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

Earning your Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) in Pennsylvania is a major step toward becoming a professional driver. The final challenge in the process is the Pennsylvania CDL skills test, a three-part exam administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) or approved third-party examiners. The test evaluates your ability to inspect, control, and safely operate a commercial motor vehicle (CMV).

At CDL eXpert, we help you prepare for test day with our CDL Skills Exam course—taught by veteran examiner Al Hanley. It walks you through exactly what examiners expect during the test and helps you develop the skills to pass on your first attempt.

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This guide explains the structure of the Pennsylvania CDL skills test, state-specific requirements, and how our course helps you prepare with confidence.

What’s on the Pennsylvania CDL Skills Test?

The CDL skills test in Pennsylvania is made up of three required sections:

• Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection

• Basic Vehicle Control (Backing Maneuvers)

• On-Road Driving

Each section must be passed in order to continue to the next. Failing any part means you’ll need to retake that section on another day.

Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection

This section tests your ability to inspect and explain the components and safety systems of your vehicle. You’ll be required to name and describe the function of each item and explain what you’re checking for.

What to Expect

You’ll inspect critical areas of the vehicle including:

• Engine compartment and fluid levels

• Steering system and suspension

• Brake systems

• Tires, wheels, and rims

• Lights, reflectors, and emergency equipment

• Coupling system (if applicable)

For vehicles with air brakes, you’ll also need to perform a complete air brake system test—this includes the static leak check, applied pressure test, low air warning, and emergency spring brake test.

You’ll be expected to use proper language like:

• “Properly mounted and secure”

• “Not cracked, bent, or broken”

• “No visible leaks or damage”

Pennsylvania-Specific Requirements

• PennDOT uses a strict checklist and pass/fail system. Missing required components or misidentifying them can result in failure.

• The Pennsylvania CDL Manual outlines required items based on your vehicle class and endorsement.

• The air brake inspection is required if your vehicle has air brakes, and incorrect performance results in disqualification from an air brake endorsement.

• No assistance or coaching is allowed during the inspection—this must be performed from memory.

Basic Vehicle Control (Backing Maneuvers)

This section evaluates your ability to safely control the vehicle in a tight, low-speed environment. You’ll complete a series of standard maneuvers designed to test steering control, mirror use, and spatial awareness.

What to Expect

Pennsylvania examiners will test three of the following maneuvers:

• Straight-Line Backing

• Offset Backing (Left or Right)

• Parallel Parking (Driver-Side or Conventional)

• Alley Dock

Each maneuver must be completed within boundaries, without hitting cones, and with a limited number of pull-ups.

Pennsylvania-Specific Requirements

• Parallel parking is required for most CDL applicants in Pennsylvania.

• Examiners deduct points for cone strikes, pull-ups, and boundary violations. Too many errors can lead to failure.

• The order of maneuvers may vary based on the examiner or test site—be prepared to perform any of the four.

• The testing area will be clearly marked with cones and lines, but you must rely on your mirrors and setup techniques.

On-Road Driving

The final portion of the test evaluates your ability to safely operate your vehicle in live traffic. Your examiner will guide you through a route that includes intersections, highways, and potentially rural or congested areas.

What to Expect

You’ll be evaluated on:

• Speed control and lane tracking

• Use of mirrors and turn signals

• Turning, right-of-way, and intersection handling

• Shifting gears (for manual transmissions)

• Highway merging and lane changes

• Proper behavior at school zones, work zones, and railroad crossings

Pennsylvania-Specific Requirements

• PennDOT requires full stops at railroad crossings. Failing to stop—even if no train is present—will result in automatic failure.

• You must obey all speed limits and signs, especially in school or construction zones.

• Failure to yield, unsafe driving, or improper lane changes are also automatic disqualifiers.

• Some test routes include hills, tight turns, and urban traffic patterns, so comfort with all driving environments is essential.

Pennsylvania CDL Testing Locations

CDL skills tests in Pennsylvania are administered at select PennDOT Driver License Centers and approved third-party testing facilities.

Common locations include:

• Harrisburg

• Pittsburgh

• Philadelphia

• Allentown

• Erie

• York

Appointments are required, and it’s best to schedule early—especially in high-demand metro areas.

How CDL eXpert Helps You Prepare

Our CDL Skills Exam course is built specifically for drivers preparing for the CDL skills test. With guidance from experienced CDL examiner Al Hanley, you’ll learn exactly how to approach each part of the test like a pro.

What’s Inside:

• Full walk-through of the Pre-Trip Inspection (standard and legacy AAMVA formats)

• Backing maneuver demos with mirror use and setup strategies

• Road driving techniques and defensive driving tips

• Step-by-step air brake test breakdown with scoring tips

Course Details:

• $29.95

• 2.5 hours of focused video training

• 37 on-demand lessons

• Free preview available

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Ideal for first-time testers or drivers preparing to retest with confidence.

Final Thoughts

The Pennsylvania CDL skills test is a major milestone—and with the right preparation, you can pass it the first time. Our CDL Skills Exam course gives you the structure, strategy, and confidence you need to succeed.

From nailing the Pre-Trip Inspection to mastering vehicle control and staying safe on the road, this course helps you take control of test day.

Good luck on your Pennsylvania CDL skills test!