15 minutes is a joke for time to do a pre trip, in the real world it takes longer to a proper one from the drivers i know and talked to.

The pre trip for the day was done at 6am, then myself and 2 other students went for a little refresher drive, I was last on the list for the day. Well the other two never made it as far as getting to uncouple the tralier, by the time my turn was up the weather got colder. Also in the half hour they give you, you have to drive it into the back of the yard, tell the examiner to get out and spot you, set up for your back up, get out of the truck and look behind your back up path, back up into the narrow spot. When you have done that, now you have to un-couple the trailer, pull out a ways, line yourself back up and then hook the trailer back up. All this in a half an hour.

And yes you are always learning to drive a truck, but you do not go get a job without knowing the basics such as shifting, proper lane chance, and how to navigate various corners. How is the original poster going to know how to manage a 53ft trailer buy getting his AZ license in a pick up.


P.S Love your sig.

 

Hey bikerboy, can you tell me how they were or what they expected on the pre trip up there in clinton are school trains for windsor and there not familar on what clinton does.. roadtest may 2nd thanks bro...

 

Sorry about your tough luck.As i've posted on other sites 6500.00+++ seems like a lot of money for something you may already know. I sure as hell wasn't prepaired or about to do that. I went out a few week ends last spring and early summer with my brother in law do some practicing,cost me a few hundred dollars and a good steak. Done my test in Clinton. First time I didn't make it out of the parking lot because the trailer had an invalid safty sticker on it (I should have caught that on my pre-trip),it was certified but sticker was misplaced,7 weeks later,tried again,all was going good until a car pulled out of a parking spaced right in front of me,came close to hitting the fool but didn't,but I couln't find the gear I was looking for,The only mistake and he failed me!. 6 weeks later and a bit more practicing, I PASSED with 1 minor mistake,forgot to tell her were the safety equipment and 1st aid box was. As far as what they expect you to know on your pre-trip memorize the official government issue hand books. Cross your fingers that you get the female examiner,I think her name is Betty, she knows her shit but will probably kind of coach you along,ask any thing you want (related to the test) before you begin.I found out a lot after the fact. Clinton is a small town but fairly easy to get around.You could come up a week early to kinda follow the route,but they do change it .The yard they take you to is easy to turn around in,lots of room, they will tell you not to hit the gravel, just pretend it's a wall. The one right turn a the lights is tight but they won't make you do it if there is a vehicle in the turning lane. The left turn at the lights can also be tight if there is a car pulled up tight . Good luck and safe driving.

 

thanks man that helps feel confident our trainers they are good guys.. more worried about remembering air brake stuff... was wondering how picky they are sounds like i want the girl how long was it with pre trip and driving did they do hook and drop, have to check all brakes or just one thanks again bro..

 

you can do that in the state of washington too.

 

You will only have to do 1 , cause you already checked all of them on your pre-trip before you came to Clinton with the truck. Make sure you know the size of the chamber, most likly a size 30. You should most likely be surprised how much will come back to you from your training school. You should already have your air brake endorsement frm school,so you will only need to know your pre-trip air stuff. Yes you will have to un hook and hook up before you leave. Don't forget to inspect every thing before you re hook, 5th wheel. pin and plate so on&so on. As I said earlier, study the book and practice even if it's with a pick up and trailer. Also a good idea to explain what you are checking while you're doing it. Pre-trip and road test was approx.40 min. , for me anyways. good lyck and safe driving.

 

thanks yea im in school right now were doing that everyday pertty much everything you said..yea it a 30 chamber ..its a good scool 1 person failed in 3years so they teach yea pertty good same trainers for 6years they know what to expect thks. safe driving out there

 

well did you pass in Clinton , ley us know

 

Thanks guys murray, bikerboy things went good what you guys said was true 1 light.. TIGHT right hand turn, backing was a simple 90 and yes i did pass. hard to find work though everyone wants exp..5 of us went up 1 person failed.. instructor was nice guy..