My CDL License exam in 2 weeks in San Bernardino, CA. Any tips on prepping?

Lepton, do you know if they do any skills test an the San Bernardino DMV on Saturdays? I would guess they don't, that's the only time I have free to go down an check them out. Also how many times could you take your driving test. Is there a limit before they just kick you out for good.

 

I think they are only open M-F for testing, and not during holidays.

You have three chances with one permit to take the test. If you fail any part (brake tests, pre trip inspection, skills tests, or driving test) then you need to come back another day. If you fail three times then you can go take the written test to get another permit and have another three chances to pass the four tests in San Bernardino.

 

My test is on Monday 9/22 in San Bernardino, at my previous job I used to drive tractor trailers in the yard, park them, dock them etc. I am very nervous as we never had to do a pre trip or air break test when doing our job. I just got down the parallel and have all the other ones down. I am very nervous about the exterior inspection I have more then half of it down but when it comes to the trailer and rear trailer also the rear of the tractor I get flustered. I do not want to let my family down as they are very confident in me and very supportive. I also heard the people at SB DMV are very strict and sometimes dicks.

 

im testing friday the 19th..in lancaster...even though i live in san bernarghetto... Good Luck CaliKidd

 

For you own good and to make it easier on your tired brain, use the free CDL practice tests you can find on line. I did this when I had to take my HAZ MAT test again after moving to Texas. I passed the test with a high score after taking the online test many times the day before. Don't study the day of the test it leave you feeling like you haven't absorbed all you've learned previously. Trust in your self to know you have the answers and go in there an knock em dead kiddo.

 

Sounds to me like you have an easy solution to your lack of trust in your ability to remember. Keep this in mind, it will serve you well for many years. "You can eat an elephant one bite at a time".
First, look at that tractor like a big elephant and do the test in sections. Such as the rear of the trailer and tractor. Ask yourself this as you approach the unit, "what would I look for if my family was riding with me"? You look at the lights to make sure they functioned, next the air lines find any cracks that might leak, then the brake pots to make sure one wasn't about to fall off the axle. Next look at brake linings make sure they aren't wore down to nothing. Look at the axles inside the wheels and outside where the lug nuts are because that's how you are going to spot leaking axle seals. Look for broken springs attachments like shakles and leafs.

The only difference between the rear of the trailer and tractor is that on the tractor you look for fluid leaks around the differencials and the axles. Other wise they have the same set up.

Two major things to do when going through this process with a DMV person looking over your shoulder. These are most important. Take your time doing the inspection. It is not a speed contest, in fact it takes at least 30 minutes to do a complete pretrip, so slow down. Next, say loud and clear what you are doing and what you are looking for as your eyes go over any piece of equipment under the hood or when you crawl underneath the trailer to look it over. Speak up loud and clear. And FOR HEAVENS SAKE BRING A PAIR OF COVERALLS SO YOU CAN GET DOWN ON THE GROUND LIKE YOU KNOW WHAT THE HELL YOU ARE DOING. This will impress any body with the clip board in the hands. And pray that it is hot as hell out side because remember that inspector has been sitting in an A/C office most to the day and doens't want to start sweating, especially if it a woman.

 

So how did it go? I went on 9/22/14 and this was my first time going to the dmv. I PASSED with flying colors, I pretty much ACED every portion of the test!!! I was extremely happy, I was doing so good on my pre trip that the examiner just told me "ok you know it, next." I had to do 2 pull ups on the parallel which wasn't too bad. Then the road test came, the examiner which was an extremely nice older lady, was so cool. The whole 30 minute road test we had a full blown conversation about the "lord" and her and my kids. (she was very religious lol) not once did she ask me about any signs or anything. I was getting myself nervous as hell the day before and now that I think back on it, it wasn't as bad/hard as I imagined! So like I said I got my license on 9/22 and I start my new local driving job on 9/29 $18 hr with lots of OT. Everything worked out great!! hope you passed as well

 

thanks for everything, I aced my pre trip

 

Callikidd, Congrats on passing and the new job.

I am still in school, class room for 2 more weeks, then I go out to the field. In the class room this week I aced the D&H/brake test/pre-trip part on paper so that gave me a 100 on my module final today.
Before class room time next week I plan to see if I can get time on the field doing on truck D&H/brake test/pre-trip, have done D&H and got that down pretty good, so I can start my maneuvers.
Can‘t wait I want to fast track to my test if I can.
Dave ----

 

Thanks for letting me know how you did. Remember the elephant story when a problem you are facing looks to big to overcome. Works every time. Good luck with your driving career.

One more thing I would like to tell about regarding Trucking. Before you get discouraged and want to quit a job, keep in mind that you have to pay some dues as a beginner in any endevour you want to pursue in life. Being a beginner in any field is tough and that is why employers look at how long you were on your first job. They want to see if you can tolerate the crap new people have to put up with. After you put in year is when you can seriously look at getting another job. Keep your record clean, accident free, and no DUI and you can get just about any job you want, if you live the right area of the U.S.A. Personally I would look in Texas. The money is good, living costs are low, and jobs for drivers are every where you look.

God Bless and be safe. AL