going to be going to school in a week

First thing you should do is go to your local DMV and get the COMMERCIAL DRIVERS handbook. Study up on whatever test for the permit that you are going to be getting...Air Brakes I know will be one that you will need. Most schools will help prepare you for the written test to get your permit.

Really study the pre-trip section of the book (there is about 100+ points that the DMV might ask (this is usually asked for the driving part of the test) but it doesn't hurt to get prepared for this...the school will also points out the things on the truck needed for the pre-trip during the time you're at school.

Normally it's the small things that people forget. Like what is different from the suspension of the trailer vs the tractor?


Your school will want you to pass.

Everything you do at the DMV say it out loud so they can hear what you are doing (like you are teaching them)
They should teach you the FIVE POINTS,
examples:
1.) Governor cut-out: about 130 psi, must happen before 130 psi (depends on the truck)(little hint here-you'll hear it cut out, it's the sound the truck makes like air escaping wait 5 seconds then give your reading to the examiner)

2.) Governor cut-in: has to occur before 85 psi. raise rpm up 1200, watch needles primary and secondary, wait for needles to stop raising (about 20 seconds) then give reading to examiner

3.) Applied Brake test: build pressure back to max, put truck in gear to keep from rolling, turn off engine, release parking brake (yellow button), apply firm pressure to brake pedal (keep holding pedal for 1 min) cannot lose more then 4 psi at the end of 1 min) give reading to the examiner.

4.) Low Air Waring: (this is an easy one) there should be a light that comes on and a buzzer sound, this should happen no higher than 75 psi and no lower than 55 psi, (your air pressure should already built up), turn the key to the ON position (don't start truck) keep pressing on the brake pedal till the light and buzzer come on, give guage reading to the examiner.

5.) Parking brake test: Set the yellow button, put truck in neutral (so you do roll forward), start truck, build air pressure back up, put truck in gear release yellow button, roll forward about 5-15 feet, push in clutch, pull yellow button, the truck should stop.

These are test for California but they might have the same ones in your state. You school will go over all test the DMV will require you to past in order to get your CDL.

You might be nervous (this is expected) remain as calm as possible. Watch your turns, watch as you go though intersection as you approach, going through and as you past the intersection.
Keep you head moving (checking you mirrors) the examiner likes head movement.
If you see any people parked at the curbs, watch out for them or be safe if possible (two lanes) go to the next lane.

I know this is long, hopfully you might find it helpful.

Oh! One thing after you pass you test and get a company and a trainer leave the kitchen sink at home.
We are all here to help you with questions.