Need help to clear up some CDL test confusion...

I've just discovered this forum and hope someone can help me clear up some confusion concerning the class A cdl skills test. I have been driving commercially for 36 years and have more than 1 1/2 million miles driving experience. However, I spent 35 of those years driving passenger buses, private coaches for entertainers and for the last ten years, a gas tanker straight truck locally. I am upgrading my license back to a class A (from a class B with X and P endorsements) so that I can drive a day cab tractor trailer for the same company. The company I work for is providing plenty of opportunity for me to refresh my skills at backing with a trailer, etc.

It has been many years since I took a driving test. My current class B license has a class A permit with it. I have to take and pass the pre-trip and skills/driving test to convert the permit to a full class A license. In practicing the backing/docking part of the skills test, I have always done so with my window up and using only my mirrors. I do so because I heard somewhere that the examiner will require me to not put my head out the window to see the rear of the trailer. I have much better results in docking if I can look out the driver's side window, though.

My question is this... Does anyone know if in Tennessee the state examiner will takes points off if the driver does roll his window down and stick his head out for a better view? It's a bit hard to keep both hands on the wheel that way, but the result is taking about half the time getting the job done.

Thanks.

Bookman

 

Don't know why I hadn't done it before, but today I got the bright idea to just call the Department of Safety and ask them. The lady who answered the phone asked a person who trains CDL examiners to give the tests. That person said that sticking your head out the window is acceptable and won't cause you to lose points on the exam as long as your butt never leaves the seat. In other words if you half stand up and look out, that's pushing it, but staying fully seated while reaching the head out the window is okay. She also said opening the door while backing is a no-no. I assumed that would be the case.

Thanks to all who offered their advice.

Bookman