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Have any of you taken your skills test in Virginia?

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by ShadowCat, Dec 19, 2013.

  1. Dec 19, 2013 #1
    ShadowCat

    ShadowCat Bobtail Member

    34
    8
    Dec 10, 2013
    Hampton Roads, VA
    0
    Due to two different instructors telling him two different things regarding the backing skills part of the Virginia CDL test, my husband asked for clarification today. He was told that during the test for the DMV, he would be required to back using mirrors only (no head turning/looking out window-we knew this part already as discussed in another thread) and stay within 1 meter of the cones at all times. Has anyone taken their DMV CDL test in Virginia? Is this actually correct?

    Thanks
     
    ShadowCat, Dec 19, 2013
    ShadowCat, Dec 19, 2013
    #1
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  3. Dec 19, 2013 #2
    White Knuckle

    White Knuckle Bobtail Member

    21
    9
    Dec 11, 2013
    Richmond , Va
    0
    It's been awhile, but when I took mine off lightfoot rd over by Williamsburg . You had to use the mirrors and keep it within 3 ft of the cone. Hope this helps.
     
    White Knuckle, Dec 19, 2013
    White Knuckle, Dec 19, 2013
    #2
  4. Dec 19, 2013 #3
    ShadowCat

    ShadowCat Bobtail Member

    34
    8
    Dec 10, 2013
    Hampton Roads, VA
    0
    Three feet of the cone, as in one cone? Instructors told my husband that there would be three cones and he'd have to stay within 3 feet of all three at all times. (Which seems a bit strict, really).
    Because of the inconsistency with the answers he's getting from the various people at the school, I am asking. :)
     
    ShadowCat, Dec 19, 2013
    ShadowCat, Dec 19, 2013
    #3
  5. Dec 19, 2013 #4
    Marathon

    Marathon Light Load Member

    64
    14
    Nov 20, 2013
    Spotsylvania , Virginia
    0
    I just took my CDL test in November 2013 in Spotsylvania VA . The backing portion is done after the pre-trip just before heading out on the road. The first maneuver is straight back. You need to stay within 3 feet of all the cones. There were 4 cones when I tested. Pretty easy. The next backing maneuver is curve back. The cones are placed at an angle and you need to also stay within 3 feet of each cone as you back. I don't recall anyone saying not being able to turn your head or look out the window but from my experience you are better off using the mirrors as that is your best view. The key to both backing maneuvers is not over steering. The instructors at my school set up the truck for the CDL test and when I did the straight back I did not turn the wheel at all. After pulling forward to attempt the curve back I don't think I turned the wheel 6 inches in either direction. I hope this helps and tell your husband good luck !
     
    Marathon, Dec 19, 2013
    Marathon, Dec 19, 2013
    #4
  7. Dec 19, 2013 #5
    pattyj

    pattyj Road Train Member

    22,474
    20,137
    Jul 19, 2008
    Sioux City,ia
    0
    That's how Iowas testing is also,only the mirrors.Because in the real worl mirrors are a truckers best friend.
     
    pattyj, Dec 19, 2013
    pattyj, Dec 19, 2013
    #5
  8. Dec 19, 2013 #6
    BrenYoda883

    BrenYoda883 Road Train Member

    1,248
    1,422
    Sep 18, 2013
    0
    Whoever is testing him will give him complete instructions.. They will go over each part of the test with him as he is being tested for each part and will make it very clear what he needs to do...

    The CDL test is the easy part... and he just needs to do it and get it over with.. stop worrying and fretting about it...
     
    BrenYoda883, Dec 19, 2013
    BrenYoda883, Dec 19, 2013
    #6
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