Mass CDL Road test tomorrow!

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by Ryan198416, Aug 13, 2012.

  1. Ryan198416

    Ryan198416 Bobtail Member

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    Aug 13, 2012
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    I am taking my Massachusetts CDL A road test tomorrow night at 7pm. Honestly I am a little annoyed by this considering that I don't have any experience driving at night. Assuming I pass my air brakes, pre trip, alley dock, offset alley, drivers side and passenger side parallel, I will be hitting the road around 8pm...just as the last rays of light are going! Any tips from experienced drivers? I am very confident that I can pass all 6 of those on the first shot, but my shifting is ok at best...and thats in daylight!
     
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  3. Moosetek13

    Moosetek13 Road Train Member

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    Shifting at night is the same as in daylight.

    Lights on, fogs on, and thrusters at full.

    Godspeed!
     
  4. Pumpkin Oval Head

    Pumpkin Oval Head Road Train Member

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    Your shifting should not be affected by daylight or darkness....at least I can't think how it would be. Make sure your dash lights are working so you can see the rpms.

    You may need a flashlight to do your pre-trip inspection. Is the parking lot lighted?
    I would not want to take my skills test in the dark....much harder to see the yellow lines.
     
  5. Ryan198416

    Ryan198416 Bobtail Member

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    Aug 13, 2012
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    My test starts at 7. The parking lot is wide open, so there should be plenty of daylight to do the pretrip and most of the maneuvers. but the sun sets at 7:47 tomorrow, meaning daylight will be gone by about 10 past 8. I think I am just a little more nervous than I need to be. Thanks for the tips!
     
  6. Klatu

    Klatu Road Train Member

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    Keep the truck in a gear. Don't let it roll back after a stop such as a red light or stop sign.
     
  7. VisionLogistics

    VisionLogistics Road Train Member

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    If it's not foggy do us all a favor and leave the fog lights off. Thank you.
     
  8. Ryan198416

    Ryan198416 Bobtail Member

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    Aug 13, 2012
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    Well, I didn't do too bad consdering the darkness. I was cruising along, passed the offset alley, passenger side and driver side parallel park, alley dock (it was ugly, but the truck didnt leave the course!) and pre trip, cruised all the way through my air brakes until I forgot to put it in gear when I got out to get the chocks. The trooper told me he was a bit upset, as out of the 4 people he tested today, I was the only one to pass more then 3 things. Oh well, At least now I can focus on my shifting before the next test, the air brake foley was a minor brain fart.
     
  9. Klatu

    Klatu Road Train Member

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    Nov 26, 2010
    Argyle, TX
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    Everyday is a learning experience. "Good Job".
     
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