Automatic or Manual for the Road Test?

the trailer swing I was refering to is the ### end of the trailer as it pivots on the tandems, most of which are adjustable on the 53' which by moving them up allows you to negotiate tighter turns, however you have a few feet of overhang that is swinging out in your rear which if not considered can and has taken out more than one parked car, road sign etc.

Liquid surge is a different thing entirely, but it is very unlikely you are going to be taking your test with a tanker... we are discussing the road test correct?

Feel free to run down to Dallas and rent that truck if you think it will be beneficial... like I said originally, not likely going to find a job if that is your schooling and experience. Even the starter companies will send you through their schools if thats all you have.

 

Check with your state to see if they put a restriction in your license if you take the test with an auto. I did not want the restriction so I took the test with a manual.

 

No need to check with your state it's in the little green book and online. It's a federal law that they need to put a restriction on your license if you test on a truck with an automatic in it.

http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/rules-regulations/administration/fmcsr/fmcsrruletext.aspx?reg=383.95

"(c) Manual transmission. (1) If an applicant performs the skills test in a vehicle equipped with an automatic transmission, the State must indicate on the CDL, if issued, that the person is restricted from operating a CMV equipped with a manual transmission.(2) For the purposes of the skills test and the restriction, an automatic transmission includes any transmission other than a manual transmission as defined in §383.5."


http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/rules-regulations/administration/fmcsr/fmcsrruletext.aspx?reg=383.5

"Manual transmission (also known as a stick shift, stick, straight drive or standard transmission) means a transmission utilizing a driver-operated clutch that is activated by a pedal or lever and a gear-shift mechanism operated either by hand or foot. All other transmissions, whether semi-automatic or automatic, will be considered automatic for the purposes of the standardized restriction code."

That law pretty much limits any chance of anyone taking their test on an automatic in getting a job with any company that doesn't have the "slush box" in their trucks.

 

you're in for a surprise on the sharp turns thinking. The reality is quite the opposite Add flammables to the mix, and .. Poof .. You'll be floating up with that pillar of smoke on the ramp.

but yah, lower clearance is nice

 

I cannot believe any state would administer a CDL A test with absolutely no alley docking. But I'm not from Texas so I have no choice but to. What a deal....

 

New York State doesn't require an alley dock either. Sounds pretty much like what Texas does to be honest. The whole test start to finish took under 1 hour.

Pre-trip.
Straight line back
Parallel park
Street maneuvers
done.

 

In Ohio it's:

Pre-trip
Straight line back
Cross over backing+straight line back till the truck is totally within the new lane.
Alley-Dock OR Parallel park. Whatever the person in front of the next person to tests gets the next person will get the other one.
Road Test