Legit question about testing now that I failed pre-trip

If you are SURE you mentioned something, and he says you didn't, AND you say you bounced around - that is the problem. It really makes it look like you have no clue, but are parroting off words at best. Make sure you know your parts, have a pattern, and knock it out.

 

The first year I trained, I ran a Columbia glider kit. The rest of the fleet were Century class trucks. Most of the engine compartment was the same, with a few notable differences - like the alternator was above the ac condensor, where the air compressor/air dryer was, etc. The number of guys who would point to the alternator and say ac condensor was staggering. It was very apparent the guys who just ran down the list instead of looking at their truck and finding the problems . To this day I have guys who touch a light and say turn signal works, when the flashers are not on.

When I have a guy who gives me an indication he doesn't know what he is talking about two things happen. The first is I mentally curse his cdl school and his cdl tester, the second is I spend a whole lot of time on skill remediation.

Not trying to bust your balls, just giving a perspective.

 

The pre-trip test is like an audition. It's easy to forget something if you don't follow a pre planned script. There's a very good pre-trip video on youtube by Tennessee Truck driving school. I watched it every day before driving class and was able to flow word for word when my test date came around.

 

I know how you feel. I failed my pre-trip on the first go-around, too. In my case, I just blanked during the test, and the examiner didn't want to be out there because it was 27ºF

Be systematic. Practice a LOT. You'll get it!!