CDL Test/Practice Pad Dimensions
We’ll help you determine the total length and cone placement of a CDL Practice pad. Your pad should have room for all 4 backing maneuvers. You’ll start with 3 lines painted on a hard surface. Each line is 100′ long. The distance between each line is 12’. You’ll place cones on each line every 10’. Check out our CDL Backing Lessons to help you gain perspective before you start to use your CDL Practice Pad.
Your CDL Test Practice Pad must fit four maneuvers:
- Straight Line
- Offset
- Parallel Park
- Alley Dock
| Maneuver | Width | Length |
|---|---|---|
| Off Set | 48' | 216' |
| Parallel Park | 48' | 216' |
| Straight Line | 12' | 240' |
| Alley Dock | 180' | 72' |
The dimensions above are the TOTAL room needed for each maneuver. The boxes your driver backs into are smaller.
You'll see the dimensions for each box further down the page.
Space saving configuration
The first three maneuvers are neatly contained in a 100’ long x 24’ wide box. You need some extra space for the truck to pull through. See the table below for the total area needed.
BASIC SKILLS: STRAIGHT LINE BACKING
Straight line takes the least amount of space.
Roughly 240’ long and 12’ Wide
(to allow for the truck to pull, and back, all the way through.)
- 100’ long
- 12’ wide
- ADD one truck length in front of the box.
- ADD one truck length behind the box.
Step-by-Step Guides & Videos
BASIC SKILLS: OFFSET PARKING
Off Set backing can be performed in the 100’ by 24’ CDL Test Practice Pad. 2 lanes/12’ wide each. The driver will need extra room to jack the trailer into the other lane while backing in order to switch lanes.
- The truck starts in one lane.
- Pulls forward and stops
- Then backs into the lane next door.
- 140′ from the end of the box for a Class A Vehicle.
- 100′ from the end of the box for a Class B Vehicle.
- Plus the extra room on the sides to switch lanes.
Step-by-Step Guides & Videos
BASIC SKILLS: PARALLEL PARKING
- Parallel Park can be performed in the 100’ by 24’ CDL Test Practice Pad
- The truck starts in the lane next to the parking space, pulls forward (Just past the space) and backs into the space.
- The driver does not much space to swing out in preparation for the paralell parking maneuver. It’s similar to parallel parking your car downtown. You pull parallel to the car in front of your spot. You don’t start with your car angled in the lane. Trucks like to swing out a bit. They might need 15’ from the from the parking space.
- 10’ longer than the vehicle.
- Lane 12’ wide
- Need a truck length in front of the space.
- Need 15’ to the side of the space
Step-by-Step Guides & Videos
BASIC SKILLS: ALLEY DOCK
- The alley dock is difficult to place in your CDL Test Practice Pad. This maneuver is much wider than the others. It always runs contrary to the neat little package of the straight line, alley dock, parallel park trio.
- 40’ long
- 12’ wide.
- A barrier 70’ from the front of the box.