Failed first time at road test hit curb on Parallel Park

In february it was straight line and alley dock/45deg. best plan is to learn it the way they teach to pass the test. I hate saying that but I think it is the right plan. For me its just taking time, trial and error to get better and more efficient at it, probably the same for others learning.

I spend a lot of time focusing on watching others back at the truck stop. The other day a lady driver from Werner tried to grab a spot blindside and she was having trouble. I got out and asked her why she just doesn't turn it around and come back with an easier drivers side back. LOL she gave up and must have went somewhere else.

I've had experienced drivers tell me they will not blindside unless there is no other option. I've added that to my backing set up plan, never blindside unless there is no other option.

 

Makes complete sense to me. Why do the hardest thing when there are other options? I'm sure I'll be nervous as hell trying to fit into a tight spot with other drivers looking on, but it's just something you have to suck up and deal with. It's all about practice..

 

Well i gotta run outta this thread but here's my advice on the backing stuff. It takes time, take your time, don't get overly frustrated, unless you're special, it's not gonna be automatic. After school, being out with a trainer, and now 4-5 weeks solo I'm still no expert and certainly not smooth but everyday it gets a little easier. LMAO when i was with my trainer I emptied my air tanks backing into a dock that really wasn't that hard now that I look back at it. I frustrated the crap out of him. I just needed more time and being solo I have it. I am also thankful for all the other drivers out there that took the time to spot, give advice, and support...I got a lot of that.

 

Appreciate your time and advice man. Be safe out there.

 

I admit I still practice blindside in the barrel course when at terminals -- there are so many places in NY/NJ not meant for a 75' rig where you have the blindside in, & I don't care to be rusty when I'm sure to be critiqued by dock workers who see day cabs roll in all day with no issue. Sorry bud, that extra 10' of cab & lack of a back window really do make a difference...

Plus there are a handful of truck stops where the only available parking spots are usually lined up for blindside. TA in Bloomsbury NJ, and the pilot in Richfield OH both come to mind....

 

Wisconsin is straight line and alley dock. You are correct.

 

Well, I'm taking my road test in NY this Tuesday afternoon. At this point, I have a 50/50 chance of making it as my major obstacle is parallel parking. Right now, I'm getting it maybe 1 out of 2 times.

In NY, we are not allowed to GOAL, stop during the maneuver, ride the clutch ever, touch the brakes, and also NO pull-up's. If I could just use 1 pull up, that would make a world of difference.

If I can manage to just not hit the curb, get it in there straight enough, I'll take the pts off and hopefully won't do anything stupid like forget my 4 way flashers, hunk the horn, etc... Then I will have a good shot at passing, but......

I suppose failing the 1st road test is not the end of the world, but the problem is that there is a 3 to 4 weeks wait time before I could take it again. Now, 1 month or so w/ no driving and no practice, I'd sure flunk the 2nd road test. The pressure is on.

 

A word of encouragement for the OP. You're certainly not the first one to hit a curb during a road test, and won't be the last.

My instructor told me that when he originally got his CDL, he had to take the rd test 3 times before he passed. Now, this guy went on to be a very good driver for about 20 yrs and a perfect safety record.

Goodluck on your 2nd try.