eGears Blog for Online CDL Training

The California CDL handbook covers the basic information you need to know to earn a CDL, but learning how to get a CDL in California takes more than just reading the manual. Preparing for the California CDL test requires knowing where to take the test, how much the test costs, and the minimum requirements that need to be met to qualify for a CDL.

5 Part California CDL License Guide:

1. California CDL Requirements
Before applying for a CDL permit, aspiring professional drivers must have certain documents, meet some minimum requirements, and pass a medical examination that inspects hearing, vision, blood pressure level, and other basic health issues. To get the complete list of requirements, check out the California CDL Requirements page.

2. Earn the CDL Permit
After passing the DOT medical examination, the next step is to pass the CDL permit test. An applicant must apply for the permit through the California Department of Motor Vehicles and the test can be administered at most DMV offices throughout the state. Find out the cost of the test, what you need to bring, and more at the California CDL Permit page.

3. California Endorsements
While you are studying to earn the basic CDL, you might want to consider taking additional tests like the HazMat endorsement. eGears even offers online HazMat endorsement training that covers the entire Hazardous Materials section of the CDL manual. Get answers to more endorsement questions on the California Endorsements page.

4. Taking the Skills Tests
After you’ve successfully passed the written Knowledge Tests, you will be ready for the skills tests. The Skills Test page includes information on the 3 main areas of the skills test, including the pre-trip inspection, basic skills test, and on-road test.

5. Holding a California CDL
Do you need to know what to do after you pass the medical examination, the Knowledge Tests, and the general Skills Tests? Check out the resource page on holding a California CDL to find out more about all the necessary documents and required California CDL fees you need to ensure you’ll successfully be able to have your CDL issued at a DMV office.

SAVE 10% NOW
After reviewing this guide using the links above, you should have a good understanding on the steps you need to take to get a CDL in California.  All eGears CDL practice tests follow the Federal Guidelines and apply to every state, including California.  To Save 10% on any order, just enter promo code “BLOG” during checkout.

In the video preview below, CDL instructor Phil Tandem guides viewers through  a demonstration of the CDL pre-trip inspection on the exterior of a Type C school bus.

This short video preview will give you a feel for the quality of video along with how the on-screen tips work.   By moving through each item and using graphics, you’re able to learn the location of each part which must be inspected even without having access to a school bus.  The  complete pre-trip video includes all items from the front to the rear and the four point brake check. This video has been used by many individuals looking to drive a school bus or even a dump truck.  It can also be used by school corporations and transportation departments to help train a group or fleet of new drivers.

The school bus pre-trip inspection is available on DVD (type C and D included) or through online video training (type C and D sold separately).

By offering the two different forms of this video, it gives you some options.  Would you prefer to have a hard copy of the DVD to train yourself or your employees?   Would you rather save some money and watch the video online at your convenience?  You can decide which option works best for you.

Professional Development – Applicable to All 50 States
The school bus pre trip inspection video was developed with certified CDL examiners. Training experts oversaw the demonstration to ensure DOT guidelines were met. The pre-trip inspection demonstration covers all points of the CDL pre-trip inspection and applies to all 50 states. The DVD is based on guidelines from the FMCSA and CDL manual.

SAVE 10% Right Now
The school bus pre-trip video and DVD are currently on sale.  The online video is priced at $14.95 and the DVD is available for $29.95.  In addition to these low prices, you can take 10% off by entering the promo code BLOG during checkout.

eGears offers valuable CDL test training study materials to help prepare you for your CDL written and skills tests.

1.     A realistic study experience.

eGears’ study materials help you prepare for your CDL exam in less time than traditional studying methods because eGears provides demonstrations and pictures of what you’ll actually see on the CDL test. Can you find live demonstrations in a boring old CDL test manual? I don’t think so! Our pre-trip inspection DVD clearly illustrates and explains each vehicle part and its condition and our study guides are packed with easy to understand information and graphics to make your CDL test training simpler.

2.     24/7 CDL training access.

Because all of eGears’ products are available online or shipped directly to you, you can study at any hour that’s convenient for you. The open availability of your eGears study materials allows you to work on your own time and at your own pace.

3.     Useful for every knowledge level.

Whether you’re a brand new truck driver or someone who just wants to brush up on their CDL knowledge, eGears can assist you. Our pre-trip inspection DVD is a good choice for inexperienced drivers because it physically demonstrates everything you’ll need to learn, while our pre-trip inspection study guide is a good fit for those who have already learned and are simply looking to review the material. Our variation of online materials, DVDs, and study guides allows you to select the study method(s) that best accommodates your needs.

4.     CDL learning faster and easier.

Our interactive study materials make studying for your commercial driver’s license quicker and easier than more traditional study methods. Reviewing the material prior to attending a truck driving school makes it much easier for you to pass your CDL test the first time. This makes eGears a great study option that puts you ahead of the pack.

If you’re looking for extra help preparing for your CDL test, consider looking into eGears’ CDL test training materials. They’re interactive, realistic, and hands-on, making them a more beneficial study option than textbooks and manuals.

SAVE 10% on Your Next Order
Take advantage of a 10% discount by placing an order today and using the promo code “BLOG” at the checkout!  Some of our hot products include:

• Class A Pre-Trip DVD Study Pack
• Class A CDL Permit Practice Test

Hazardous Materials (HazMat) Endorsement Overview

When added to a CDL license, the HazMat endorsement opens up opportunities for drivers to make more money.  Simply put, by being able to haul items such as hair spray, batteries, finger nail polish and other hazardous materials you can take on loads that other drivers would have to turn down.  More opportunities = more money.

In order to add the HazMat endorsement to your CDL in Missouri, you must pass a written test which covers the Hazardous Materials section of the CDL manual.  While it may seem like just another test, this is an important endorsement to have and is encouraged by a lot of the major transportation companies.

To help make getting the HazMat endorsement in Missouri an easier process, eGears offers a practice test that saves you the time of leafing through the CDL manual.  We’ve been receiving some great reviews and wanted to share one from a customer in Missouri.

HazMat Practice Test Review

“I Used eGears previously for my CDL-Permit with great results, And sure enough they didnt fail me when I needed my HazMat, Used eGears for about 12 hours over 3 days read the entirety took my knowledge test online and passed it 4 times, Went the next morning and passed my Hazmat test with no problems! Definitely would recommend anyone to try it!” – Drew S. from Nevada, MO

How to Get Started

Studying for the CDL HazMat test doesn’t have to be difficult.  In fact, getting started with eGears is easy.  Just sign up for the HazMat course here and you will have immediate access to sample test questions and answers.  You can choose to review all of the material at one time, or split it up over the course of several days like Drew did.  Once you’ve worked through the study questions and passed the practice test you’ll know you’re ready!

More HazMat Practice Test Links

• Read More HazMat Reviews
• Get a Free HazMat Course Demo
• Sign Up for Full CDL HazMat Practice Test Access

Problem: You’re taking the Class A CDL permit test in a couple of days and haven’t started studying yet.

Solution: Sign up for the eGears Class A Permit Practice Test and cut through the clutter of the CDL manual.

Our #1 selling CDL Permit Practice Test is available for just $14.95 and covers:

• General Knowledge
• Air Brakes
• Combination Vehicles

Sign up for the CDL Class A Permit Practice Test Here

That’s everything you need to know to pass the CDL test on your first try.  Don’t take our word for it, check out what El has to say from Boston, Massachusetts:

“Hands down the best place to prepare you for your CDL permit after a few day of studying pass the test with no problem thanks you guys for a great service.”
- El Kinkin from Boston, Massachusetts

Sign Up for the Class A CDL Permit Practice Test Here
Read Over 30 Reviews Here

Watch the FREE Preview of a Class A CDL Pretrip Video Above

As you can see from this video preview, it’s important to have a full understanding of the pretrip inspection as you’ll be required to do a complete demonstration during the CDL skills test.  While this preview is just a few months in length, there are over 100 items covered on the full length CDL pretrip video.

The pretrip inspection demonstration is based on federal guidelines from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Act and the Commercial Driver’s License manual. Every item or inspection point is highlighted.  The CDL Pretrip Inspection was written and developed by trucking industry training experts. Certified CDL examiners helped develop and direct the inspection demonstration. This pretrip video covers all points of the complete inspection and applies to all 50 states.

Get the full CDL pretrip video here  (Save 10% with promo code “BLOG)

Full Video Includes (42 min):

• Tractor & Trailer Exterior
• In-Cab Inspection
• Engine Compartment
• 4-Point Brake Check Demonstration

Featured Review (read more reviews here):

“I took my CDL skills test today and passed with flying colors. My inspector stated she had been doing this for 7 years and I was the first to have a perfect pre-trip inspection. This product is highly recommended. I want to thank eGears for having this product available and commend them on a job well done with their video. Best wishes to all who are coming up on their testing.“
- Jeff Jackson from Douglasville, Georgia

Get the full CDL pretrip video here  (Save 10% with promo code “BLOG”)

Today eGears wants to give you an inside look at a sample CDL permit exam question.  This particular question comes from the General Knowledge portion of the exam.  It touches on the topic of changing lanes and checking mirrors.

Let’s test your CDL knowledge to see if you know the answer:

While it may seem like a pretty simple subject, answering questions on the CDL exam isn’t always as easy.  You need to remember look closely at the wording of the question and it never hurts to read the answers in your head to help determine if it really makes sense.

One of the sections included in the eGears CDL Permit Exam Course is just for practice.  It’s designed to help you learn the information and not just questions or answers.  In this section, you’d get a supporting paragraph that goes along with the actual CDL manual.  For this question, the additional information would be:

“When making a lane change, check your mirror 4 times: once before you change, once after you have signaled, once right after you start the lane change, and another after you complete the lane change .Check mirrors quickly, looking back and forth between mirrors and the road ahead. Remember, even with frequent mirror checks, there are blind spots that no mirror can show you. Stay aware of your surroundings and where other traffic has moved. “

Now you’ve got some information that can help you select the best answer to the practice CDL exam question above.  We’ve found that working through the CDL manual in small sections like this (each with a practice question and answer) is an effective way to learn.

With each answer you select, you’ll receive some instant feedback indicating if you’re right or wrong.  You will also get additional details based upon information from the actual CDL manual to support the correct and incorrect answers.  Take a look below are the instant practice exam feedback:

Hopefully this inside look at a practice CDL exam helped you understand the importance learning the information – not just memorizing questions and answers.  Check out the helpful links below for more on the practice CDL permit exams:

Get the CDL Permit Practice Exam Now
Sign up for Free CDL Practice Exam Demos
Read Reviews on the CDL Practice Exam

If you’re like most people, you lead a pretty busy life.  Maybe you’ve been wanting to get your CDL for awhile now but just haven’t had the time.  Sitting down to read a CDL manual and learn the pre-trip inspection isn’t an easy thing to get around to.  Let’s face it, it’s far easier to watch a pre-trip video with an instructor, but you don’t always have access to a DVD player or computer.

What you need is CDL training that goes with you wherever you go.  That’s why eGears has made our pre-trip inspection videos compatible with the iPad,iPhone and iPod.  Now, as long as you have one of these devices (or something similar) with you and an internet connection – watching pretrip videos is just a few clicks away.

Here are some places where you can watch our pretrip inspection videos:

• during breakfast while enjoying a coffee at your favorite coffee shop
• on an airplane or at the airport (as long as internet connection is available)
• while at the gym working out
• on your lunch break
• sitting on the couch or laying in bed

Making eGears pretrip video courses compatible with the iPad, iPhone and iPod gives you some additional freedom to study at YOUR convenience on YOUR time at YOUR pace.

Links for more information on our Class A & Class B Pretrip videos below:

• Sign up for Free CDL training Demos here
• Get full Class A Pretrip Online Video Training here
• Get full School Bus Pretrip Online Video Training here

January is just a few days away, making it a great time to create CDL training goals for the New Year. If you’ve been on the fence about getting a CDL, it’s time to ask yourself a few questions:

• Does your job require you to get a CDL to advance?
• Do you need to pass the CDL Permit Test?
• Are you searching for a career that offers excitement as well as job security?
• Are you ready to finally master the pre-trip inspection?
• Are you ready to add the HazMat endorsement to your CDL?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, learning how to get a CDL should be the first step you take toward obtaining your goals. The New Year brings a great opportunity for you to finally start a new professional driving career.

Since 2009 eGears has helped thousands of customers pass their CDL test with online CDL training tools, study guides, videos, and DVD training options for both Class A and Class B drivers. eGears products go beyond memorization by actually helping students to LEARN the information needed for the CDL exam.

And we understand how important it is for customers to be able to make an informed, educated decision when it comes to their online CDL training experience, so eGears has done everything than can to make that easy. Here are some of the ways you can connect with eGears before choosing one of our products:

• eGears CDL Training Videos Library- Access the CDL video library that showcases some product clips, helpful tips, and how-to videos.
• Understanding the Commercial Driver’s License- Learn about the different CDL classes and endorsements.
• Free CDL Training Demos- See for yourself what eGears online training is all about by testing a free demo of the products.
• CDL Training Products- With over a dozen different CDL test preparation products that are suited to all different learning styles, get a CDL training tool that will help you succeed.
• eGears on Facebook- Stay even more connected with us and past eGears customers, plus get special discounts just for “liking” the eGears Facebook page!

Get connected with eGears to meet your CDL training goals and to learn the better, faster way to get your CDL in 2012.

eGears is known for providing a quality product at a reasonable price, and we’re working hard to remain your #1 source for online CDL training products. As part of this effort, and in order to continue to meet the needs of our customers while producing a high-quality product, we’ll be introducing a new price for the Class A Pre-Trip DVD effective January 1, 2012.

Even though the price of the Pre-Trip Inspection DVD will be changing, rest assured, the high-quality products and great service that eGears customers have come to known will remain the same. eGears is committed to offering the best online CDL training products in the business.

We want to give everyone one last chance to get the Class A Pre-Trip Inspection DVD at the current low price of $29.95. If you’re interested in this DVD for yourself, or if you have a friend or family member trying to get their CDL, make sure you buy now to lock in this great price.

Check out just a few of the benefits of the eGears CDL Pre-Trip Inspection DVD:

• The video is taught by a  professional CDL instructor that walks you through the entire inspection from the front of the cab to the rear of the trailer and all points in between.

• Onscreen tips help you learn the information even more quickly and easily.

• The CDL Pre-Trip Inspection DVD was written and developed by trucking industry training experts, so all information is accurate and up-to-date.

• The video features high quality video footage, professional editing and graphics, crystal clear audio, and a DVD menu system so you can get exactly to the area of the truck inspection you need to review.

Don’t waste your time and money on a CDL skills test until you’ve watched this DVD.

Still not convinced?

Take a minute to read some reviews from past users to see what they had to say about the DVD. Plus don’t forget, we’ll continue to offer free shipping, and you can always Save 10% by entering the promo code “BLOG” at checkout.

With the new prices going into effect on the first of the year, there are only 5 days left to lock in this great price! Make sure you take advantage of this great deal while the pre-trip DVD is just $29.95.