New driver in training

You don't have to be perfect to pass the test. Pilots have a practice called "chair flying" or "hanger flying". You sit in calm room with no distractions and you step-by-step verbally and physically walk through EACH step and even perform the physical actions like you are doing the test task. For backing, imagine yourself at the start of the backing scenario (offset, alley dock, parallel, etc). Put your foot on the brake, turn on your 4-ways, look left, right, rear, tap the horn if required but don't if it's not, and then verbalize what actions you take in the order you would do them. Make sure you have CLEAR in your mind what to do for the common mistakes (too close on left/right, too close in front, etc) and then for each one of those possibilities say the correction. Don't just say or think "fix-it" or "don't be too left/right". "If I see I am too far left/right, forward, etc., I correct with actions 1,2 and then 3." If you're trailer is too close on left (driver-side) when backing for alley-dock, say the action you take to move rear of trailer trailer to the right. I'm an intuitive driver and retired after nearly 30 years so sometimes I can do the corrections but right now online I don't remember what the correction is. YOU HAVE TO KNOW AND SAY THE CORRECTION TO YOURSELF that I remember through muscle memory. Not knowing and then not doing those corrections for trailer too far left/right, forward/back, etc is what leads to mental vapor-lock. Taking the test will also add some amount "vapor lock". It's normal so have a plan when it happens.

Brain surgeons and pilots and astronauts learn very complicated and important tasks but they learn them one at a time, under supervision and feedback. Their process applies to almost any skill for anyone if they will use it.

 

Advice?.....

• Your CDL school training is meant to teach you only enough to acquire a CDL; you will truly learn to drive, etc....at your first CDL job (assuming you choose a carrier that is set up for such).
• The CDL job market totally sucks right now; to combat this -- get ALL the relevant CDL endorsements (tanker, hazmat, doubles/triples) when you get your CDL. This will distinguish you from the other new CDL holders who don't have them....& help you secure better employment....faster.
• I emerged totally unscathed from what should have been a fatal collision back last August; since then, I have witnessed 2 collisions where at least one person died. My point --> driving commercially is DANGEROUS BUSINESS; thus -- be sure to take your safety training VER-RY SERIOUSLY.
• Others may disagree (& that's ok -- that's what forums are partially for)....but pulling "boxes" (dry van, or reefer) is boring work, & NO ONE is happy to see you when you arrive at your destinations. You'll have a MUCH MORE interesting CDL career, & visit FAR MORE interesting places (& be treated better by those at your stops) -- if you instead go flatbed, or tanker.
• Slow & steady wins the race -- every time.
• Whenever in doubt -- get out....& look. It's much cheaper than the alternative.

Best of luck....!

-- L

 

Which type trucking are you interested in?
Which companies is the school recommending?
Where is your domicile; state & nearest town/city?
Maybe we can help you choose a company.
*Note - get all the endorsements. Some flatbed, reefer, dry van companies require all of them.