Day 19

Ok fellas, it is slowly coming to an end. I have tentatively set a date for Friday May 1st for my test. I am more excited than nervous but that might change tomorrow LOL.
I can walk you through Part A, B & C. My coupling is good (based on the fellas I'm practicing with) and my In Cab is spot on! My brake tests are accurate. My 3 maneuvers don't need more than the 2 allotted pull ups. I will be going out on a drive with the instructed and I am told that's pretty much a gimme so long as I continue to explain what's happening and what I'm about to do before doing it. So, why wait? It's been just about 26 days and between now and then I will eat, sleep and drink inspection. This is great to be able to share with you and will keep you posted as the day nears......

 

So it has been scheduled. I will be testing for my CDL Class A license this Friday (May 1st) @ 2pm. And I AM NERVOUS! However, I have to humbly acknowledge that I have section A, B & C coming out of my pores by now in the amount of times I have rehearsed them. Coupling? Check. In cab? Check. Leak test? gauges, Check & Check. I have practiced these over and over, at home and with students. My 3 maneuvers have been very good, my alley dock still needs to use the 2 free pull ups, I might need a 3rd which I learned only costs 1 point rather than going over the line. I went out for a drive with the instructor earlier this week and it was a learning experience gauging when to cut the wheel on my turns, switching lanes, railroad crossing, coming to a full stop, turning into a 3 lane/2 lane/single lane left/right. Today I went out on my second run, which I was told was much better. So there you have it this is what I'm presenting at the end of this week. It has been over 35 days on a flexible schedule and, by now, you either know it or you don't so I'm pressing on. Will keep you guys posted. And no matter what happens this Friday I want you to know that I have found the folks on this site to be incredibly helpful and encouraging to me, a 55 year old looking to switch careers after 20+ years of working with people. So THANK YOU ALL

 

I PASSED!!!!!! I aced today's exam and as of 4pm I am a Class A CDL holder!!!!!!
I am sooo happy AND relieved that this is now behind me I been shouting, singing and dancing all day!!!! I have not posted that I went out 3 times prior to today's test with the instructor and they did not go well. My first run, while making a left turn unto a single lane, my trailer tire went over the curb, an instant failure according to the instructor. My second run? I was doing 50 on a 45, had to break and almost knocked the instructor off his seat. My 3rd run? tried to beat a yellow light only to be caught in red while turning. It was awful! The instructor was very patient with me and finally said," ok, you got all the mistakes out of your system, you gotta pass now"! Today's run with the DMV inspector? #### near perfect! It was awsome! I was given part B of the inspection and, after a long pause proceeded to name everything without skipping a beat. I am scheduled for Monday to pick up my license from the DMV (you know, Covid has them scheduling appointments). Thank you fellas for the support and encouragement......stay tuned as I now begin my job search......