Failed the road test for 2ND time

use trailer breaks to slow yourself down, watch for trailer side stepping, near the bottom release trailer breaks so the weight can push you along, if worst case scenario, stop near the bottom of the hill and use diff unlock?

 

That is extremely close to what I actually did to extricate myself from that Virginia farm. You write way better than I do. Your post should be pinned for newbies to read and comprehend that a hill is not the end of the world off road.

 

I am taking my skills test tomorrow with a 3rd Party tester in NC. Does anyone know the standard point system for the backing maneuvers as well as the driving portion of the test? How many points are you allowed to accrue and still pass, and what is the point values for encroachments, G.O.A.L's, and pull-ups? What are the big "no-no's" to avoid on the driving portion?

 

To be blunt, don't worry about the points. You are looking for a reassurance or exceptions. Then you make a mistake and now think about points rather than just driving the test.

My test in 1988 roughly was 100 points -2 for a flubbed in reverse start off at light for me so final score 98. Passing score was 70 or better. And this was with a big truck. Im not here to be difficult or be hard on you, just take the nice test taker for a spin and enjoy the day. Don't worry about the points.

 

Now they will fail you if you pull up to a stop light and roll backwards on the green. Automatic failure. They say you are not in control of the truck which is the specific reason for failing.

 

Erm. I guess so. I think they need to go get laid. But that's just a opinion.

With today's trucks precision transmissions there is no reason to be rolling backwards on a light. It's a shame, if they don't lighten up on humans, then computers will be the ones driving. Not us.

What was a point of failure at the time I took my test was to have the truck roll backwards more than 6 inches at a light. Designed to demonstrate good clutch control on a hill. I used to stall a pete trying to start it going straight up at Tuscorora Md and US 15 crossing. My Trainer did well there, get moving without stalling and without rolling backwards at the sign which I learned.

 

My humble two cents is purchase a toy tractor trailer and practice, it might sound silly but at least you would have a visual how the trailer works brother. Good luck on your test and remember take it slow and small adjustments

 

What is the proper procedure for starting on a grade (going uphill) to prevent rolling back? Nothing is specified within the drivers manual. I doubt I will encounter this today; however, any assistance/guidance on this front?

 

Wal.. ahem... it's very basic and converting to english it's hard for me so... it's come out this way.

You are stopped on a 15% grade which is essentially straight up. That trailer is like 50 plus feet lower than your cab. That's how steep it is.

To get her started is to know your torque. Say big Detriot 500, torque is around 1350 or so (1250 actually but eh...) and below high horse at 1550 rpm.)

Foot on service brake holding everything.

Engage your trolley which is your trailer. Wait a moment to get that air on. (It's already on via service brake but feeding to trailer only... bear with me...)

Let off your trolley, you then let off your service brake adding fuel above 1600 and immediately without a moment's waste while trolley valve has returned or returning to nuetural releasing your trailer brake, add clutch.

Add more clutch and add fuel. Add everything. Do not let that big dog stall. You will be moving when that clutch is all the way out. Do not whatever you do get wussy, weak and wallow on your fuel, stay on her.

She will lean to one side and jerk into motion once the clutch plates fully engage with your RPMS now dropping from 1500 towards torque. Your goal in life is to get that big dog moving before the engine falls down below 1300. But you have to do everything in one smooth motion so you don't tear nothing out. Don't slam it. Do not whatever you do, slam it.

She's gonna lurch. Stay on her and ride. Yee haw. She will get moving, stay in that low gear until she stabilizes forward speed. In fact stay in that gear until the immediate danger of the hilltop is over and your turning is finished.

It's really hard to type in english what to expect and do. It's part riding cowboy bronc and part attitude to get her moving. But gently enough so you don't tear out all kinds of really expensive parts back there under your tractor.

 

why waste money when u couldve join a starter company like swift, cr england or crst and get trained for free, u can practice on their trucks all day long, road test is free, plus the class is free plus they provide hotel rooms but you hve to sell your soul to them for 9-12 months or u goin to owe them the $7k. thts wht i did and work for them for 9 months to fullfill the contract