CDL-10 Form – The CDL-10 Form (officially New York State Commercial Driver’s Manual CDL-10, Sections 11–13, revised November 2025) is the essential NY DMV resource for passing the Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) skills test. It covers the pre-trip vehicle inspection, basic vehicle control skills, and on-road driving test required for Class A, B, and C licenses.
Every New York CDL applicant must demonstrate these skills in the exact class and type of vehicle they plan to drive. The PDF provides step-by-step checklists, scoring rules, and pass/fail standards straight from the NY DMV — making it the most trusted and current guide available in 2026.
Download the official free PDF here: https://dmv.ny.gov/brochure/cdl10sec11-13.pdf (also available in Spanish, Chinese, and Russian versions).
What Is the CDL-10 Form and Why Sections 11–13 Matter?
Sections 11–13 of the NY CDL manual focus exclusively on the three-part skills/road test that determines whether you receive your CDL. Section 11 is the pre-trip inspection (the most failed portion for many applicants), Section 12 covers basic control skills, and Section 13 evaluates on-road performance.
The examiner randomizes parts of the pre-trip inspection, so you must know the entire vehicle inside and out. Failing the air brake check (if your vehicle has air brakes) results in an automatic failure — one of the most common reasons applicants retake the test.
Section 11: CDL Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection Test – Step-by-Step Guide
You must walk around the vehicle, point to or touch each item, and explain what you are checking and why. You never crawl under the vehicle or hood. The examiner tells you which areas to inspect.
Engine Compartment & Cab Inspection (All Vehicles)
Key items you must identify and explain:
- Leaks/Hoses — Check for puddles, dripping fluids, and hose condition.
- Oil, Coolant & Power Steering Fluid — Levels must be above the refill mark.
- Belts — Snug (≤ ¾ inch play), no cracks or frays (power steering, water pump, alternator, air compressor).
- Cab Gauges — Oil pressure, temperature, air pressure (build to governor cut-out ≈120–140 psi), ammeter/voltmeter.
- Mirrors, Windshield, Wipers, Horn, Heater/Defroster — All must be clean, functional, and properly adjusted.
- Emergency Equipment — Spare fuses, 3 reflective triangles (or 6 fusees/3 flares), charged fire extinguisher.
- Steering Play — ≤10° (≈2 inches on a 20-inch wheel).
- Parking & Hydraulic Brake Checks — Vehicle must not move when brakes are applied.
- Lights & Reflectors — All must work (tested separately for brake, turn signals, and 4-way flashers).
Air Brake Check – The #1 Reason People Fail
Failure to perform all parts correctly = automatic failure. Use wheel chocks on inclines.
- Static Check — Engine off, parking brake released (push in), tractor protection valve released, foot brake fully applied for 1 minute. Air pressure drop must not exceed 3 psi (single vehicle) or 4 psi (combination).
- Low Air Pressure Warning — Fan off pressure rapidly; warning buzzer/light/flag must activate before 60 psi.
- Protection Valve & Spring Brakes — Continue fanning; at ≈40 psi the tractor protection valve and parking brake valve must close (pop out).
- Air Compressor & Governor Cut-Off — Build pressure to governed cut-off (100–125 psi).
Always follow the exact sequence in the CDL-10 PDF.
External Inspection Checklist (All Vehicles)
You must inspect every major component on steering axle, drive axle(s), and trailer (if applicable):
- Steering — Box, hoses, linkage (no leaks, cracks, or loose parts).
- Suspension — Springs, mounts, shock absorbers (no breaks, cracks, or leaks).
- Brakes — Slack adjusters, chambers, hoses, drums, linings (pushrod travel ≤1 inch).
- Wheels & Tires — Tread depth (4/32″ steering, 2/32″ others), inflation (use gauge — no kicking!), lug nuts, rims, hub seals.
- Side & Rear — Doors, mirrors, fuel tank, battery, drive shaft, exhaust, frame, splash guards.
- Coupling (Class A) — Fifth-wheel, kingpin, locking jaws, air/electric lines, catwalk, slide pins.
Special Vehicles (School Bus, Trailer, Coach/Transit Bus)
School buses require an extra 9-item first-aid kit and specific lighting checks. Trailers need full coupling, landing gear, and tandem axle inspection. Transit buses have unique passenger and door checks.
CDL Vehicle Inspection Memory Aid (Bring This!)
Page 11-12 of the CDL-10 PDF contains the official memory aid listing the exact order of inspection. You may bring a clean, unmarked copy to the test — it is permitted by the NY DMV.
Section 12: Basic Vehicle Control Skills Test
This off-road (or street) portion tests low-speed maneuvering. The examiner scores four areas:
- Crossing boundaries (encroachments)
- Pull-ups (excessive = errors)
- Looks (maximum 2 per exercise; 1 for straight-line backing; must secure vehicle safely)
- Final position
Possible exercises (you may be asked to perform any combination):
- Straight line backing
- Offset back/right
- Offset back/left
- Parallel park (driver side)
- Parallel park (conventional/right side)
- Alley dock
Section 13: On-Road Driving Test
You drive a real-world route with varied traffic. Requirements:
- Always wear your seat belt
- Obey every sign, signal, and law
- No accidents or moving violations
The examiner scores specific maneuvers (turns, intersections, lane changes, urban/rural straight sections, curves, railroad crossings, etc.) plus your overall safe driving behavior.
Key turn and intersection rules from the manual:
- Signal early, check traffic in all directions
- No unsafe coasting (out of gear longer than vehicle length)
- Maintain safe following distance and proper lane position
- Keep both hands on the wheel during turns
Pro Tips to Pass the NY CDL Skills Test on Your First Try
- Practice the full pre-trip using the memory aid every day.
- Memorize the air brake check word-for-word — it is the biggest deal-breaker.
- Use the exact CDL-10 language when explaining items to the examiner.
- Bring your own safe Class A/B vehicle in proper working order.
- Review the official video demonstrations on the NY DMV YouTube channel.
Download the Official CDL-10 Form PDF Now
Get the most current version (11/25 revision) directly from the NY DMV:
https://dmv.ny.gov/brochure/cdl10sec11-13.pdf
This single document contains everything you need to pass Sections 11–13 and earn your New York CDL. Study it cover-to-cover, practice daily, and you’ll be ready for test day.
Need the full NY Commercial Driver’s Manual or practice tests? Visit the official NY DMV Commercial Driver page for the latest resources. Good luck — drive safe!