Company Road Test Coming Up (Need Some Tips!)

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by STransport, Apr 6, 2015.

  1. STransport

    STransport Light Load Member

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    Oct 13, 2014
    Hudson Valley, NY
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    It has been about a month since I passed my CDL Road Test and I have a company road test coming up with a 53FT Dry Van and I believe a Day Cab (could possibly be a Sleeper Cab, but don't think so).

    Would appreciate help with a few questions:

    1) In driving school we drove a Sleeper Cab with a 45Ft Dry Van and for the road test a Day Cab with a 40FT trailer.
    How much addtional lag time should one give before starting your turn if you were in a Day Cab (or Sleeper Cab) and a 53FT trailer compared to what I have driven before?

    2) When turning right from multiple turning lanes, which is the correct lane? Outside or inside lane?
    I was watching the below two videos and the first one suggests at 0:55 to make your right turn from the outside lane.
    However, the second video suggests at the 2:28 that you should make the right turn from the inside lane.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ghfWLFxU6A
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gl01w6vl9KI

    Which is correct for the most part?

    3) Just to refresh my memory:
    Turning Left: Go straight out into the intersection until whatever separates the two lanes of travel meets up with the middle of your driver side window before starting your turn?
    Turning Right: Go straight out into the intersection until the passenger side window meets the fog line (solid white line) and for tight turns the double yellow line that separates the two lanes of travel meets the passenger side window before starting your turn?

    4) This really did not happen during Driving School or on the Road Test, but when making a right turn, what if you meet a car that is too far up and is blocking you from completing the turn without hitting them? From what I understand you should just stop the in the middle of the intersection and wait for them to move out of your way?

    Thanks
     
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  3. pattyj

    pattyj Road Train Member

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    If you're going to be driving for a long haul company then I think you'll be taking the test with a trk that has a sleeper. Before starting your road test make sure seat is comfortable enough and make sure all your mirrors are set so you can see out of them all.Check all your gauges.Get a good feel of the trk before going anywhere.When I make turns I keep an eye on the back trailer tires and as soon as I see its going to clear the curb ,sign or any objects I start to make the turn.Every intersection is different don't go by all that turning left and turning right rules you typed.Go with your gut feeling and focus on the turns and the overall test.
     
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  4. STransport

    STransport Light Load Member

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    Oct 13, 2014
    Hudson Valley, NY
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    I am almost sure it will be a Day Cab as it is a home daily and local job.
    (tossed in that it might be a Sleeper Cab because they do have a few of those too)
     
  5. RustyBolt

    RustyBolt Road Train Member

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    Bement, IL
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    1) if they have a fairly empty lot, do what I did. Tell the testor/instructor to be patient, I just want to get a feel for this truck and do a few turns in the lot. That is the only way you'll have any clue as to the turning radius of whatever particular machine your driving. Nobody can "tell" you.

    2)If turning right from multiple turn lanes, you want to be in the left (outside) right turn lane. If turning left, the right left turn lane. Always on the outside.

    3) All depends on the equipment. There really is no "rule of thumb". There might have been at your cdl school for their trucks. But unless you driving one of the schools trucks, throw that out the window.

    4) Do that in NY City! LOL Instant stalemate. It depends on where you are at the time. Smaller towns, the folks tend to help you out more. Bigger cities, you are in their way. Just have to play it by ear and hope for the best. But, if someone moves for you, be sure to thank them with a big wave and a smile.
     
  6. pattyj

    pattyj Road Train Member

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    In that case it might be a day cab.Although 2 of my local jobs test was in a extended cab.
     
  7. STransport

    STransport Light Load Member

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    Oct 13, 2014
    Hudson Valley, NY
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    Your way of turning sounds just like this other video I was watching:
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Vxa1rQgoRY

    Only thing in that video he goes WAY over the double yellow line.
    What if cars were there or if that was a intersection and cars are waiting at their red light?
     
  8. pattyj

    pattyj Road Train Member

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    If you notice as hes making the turn in the bottom mirror his trailer tire cleared that curb with ease.In that case he had to take up both lanes to make the turn.So when your turning plan your turns ahead of time.Right turns do swing wider so make sure its clear.Don't be scared about using all the available space to make turn.Sometimes you have to use all the lanes.Just make sure cars give you that space.
     
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  9. STransport

    STransport Light Load Member

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    Oct 13, 2014
    Hudson Valley, NY
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    I guess I get a little worried thinking about what to do if there is traffic blocking you from completing the turn.
    Watching it again it seems you could also say he waited until his the passenger side mirror met up the double yellow line before starting his turn.
    So using that as a guide might also work in some cases.

    1) That's a good idea. See if I can get a feel of it before staring the road test

    2) I got the left turn lane down (always outside). I think the one video suggested using the inside right turn lane because if you used the outside right turn lane the trailer may off-track into the inside right lane during your turn.

    3) That was just a basic guide for when to start making turns my driving school gave us. Guess it might not apply everywhere.

    4) This situation is my biggest fear. Traffic blocking your from making a wide right turn to complete it safely.
     
  10. pattyj

    pattyj Road Train Member

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    Of course he went over the double yellow line,what do you think would have happened if he stayed inside the line while making the turn?He would have hit the pole and done some serious damage.It's very important to look at all your surroundings and less trying to keep semi in your lane while making turns.Remember your turning a large vehicle not a car.
     
  11. pattyj

    pattyj Road Train Member

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    You're going to get traffic there is no way around it.You're bigger then they are.Sometimes they have to stop and let you make a turn but its important to keep an eye on your trailer tires till your turn is completed .Sometimes there will be a car at the lite while you're turning and you cant complete the turn because hes there.So you stop and wait patiently till he backs up a few feet the proceed with your turn.
     
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