CDL Class A Pre-trip/Skills/Road Tests

Discussion in 'Ask An Owner Operator' started by HotShot Trucker, Jan 10, 2020.

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  1. Jan 10, 2020 #1
    HotShot Trucker

    HotShot Trucker Light Load Member

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    Hello All:
    I was on the phone with a DMV Agent from NJ MVC, and I had asked him about the CDL Testing Parking Maneuvers that I must safely perform. He had informed me that I must safely perform six (6) Parking maneuvers on the day of the test which will include Straight-Line Back, Offset Left & Right, Parallel Park Left & Right, and an Alley Dock (90 Degree).
    I had contacted a Trucking school afterwords regarding pricing and what to expect on Test Day. And the Representative informed me that I will be trained on all six, and on the day of the test I will be asked by the examiner (safety specialist) to perform 4 (four) maneuvers, and those maneuvers will be given at random by the examiner. I went on youtube to see how to perform the said maneuvers and on the videos the instructor said you will be asked to perform 2-3 of the maneuvers at the Testing Facility.
    Is each state different when it comes to CDL testing for Class A Vehicles?
    I am contemplating on going with a CDL Class B if I have to perform so many maneuvers for a Class A CDL. (I have driving experience with Non-CDL box trucks).
    Your advice and replies are welcomed.
    Thank You
     
    HotShot Trucker, Jan 10, 2020
    HotShot Trucker, Jan 10, 2020
    #1
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  3. Jan 10, 2020 #2
    Razorwyr

    Razorwyr Road Train Member

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    Yes, every state is different.
     
    Razorwyr, Jan 10, 2020
    Razorwyr, Jan 10, 2020
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    HotShot Trucker Thanks this.
  4. Jan 10, 2020 #3
    kemosabi49

    kemosabi49 Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    States do have some differences in what they require as far as skill tests. If you go to a good school you should able to get them done. Class A will open up way more opportunities than a class b.
     
    kemosabi49, Jan 10, 2020
    kemosabi49, Jan 10, 2020
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    HotShot Trucker Thanks this.
  5. Jan 10, 2020 #4
    HotShot Trucker

    HotShot Trucker Light Load Member

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    Holy Cannoli I guess I'm in the wrong state
     
    HotShot Trucker, Jan 10, 2020
    HotShot Trucker, Jan 10, 2020
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  7. Jan 10, 2020 #5
    HoneyBadger67

    HoneyBadger67 Road Train Member

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    None of these maneuvers are all that difficult, with a little practice, especially since they hand out CDLs like participation trophies. Doing them in the real world, in tight lots, with dozens of eyes watching you screw up the first few hundred times you try is much worse.
     
    HoneyBadger67, Jan 10, 2020
    HoneyBadger67, Jan 10, 2020
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    Swine hauler and HotShot Trucker Thank this.
  8. Jan 11, 2020 #6
    feldsforever

    feldsforever Road Train Member

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    To the op. Each state is different
    . if you are worried about cost check out the wia grant at the local employment office.
    Not being a jerk. But 2 things one. Anything but a class A is a limit on your carea. Even if you never use it. Such as brentag switchers have to have a class a just to park trailers across the street.

    And. Beileve me. If your school is any count at all they won't set your test date b4 they are positive you will pass. Unless its just a cdl mill. Don't fear the driving test fear the pretrip.
     
    feldsforever, Jan 11, 2020
    feldsforever, Jan 11, 2020
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    HotShot Trucker Thanks this.
  9. Jan 14, 2020 #7
    HotShot Trucker

    HotShot Trucker Light Load Member

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    Thanks for the reply, I am not that concerned on the cost as most schools I had contacted are quite affordable, and they offer 3-4 chances at Motor Vehicles to take the test. I am just concerned on how many maneuvers must be performed during the skills test. (Now I know why NJ MVC does not accept CDL scores from other states except Pennsylvania).
     
    HotShot Trucker, Jan 14, 2020
    HotShot Trucker, Jan 14, 2020
    #7
  10. Jan 14, 2020 #8
    HotShot Trucker

    HotShot Trucker Light Load Member

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    Thanks for th
    Thanks for the reply, Today I had spoken with an ex-Trucker turned Equipment Operator at my job-site regarding CDL Class A. He had mentioned and recommended me to use longer trailers such as 45'-48' trailers which are easier when paired with a single axle. I was hoping to ask you for useful knowledge and tips for the test.
    Thanks
     
    HotShot Trucker, Jan 14, 2020
    HotShot Trucker, Jan 14, 2020
    #8
  11. Jan 14, 2020 #9
    HoneyBadger67

    HoneyBadger67 Road Train Member

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    My one and only recommendation for the test would be to have a short conversation with the examiner before you turn the key. Talk about anything BUT the test. Turn the examiner into a person instead of the pendulum that decides your fate and you'll have an easier time.
     
    HoneyBadger67, Jan 14, 2020
    HoneyBadger67, Jan 14, 2020
    #9
    feldsforever and HotShot Trucker Thank this.
  12. Jan 14, 2020 #10
    HotShot Trucker

    HotShot Trucker Light Load Member

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    Thank you for the recommendation, I'll try to do that.
    I just got to figure out a good topic to talk about with the examiner.
    Thanks
     
    HotShot Trucker, Jan 14, 2020
    HotShot Trucker, Jan 14, 2020
    #10
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