This is topic Taking my CDL license test soon..any advice? in forum General Talk at Northern California Ford Owners  .


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Posted by SIC9250 (Member # 8216) on :
 
Been doin the school thing now for a bit between working and driving a 430 geared 5 spd car 140 miles a day i make it when i can lol I'm finally taking my test on the 27th at DMV..besides the obvious (air brakes/walk through etc..) what's some good advice from those of you fellow members that have been there done that? im antcy but not anymore than bein pre staged at sac raceway just lookin for some tips thanks guys!
 

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Posted by SLOWBACK 67 (Member # 6348) on :
 
I'm going to go out on a limb and say your taking this at the DMV of Harbor...... That being said, make sure during your drive test that when you shift, you put your hand back onto the wheel FAST. I just had a guy I trained fail because he was slow at putting his hand back onto the wheel SMH. FOLLOW ALL traffic laws. Don't stop on a railroad track or shift going over one, make sure you make you turns from the correct lane, make sure you constantly check your mirrors and look for truck related signs ( Overpass heights, weight restrictions.... )

DON'T SPEED, take you time on the skills test & try and stay a calm a possible during you walk around, don't be cocky....... But don't stutter and use words like; Fine, Ok or Good. The instructor won't give you credit for those discriptions.


Lastly don't beat yourself up if you don't pass on the first try. A lot of people get nervous and fail. Just take it as a learning experience and be more prepared IF you do mess up & have too many mistakes.
 

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Posted by Secnd2nun64 (Member # 1431) on :
 
Remember to also make smooth starts and shifts. Also practice going in reverse strait and smoothly while feathering the clutch. No drag light launches/bucking.

If your not that good on a manual trans, maybe find someone with a small Automatic car to use for the test so you have less to focus on.
 

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Posted by 5.0_707 (Member # 5893) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by SLOWBACK 67:
I'm going to go out on a limb and say your taking this at the DMV of Harbor...... That being said, make sure during your drive test that when you shift, you put your hand back onto the wheel FAST. I just had a guy I trained fail because he was slow at putting his hand back onto the wheel SMH. FOLLOW ALL traffic laws. Don't stop on a railroad track or shift going over one, make sure you make you turns from the correct lane, make sure you constantly check your mirrors and look for truck related signs ( Overpass heights, weight restrictions.... )

DON'T SPEED, take you time on the skills test & try and stay a calm a possible during you walk around, don't be cocky....... But don't stutter and use words like; Fine, Ok or Good. The instructor won't give you credit for those discriptions.
Lastly don't beat yourself up if you don't pass on the first try. A lot of people get nervous and fail. Just take it as a learning experience and be more prepared IF you do mess up & have too many mistakes.

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quote:

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Originally posted by SIC9250:
Damn good tips,didnt think of most of those,school hasn't mentioned some if the above either lol..ill be taking my test in Modesto..

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I didn't go to a school but my aunt worked for cal trans & was friends with the CDL trainer in Pinole. Great guy and taught me a lot before I took my test.

But seriously don't get yourself worked up. Your gonna most likely forget things if you rush your pre trip & air brakes. One thing I always suggest is do the pre trip talking out loud..... So what you'll look like a crazy person talking to yourself but it makes the whole pre trip feel more realistic. I acually have a copy of the walk around at work and pretend to be the instructor at work........ I talk & act like a prick to make it as real as possible so our guys already know what to expect. Some of the instructors get off on making people nervous LOL. They will try to throw you off your game in the middle of explaining something..
Example:

You: I am now checking the lug nuts to make sure they are not loose or.....
( Cuts you off )
Ins: How do you know if they are loose?
You: if its a steel wheel there would be rust streaks present around the lug nuts ( On a Steele wheel ) & black streets on an aluminum wheel.


Trust me. They will try to mind fuck you if you get an asshole instructor. Just be prepared and don't let him/her get under your skin. The ones like that won't wanna give you a perfect score and will look for anything to mark you down on.
 

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Posted by 86_on_DD_machs (Member # 11083) on :
 
When I took my test, I did it in my 01 gt and when they asked to turn on my headlight I hella forgot where my switch was lol. Like other people say pull off smooth and stop smooth. Shift and put your hand back on the steering wheel. They lady that did my test was cool and told me some cool story's about mustangs, so that was a plus. I only got marked 1 point because I forgot to do my turn signal when she wanted me to park.
 

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Posted by 5.0_707 (Member # 5893) on :
 
OP is referring to a commercial driving test (CDL)
 

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Posted by *BlownMach1*- TRMYN8R (Member # 5400) on :
 
Lmao at 85 on machs!! All B.S aside. If u wanna pass there is a few easy steps!

1- for written... Read the handbook completely! I passed all but the combination test first try without reading the book, then I got serious! Every answer is in that book!

2- for the walk around and driving test!- call class A in a day or CDL AorB, I think it's called! The 2nd on is WAY better.

He lets u use his truck and it's a sincronized 6 speed manual transmission! Way easier then the 10 speed or super 10's we use at work! U push in the clutch at any RPM and it will go in gear!

And the walk around and air brakes test, he goes over with you for like 4 hours before the test! Over and over! If u do not SAY the air brakes test exactly how they want it, automatic FAIL! No proceeding with the other tests!

And the walk around, same thing! If u do not say exactly like they want, u will be docked points! This test is very important! Very hard to pass!

I passed every test my first try! And I am very thankfull that my work paid for the guy to teach me! Without him I would have failed, for sure! It's like $600 for him to drill the test into your head for 6 hours before u take the test and use his truck and trailer! It's like a car trailer! Very easy to drive!
 

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Posted by 86_on_DD_machs (Member # 11083) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by *BlownMach1*- TRMYN8R:
Lmao at 85 on machs!! All B.S aside. If u wanna pass there is a few easy steps!

1- for written... Read the handbook completely! I passed all but the combination test first try without reading the book, then I got serious! Every answer is in that book!

2- for the walk around and driving test!- call class A in a day or CDL AorB, I think it's called! The 2nd on is WAY better.

He lets u use his truck and it's a sincronized 6 speed manual transmission! Way easier then the 10 speed or super 10's we use at work! U push in the clutch at any RPM and it will go in gear!

And the walk around and air brakes test, he goes over with you for like 4 hours before the test! Over and over! If u do not SAY the air brakes test exactly how they want it, automatic FAIL! No proceeding with the other tests!

And the walk around, same thing! If u do not say exactly like they want, u will be docked points! This test is very important! Very hard to pass!

I passed every test my first try! And I am very thankfull that my work paid for the guy to teach me! Without him I would have failed, for sure! It's like $600 for him to drill the test into your head for 6 hours before u take the test and use his truck and trailer! It's like a car trailer! Very easy to drive!

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quote:

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Originally posted by Secnd2nun64:
Remember to also make smooth starts and shifts. Also practice going in reverse strait and smoothly while feathering the clutch. No drag light launches/bucking.

If your not that good on a manual trans, maybe find someone with a small Automatic car to use for the test so you have less to focus on.

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I'm sure the instructor will love him showing up for a cdl drive/skill test in a small automatic car...
 

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Posted by 50Reasons (Member # 6452) on :
 
Another tip is make sure durring the drive test is never be out of gear for more then 60' ..out of gear means out of control .and also remember to turn your signals off after you complete the turn or lane change .also good luck on the parallel and alley dock parking lol . off set backing should be easy for you ..
And try not to grind gears , also rev high enough to do down shift to make sure you don't grind a gear and on the high way always stayin the two right lanes never in the fast lane and keep it at 55 also .. I tested with a 13 speed and passed first time good luck and hope to see you out there I'm writing this from my sleeper lol
 

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Posted by SIC9250 (Member # 8216) on :
 
/\ thanks Daniel appriciate that man,I'm excited an nervous but I've been pretty solid so far,passed my permit with ease all in the first time I went,I can back decent and getting better,also have my air brakes and walk throughs down to a T,I go on the road tommorrow and the rest of the week,all day sat as well so I should be set for the 27th..
 

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Posted by i (Member # 12534) on :
 
Just stay COOL! Good Luck Hopefully in the future ill get mines
 

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Posted by floreZ4.6 (Member # 10586) on :
 
When going under a bridge make sure to look at the bridge height. They will ask and get you for it if you don't know it, try not to get nervous and don't be over confident. Take your time doing the pre trip air brake etc etc. Good luck!!!!
 

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Posted by floreZ4.6 (Member # 10586) on :
 
.dp

[ 2013-08-20, 01:10 PM: Message edited by: floreZ4.6 ]
 

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Posted by 50Reasons (Member # 6452) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by floreZ4.6:
When going under a bridge make sure to look at the bridge height. They will ask and get you for it if you don't know it, try not to get nervous and don't be over confident. Take your time doing the pre trip air brake etc etc. Good luck!!!!

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quote:

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Originally posted by 50Reasons:

quote:

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Originally posted by floreZ4.6:
When going under a bridge make sure to look at the bridge height. They will ask and get you for it if you don't know it, try not to get nervous and don't be over confident. Take your time doing the pre trip air brake etc etc. Good luck!!!!

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the tester will not take you on a route with low bridges but as a driver trip planning is key using the truckers "bible" truck atlas is key do not rely on a truckers gps seen to many trucks wreck under bridges because they rely soley on the gps

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Well what I meant to say is when the dmv person takes you in the driving test if you go under a bridge they usually ask what was the bridge height.(they asked me lol)He said hes taking his in Modesto.that's where I took mines at, and they docked a point off for not knowing it. Mite not be a huge tip but hey its a tip right
 

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Posted by 50Reasons (Member # 6452) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by floreZ4.6:

quote:

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Originally posted by 50Reasons:

quote:

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Originally posted by floreZ4.6:
When going under a bridge make sure to look at the bridge height. They will ask and get you for it if you don't know it, try not to get nervous and don't be over confident. Take your time doing the pre trip air brake etc etc. Good luck!!!!

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the tester will not take you on a route with low bridges but as a driver trip planning is key using the truckers "bible" truck atlas is key do not rely on a truckers gps seen to many trucks wreck under bridges because they rely soley on the gps

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Well what I meant to say is when the dmv person takes you in the driving test if you go under a bridge they usually ask what was the bridge height.(they asked me lol)He said hes taking his in Modesto.that's where I took mines at, and they docked a point off for not knowing it. Mite not be a huge tip but hey its a tip right

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Yea ok well you want to pay attention to all signs they will ask you what a signs that you past said to see if your paying attention

[ 2013-08-21, 02:36 AM: Message edited by: 50Reasons ]
 

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Posted by svt306snake (Member # 1967) on :
 
Scan your mirrors is very important! Watch them cause they are watching to see if you do. Good luck homie!!! Getting this opens so many doors for you!
 

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Posted by SIC9250 (Member # 8216) on :
 
/\ hell yes it does! Thanks again
 

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Posted by floreZ4.6 (Member # 10586) on :
 
Pass, fail? Updates?
 

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Posted by SIC9250 (Member # 8216) on :
 
Test is now sep 15th...
 

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Posted by t-top50 (Member # 2735) on :
 
I got a tip for you, don't f'n fail.......
 

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Posted by t-top50 (Member # 2735) on :
 
Lol seriously, everything that they are telling you is good. You got this. Best advice is to think positive and relax and breathe. If you think positive it will calm your nerves and settle you in. Good luck my brother.
 

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Posted by SIC9250 (Member # 8216) on :
 
Update***

Thanks again for all the advice fellas! Passed with flying colors,my instructor was very cool and it was a breeze,missed only 8 points outta 30 on the skills and the rest I was 100% even nailed all the signs he asked me to read to him after we had passed them...any advice on where to look for work? Beginners mistakes in a company? What to look for? This is all new and I understand I'm at the bottom of the chain,unlike mechanics where I'm familiar with everything an set in my ways this is something I don't wanna hate doing in 5 years! Again any advice is much appriciated
 

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Posted by 50Reasons (Member # 6452) on :
 
Get an OTR job easy to find a job and worth it .for experience wise ,you learn a lot in a short period of time ,then look for local work ,like Pepsi, coke or seven up to name a few ,but they won't hire newbies that's why the OTR job is the way to get your feet wet and learn the trucking industry.. To figure out what you would like to do...
 

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Posted by SIC9250 (Member # 8216) on :
 
/\ thanks D
 

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Posted by SIC9250 (Member # 8216) on :
 
Any good places or websites to apply to or get my name in at?? Most all company's want 1 or 2 years experience atleast,I drove a bobtail for a bit but doubt that works..
 

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Posted by 50Reasons (Member # 6452) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by SIC9250:
Any good places or websites to apply to or get my name in at?? Most all company's want 1 or 2 years experience atleast,I drove a bobtail for a bit but doubt that works..

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