread of the tire to the more brittle tire sidewall. As the tire鈥檚 sidewall is not designed to take such pressure, this can lead to tire blowouts. A sudden blowout on a highway can be very dangerous. Blowouts are estimated to cause 2,000 accidents each year in the US. Furthermore, blowouts can also lead to long periods of driver downtime and mess up schedules.

Poorer Fuel Economy – Low tire pressure increases the amount of friction there is between the tire and the road. This means that it takes more fuel to move a vehicle at the same speed than when tires are properly inflated. Although this may not affect a driver too much, improving fuel economy is one of the biggest priorities of fleet managers and operators. This is because fuel consumption typically takes up聽聽of a fleet鈥檚 total operating costs.

How can Truck Drivers Ensure their Tires are Always Fully Inflated?

Knowing your tire inflation specifications – Given that 50% of truck drivers do not know the pressure that their tires should be inflated at, just knowing this basic information will help you be more responsible about your tires than most of your colleagues. You can find out your truck鈥檚 optimal tire pressure by looking at the vehicle鈥檚 driver manual. Generally recommended tire pressure is between 35-40 PSI, but this can vary from truck to truck.

Measure your Tire Pressure at Least Once a Month – Since some air will always be leaking out of tires, it鈥檚 essential to check your tire pressure at least once every four weeks. You can measure tire pressure with a tire pressure gauge. This tool costs less than $15 and is small enough to be kept in your truck鈥檚 glove compartment. As the heat caused by driving (particularly highway driving) causes tire pressure to increase, you should always measure your tire pressure when your tires are 鈥渃old.鈥� A 鈥渃old鈥� tire has not been driven on for at least 2 hours.

Although most trucks will be fitted with a tire pressure monitoring system, this will only alert you when a tire has deflated below 25% of its optimal pressure. This is far beyond the point where steering and fuel economy are affected, so it鈥檚 well worth regularly measuring tire pressure manually.

Keep an Eye out for Outerwear on your Tires

If you drive underinflated tires for an extended time, the outer edges of your tire will wear faster than the middle of the tread. This is because more pressure is exerted on the outside of tires when underinflated. Remember, is why underinflation can lead to blowouts.

We can often feel outerwear if we run our hand over the tread of our tires. You should be able to notice the tactile sensation of tire treads being shallower on the outside of the tread than in the middle. If this is the case, then it鈥檚 worth measuring your tire pressure to see if tires are underinflated, as well as being more diligent with keeping your tires inflated in the future.

– Written by Mike Skoropad

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Las Vegas CDL Training Facility

Our new campus is designed to give our students the best facility to practice their skills and start their careers in the trucking industry. Students will begin their CDL training by expanding their knowledge about the trucking industry, equipment, and regulations in our newly updated classrooms. Students will then get the chance to practice their driving skills and backing maneuvers on our four-acre paved training yard. For anyone looking to obtain their Class A CDL in Nevada, look no further. ACI’s admissions and training staff is ready to help new students get signed up and started on their journey to a great trucking career.

What To Expect During Truck Driver Training

We have new classes starting every couple of weeks! Students will be able to have a CDL license and a new career in their hands a just a couple of weeks. Our 4-week program is 160 clock hours of training. Our trainers will first prepare students to take their written CDL permit exam. The remaining in-classroom training will be used to learn rules and regulations and the ins and outs of your vehicle. Students will then move onto yard training where they will get behind the wheel of one of our beautiful trucks.

How to Get Your Class A CDL in Nevada

1. Make sure you meet all of the requirements necessary to get your Commercial Driver’s License.
2. Contact 91影视’s Las Vegas Campus to sign up for training.
3. Next, obtain your CDL permit. As previously mentioned, when training with ACI, we will help prepare you to take your CDL permit exam during your first two weeks of classroom training.
4. You will need to submit a driving record check. Our admissions staff will help you with this step.
5. Complete your 160 hours of training with ACI and schedule your CDL exam.

If you are ready to start training for your Commercial Driver’s License in Las Vegas, Nevada, we are ready for you! Give us a call today! 702-463-5050

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Going into the new year, it was clear that 2021 was going to be a rebound year for freight and the trucking industry according to . With this in mind, let鈥檚 look at some reasons the trucking industry can be thankful post-COVID.

The Rise of E-Commerce

E-commerce has rapidly grown since it first began, but especially since March of 2020 when COVID impacted in-person shopping habits. Overall, 44% during 2020 in comparison to 2019. This resulted in a significant increase in products that needed to be shipped and delivered via trucks. E-commerce and online sales are expected to stay high this year. They may drop slightly compared to 2020 due to fewer COVID restrictions, but the current volume of online shopping has become the new normal. In 2021, truckers can expect to continue to have plenty of loads to haul due to this rise in e-commerce. Traditional brick and mortar stores are also beginning to fully open back up, meaning truckers will have deliveries to stores added back to their routes as well.

Remote Work is Here to Stay

Working remotely was a huge adjustment many companies had to make in 2020. This actually greatly benefitted truck drivers because there was less traffic on roads and deliveries were made easier. Some companies even reported deliveries were made 3x quicker by truckers during this time. With how successful remote work proved to be, many companies are now allowing workers to stay and work from home in the future. This will continue to help make travel safer for truckers even after COVID because working from home has now become the new normal.

Contactless Technology

One of the more efficient upgrades we saw during the pandemic was the number of companies that added a contactless or paperless approach to their business models. New technologies were implemented due to the highly contagious nature of the virus. Electronic contracts and bills are quicker and more efficient than traditional paper. Contactless pick-up and delivery services now give truckers more options when they are on the road. Drivers no longer have to walk from their trucks to security stations or warehouses and now have the ability to do almost everything online.

The 2021 Year

Areas that are likely to continue to see strongholds and growth are grocery stores and retail carriers. The demand is still high for both industries and will be for the foreseeable future. Another industry that is going to continue to grow is final-mile delivery and medical carriers. With the continued rollout of the vaccine and medical supplies, in addition to the rise of e-commerce mentioned earlier, both should have a strong presence in 2021. If you are a new truck driver looking to get started in the industry, it would be a good idea to talk with your potential employers about the industries they are working within.

A Changing Industry

The trucking industry post-COVID will be different than it was before. Luckily many differences seem to be for the better. The trucking industry has shown it has the ability to adapt to the changing needs of its communities and continue to succeed no matter what obstacles are thrown it’s way. If you have chosen a career in the trucking industry, chances are that no matter what happens to the economy, truck drivers have to continue trucking.

One thing that won’t change in the industry is the need for professional drivers. The shortage of truck drivers continues to grow, and carriers will always need new drivers. 91影视 is proud to help train the next generation of professional truck drivers through our CDL training programs.

If you would like to join an essential and growing industry, contact us today by filling out the form or calling 877-649-9614!

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Human trafficking has been a hot topic in the news lately, but it鈥檚 been a persistent issue for centuries. Even with an unsettling 28 million victims of human trafficking, countless individuals are still blinded to the matter. Unfortunately, truck drivers see it occurring in plain sight. In hopes to build awareness of the ongoing problem with human trafficking, January was named National Human Trafficking Awareness Month. We encourage you to take a look at how you can participate this month.

What is Human Trafficking?

Human trafficking is the exploitation of human beings through force, fraud or coercion for the purpose of commercial sex or forced labor. The following information is from , and .

• Globally, human trafficking brings in $150 billion a year for traffickers.

• The National Human Trafficking Hotline received more calls from California than any other state followed by Texas and Florida.
• 2,692 of those calls made to NHTH were by truck drivers.
• About 50,000 people are trafficked into the US each year, most often from Mexico and the Philippines.
• 1,296 human trafficking victims have been identified by the transportation industry.

Truckers Against Trafficking

Truck drivers have shown they are in business to save lives. Truckers Against Trafficking was established in 2009 to empower the trucking, bus and energy industries to take a public stand against human trafficking. Currently, 1,014,367 truck drivers have completed their Certified Trucker Against Trafficking program. Over the years, TAT has received recognition from the U.S. Congress and the United Nation鈥檚 100 Best Practices list for their dedicated success. Plus, they have partnered with numerous motor carriers, trucking industry associations, government transportation agencies, truck stops, travel plazas and law enforcement.

Hero of the Highway

Millions of truck drivers have become the eyes and ears of our nation鈥檚 highways, like Kevin Kimmel. In 2015, Kimmel saved a woman from modern-day slavery. At the time, he was pulling into a truck stop to sleep, and saw a distraught young woman through the darkened window of an RV. He decided things didn鈥檛 look right and called local law enforcement. When the police arrived, they found the 20-year-old woman malnourished and frightened. The woman had been kidnapped two weeks prior, and because of Kimmel, she is free.

Drivers Encouraged to Participate in #WearBlueDay

National Human Trafficking Awareness Day is recognized on January 11. The Blue Campaign, a public awareness campaign created by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, hosts several events and educational activities. One of their largest initiatives is #WearBlueDay. To participate, take a photo of yourself dressed in blue and share your photo on social media with the hashtag #WearBlueDay. Check out some or take a look at .

3 Ways Truck Drivers Can Make a Difference

1. Get Certified. If you鈥檝e received your CDL training, join Truckers Against Trafficking鈥檚 army of transportation professionals working to disrupt human trafficking. The Truckers Against Trafficking test is free for all truck drivers. You can or see if your organization .
2. Follow your instincts. Call or text the National Human Trafficking Hotline to if you ever believe you may have information about a trafficking situation.
3. Don鈥檛 turn a blind eye. If you witness any suspicious activity notify the truck stop employee or call local law enforcement.

If you are interested in becoming a hero of the highway, learn more about how to become a licensed CDL Truck Driver. America is depending on you!

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