Done with School...65% driving backwards, 35% forward

[ohiomohawk]

65% backing manuvers, 35% driving forward


Well that is just a rough estimate, I am not sure if it is completely accurate but i do know I spent more time praticing the reverse lane change, alley dock and parallel parking than I did driving forward.

The driving (forward) part of my CDL test was the easiest. I ended up staying 1 extra week just trying to perfect my backing skills. It is strange that when you start working OTR you are driving forward 90% of the time and only backing 10% of the time.


I took the CDL test 3 times....
1st time failed manuevers,
2nd time failed Driving because I pressed the clutch during a turn in the final turn of the test, but scored great on my manuevers
3rd time I only had to take the driving and passed

[ungerdogg]

Backing is what you need, anyone can go foward what seperates good drivers from bad is backing. because most are too lazy to Get Out And Look. when in doubt check it out. congrats on passing!!!!

[Soladad]

Don't complain too loud about the % of time spent backing. It is the most under taught skill in CDL school. Wish I could have had even 1/2 of the time you had. Going forward will come with daily practice since the world in general works on in forward movement.

Soladad

[clawHAMMER]

You're lucky. I've been off the road for about 8 yrs or so and just recently decided to jump back into a rig after losing my 7 yr business. Prior to that I've had 9 yrs and over 1 million miles crossing 48 states, no accidents and have hauled everything from perishables and haz-mat to concert tours.

I let my CDL expire a few years back thinking I wouldn't need it anymore. Never say never.

I recently took and passed my written CDL-A test. Today I was to take my road test. The instructor FLUNKED me on the pre-trip inspection and I never even got out of the freaking parking lot. I couldn't believe it. I've literally done hundreds if not thousands of pretrip inspections over the years and this power-hungry simpleton flunked me. No refunds and it cost me $275 to take the road test that I never got to take. You think I'm steamed? Damn right. I think it's a scam so drivers have to re-take the road test all over again for another $275. This guy was a flat out jerk and if he ever runs into me anywhere he will regret we crossed paths.

Star Truck Rentals in Lansing/Grand Rapids Mich - Steer clear of because I can't prove it but it sure seems to me they're running a racquet. Another driver there today when I was flunked his pre-trip as well. Coincidence? I smell a freaking scam. $275 for absolutely nothing and no CDL. Now I have to pay someone else and rent a truck and try again someplace else because I'll be damned if I go back there.

I'd sure like to know their flunk/pass ratio for the CDL. I think they just pocket the $275 and after the 2nd or 3rd time at $275 a pop you finally get certified. No way to prove it tho but there is no way I flunked my pre-trip inspection to justify not even giving me a road test. This guy (Kevin for all you Michiganders) was a real *****. A simpleton for sure and on a real power trip.

Grrrrrrrrrrrrr..............

[classicxl]

i am sure they gave you a reason for the failure what did you miss on the pre trip to fail

[Murphys Law CJ7]

I'd be very curious also to know why you failed.

[syl77dar]

goodluck

[Mars]

i am sure they gave you a reason for the failure what did you miss on the pre trip to fail

How many things do you have to miss to fail a pre-trip.

Here in Canada I failed my first road exam, due to running out of time for being to thorough. They give you one hour total. 30 min for the road test, 30 mins to pre-trip, in cab check, pull into the test area, back up, dis-connect, and hook up.