DMV Road Test Question

I have watched several road tests in 3 states, I have never seen the examiner require this. It don't mean some place won't require it at some point.

 

Not to my knowledge, but during your pre-trip you should point to the examiner what you are inspecting for as if you just backed under it. Good luck!

 

A DMV exam no but you will be required to do a pretrip on truck and trailer.

 

And depending on the state, pretrip may or may not be part of the written exam.

I got my CDL in Texas and the pretrip was part of the written tests/on the computer so we did not have to do the PTI with the examiner.

 

I took my CDL road test in NY and did not have to uncouple the trailer. As others have said as part of the pre trip you will want to verbalized that you are checking that the fifth wheel is locked around the king pin and that the fifth wheel locking lever is in the correct position. The examiner stopped half way down the trailer and asked me what I should be checking? Correct answer was 'Conspicuity Tape'

 

You probably won't have to do it for your CDL test, but you definitely will have to for your company. It's a basic task every truck driver has to do.

 

Back when i did my road test, the first person of the group did the actual pre trip as the class watched. The tester counted it as pre trip for all the students but he did the psi test/air brake test with each student. No coupling test, that's basic knowledge.

 

It's not required in Texas.....it's a very simple process anyway...easier than parallel parking...

 

Since coupling/uncoupling is an essential part of the job, choose a school that will have you doing it at least a few times. I went to a HORRID school that's now out of business. (Thank God). When I got my first job I didn't know how to do 99% of the job. Had absolutely no clue about it. So choose one that actually prepares you for what you're going to be doing, not just passing a test. Because you may not get your first job with a company that will train you right, and you'll be out there with it flapping in the wind and not the slightest idea what you're doing.