New job driving test

Typically they are just looking to see if you can back, do you drive safely, what kind of personality you have. They aren't expecting you to shift gears in a manual truck like a 30 year vet or such.

Show up on time
with your CDL
Bring a pen
work gloves
wear shoes or boots
don't complain

 

A road test is standard practice.

Depending on the time of day and where you are can make a difference.
I took my test in the L.A. area during rush hour.
The final right turn that got me back to the terminal was onto a narrow 2 lane street. It was crowded and I had to wait around 10 minutes until I could use both lanes to make the turn safely. I was holding up traffic in my lane for that entire time.

When I was back in the terminal the person administering the test told me that most of the failing people failed at that turn because they were too impatient to wait. They ended up curbing the tandems and flunked out.

 

The biggest problem, is people over think this. I'm no different. As mentioned, employers have certain things they look for, the worst thing, is being in a hurry. Before doing anything, show the person you are cautious, even if it means getting out and looking. Take your time, open the hood, and even if you don't know what you are looking at, it shows you at least looked. When on the road, be EXTRA cautious. Most times you will be interviewed with an empty trailer. Want to really get some points? Slide the trailer axles all the way forward. It will not only impress the person, but make your test a lot easier. Turning, EXTRA wide, and go WAY under the speed limit. Backing, I'm sure the interviewer has seen it all, and may not expect you to be a pro, and yes, it's more of the kind of person you are, they know, right away, if you have "it" or not. Good luck, let us know how it went.

 

Drive a road test like you are going to prison, you have all the time in the world and if you are late, you are late.
DO NOT DRIVE LIKE YOU ARE TRYING TO GET 800 MILES IN A DAY.

 

I think it is normal to feel a bit nervous. Anytime I have taken a road test I was nervous. Just don't hit anything and you will be fine. You see you are going to curb the trailer tires in your mirror pucker them butt cheeks up and try to keep from curbing tires.

 

Awesome!! Hope you enjoy your new job.