What to Expect on the Mississippi CDL Skills Test: A State-Specific Guide

Earning your Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) in Mississippi is a major step toward starting your trucking career. The final part of the licensing process is the Mississippi CDL skills test, a three-part exam administered by the Mississippi Department of Public Safety (DPS) and approved third-party testers. This test measures your ability to inspect, maneuver, and safely operate a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) in compliance with state and federal standards.

At CDL eXpert, we help you prepare for this critical test with the CDL Skills Exam course, taught by veteran examiner Al Hanley. This course walks you through every section of the test—step by step—so you know exactly what to expect and how to pass on your first try.

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This guide breaks down the structure of the Mississippi CDL skills test, what’s required by the state, and how our course helps you succeed.

What’s on the Mississippi CDL Skills Test?

The Mississippi CDL skills test includes three required sections:

• Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection

• Basic Vehicle Control (Backing Maneuvers)

• On-Road Driving

Each section must be passed independently to earn your CDL.

Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection

This section evaluates your ability to determine whether a vehicle is safe to operate. You’ll need to identify key parts of the vehicle and explain how you would inspect them.

What to Expect

You’ll be expected to inspect and explain the following components:

• Engine compartment and fluid levels

• Brake system components and air lines

• Suspension and steering systems

• Tires, wheels, and rims

• Lights, reflectors, and safety equipment

• Coupling system (for combination vehicles)

If your vehicle has air brakes, you’ll be required to perform a full air brake system check, including the static pressure test, applied pressure test, low air warning, and emergency brake activation.

You must use specific terms such as:

• “Properly mounted and secure”

• “Not cracked, bent, or broken”

• “No leaks or damage”

Mississippi-Specific Requirements

Mississippi DPS uses a pass/fail grading system for the pre-trip inspection. Missing essential components or performing the air brake check incorrectly can result in automatic failure. You must complete the pre-trip from memory—no notes or help allowed once the test begins. The Mississippi CDL Manual outlines the exact checklist examiners will follow during this portion of the test. If you're testing in a vehicle with air brakes, failure to perform the full brake system check correctly will result in disqualification from receiving an air brake endorsement.

Basic Vehicle Control (Backing Maneuvers)

This portion of the test evaluates your control of the vehicle while backing and parking in tight spaces. You’ll be asked to demonstrate precision, awareness, and the ability to adjust safely.

What to Expect

Mississippi examiners typically require you to complete three of the following maneuvers:

• Straight-Line Backing

• Offset Backing (Left or Right)

• Alley Dock

• Parallel Parking (Driver-Side or Conventional)

You’ll be judged on your ability to stay within boundaries, avoid cone strikes, and minimize pull-ups and corrections.

Mississippi-Specific Requirements

Parallel parking is required for most CDL applicants in Mississippi. There are strict limits on the number of pull-ups allowed—too many will result in point deductions or failure. Cone strikes, boundary line violations, or losing control of the vehicle may lead to immediate disqualification. Examiners follow the standard AAMVA layout, so you should prepare for all four maneuvers regardless of test site.

On-Road Driving

The final section of the CDL skills test evaluates your ability to drive a CMV safely in live traffic. This portion of the exam takes place on real roads and includes a variety of traffic situations.

What to Expect

You’ll be scored on your performance in the following areas:

• Lane control and speed regulation

• Mirror use and blind spot awareness

• Proper shifting techniques (for manual transmissions)

• Turns, stops, and intersection navigation

• Merging, highway travel, and lane changes

• Railroad crossings, school zones, and construction zones

Mississippi-Specific Requirements

You must come to a complete stop at all railroad crossings, even if no train is present. Not doing so results in automatic failure. Speeding, unsafe lane changes, or failure to yield will result in immediate disqualification. The road test will likely include rural highways, intersections, and city traffic, depending on the location. Examiners in Mississippi are known for watching closely for proper mirror checks, turn signals, and lane usage throughout the drive.

Mississippi CDL Testing Locations

CDL skills tests in Mississippi are administered by DPS-operated testing centers and approved third-party examiners throughout the state.

Common testing areas include:

• Jackson

• Hattiesburg

• Gulfport

• Tupelo

• Meridian

• Southaven

Appointments are required for all CDL tests. Availability varies, so schedule well in advance, especially during peak months.

How CDL eXpert Helps You Prepare

Our CDL Skills Exam course is designed to help you pass your Mississippi CDL test with confidence. Created by a former CDL examiner, the course focuses on what examiners actually look for—and what causes drivers to fail.

What’s Included?

• Full pre-trip inspection walkthroughs (standard and legacy AAMVA versions)

• Backing maneuver breakdowns with setup and correction tips

• On-road driving strategies focused on examiner expectations

• Detailed training on how to correctly perform the air brake system check

Course Details

• $29.95

• 2.5 hours of expert video content

• 37 structured lessons

• Free preview available

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This course is ideal whether you’re testing for the first time or need to retake one or more sections.

Final Thoughts

The Mississippi CDL skills test is a challenge, but it’s one you can overcome with the right preparation. With the CDL Skills Exam course, you’ll have the structure, insight, and tools needed to pass confidently.

From your first walk-around to your final stop on the road, we’ll help you feel ready for every part of the test.

Good luck on your Mississippi CDL skills test!