CDL test with a horse trailer ???

Do you already have a CDL from another state? If so then the test will be similar to what you did before, i.e. pre-trip, yard maneuvers, and a road test. If this is your first time applying for a CDL then you really should spend a couple of weeks at a driving school. Teaching you how to pass the test is what they do. It's pretty much all they do.

 

Tractor can be class 7, that's what most of the schools around here use.

 

You are correct my mistake a class 7 is used as that is what i took my test on. Class 7 Mack day cab with a 20 ft trailer.

 

Are you applying for a commercial class A or non commercial class A? non commercial class A they only test off-set and alley dock, not parallel. You are also supposed to get 15 feet on top of your vehicle length - why didn't you raise this issue during the test?

 

What DMV was this?

I would call one of the local schools and ask them how much space you get during parallel parking. While there may not be a number in the book, the picture diagram clearly shows the proportions are not 5 feet. 15 feet is not a hard number, I've noticed its between 10-15 feet, but absolutely definitely not 5 feet.

Did you do the road driving?

DMV will do this because you are going in by yourself and not represented / trained by a school. They know you didn't get any of the proper CDL training that a school would give you, so they basically make it extremely difficult for you. But 5 feet is a joke. You could complain (I would) but they will just grade you harder next time.

 

Was your teacher present at the DMV), representing you? What was his response?