CDL Test Challenges

Hi Everyone,
Just failed the maneuvers portion of the Mi CDL test. I have been in a CDL school for 6 weeks and just can't seem to get through the test. Now the school itself is a serious challenge in and of itself. There have been times that the only truck we as students had to train with was a 1994 GMC white. They have now gotten a few other trucks but we can't seem to be able to train with anything similiar consistantly. Then on test day we need to perform the maneuvers in a truck we may not even have been in. Today, (and on the first attempt a week ago), I was able to get to the very last part of the 90, was in the lane but had the tail end pointing towards the driver's side of the lane so did a pull-up to straighten out which put me over on points. Today's test, I had a 1998 International which I only practiced in for an hour yesterday. Honestly there really isn't any 1 on 1 training in this school. Several students have quit the school since I've started, no one is happy with the training. When I talked to the test after my test, he even said he has not seen such a failure rate among students. There are ppl in the school who have failed 4 times. The only people I see passing are ppl who come from some kind of trucking background (parents or some other relative).
Just a little background, I am just retired from Security in the Nuclear industry, former Law enforcement and former active duty Marine. So, I have been to quite a few different schools and training academy's and have always done well. I'm just kinda at a loss how to get through this hurdle. Any suggestions would help

 

Hey buddyd157,
Thanks for the input. I do understand that no 2 trucks will be the same. Just seems that as a student taking a test, I should be able to count on at least a similiar truck testing to the one I'm training in. I had been training in a 2014 Volvo, with a 53 ft trailer. On the test I was using a 1998 International with a 48 ft trailer. To me that's a pretty big change to have to deal with when testing. Later when I'm on the road with a company I kinda think a change in equipment will provide challenges but I won't be worried about getting points or grades. My concern will just be to handle the vehicle safely and can make all the adjustments I need to maneuver a vehicle.

 

Hey FozzyNOK,
I am pointing out on the alley dock maneuver. Today I was having a hard time getting the approach right. In training , I was able to consistently set up and execute the maneuver with no real problems. The school I attend is on a dirt lot and the test site is a parking lot with asphalt, so I know there are differences in traction. As I mentioned above, I also had to deal with a different truck and trailor length. so found myself comming in too short on the approach. The very different turn radius of the International (slow), different ground type (asphalt vs dirt), and the shorter trailer just seemed more than I could in my very limited experience handle.

 

Thanks x1Heavy,
The school definately has issues, but I'm too commited now to change. I couldn't believe it when they told me that the 3 main trucks we were using had their registration lapse during the weekend. So I asked for a little refresher time on the road yesterday ( I had no road time in 2 weeks lol), we kept hearing a rattling sound while on the road, turns out all but the top hinge on the driver's door were broken, so that truck went OOS too. It's been one thing after another since I started, but like I said I'm already too far in to find another school and I have to start making money.

 

160 Driving Academy
I might add, I'm not sure the problem is institution wide, could be just this location.