Pre-Trip help please

point out everything on the truck if its not on the test it does not count against you only if you miss a item on there list point out every gague on the engine start hvac controls everything. this is what i did on my cld back when i took it and the only item i missed was the voltage gauge on the startup check because it was a digital on the display rather than a actual gauge.

 

Hello Ben. I remember taking my first CDL skills tests over 23 years ago like it was yesterday. I know each person has differing levels of anxiety when it comes to tests, but I always looked at it from a different point of view. Rather than thinking I am being tested, I think of it more as me teaching someone how to drive, do a pre trip, etc. The CDL examiner is just doing their job to confirm you are safe to drive a tractor trailer out on the roads. You know you are ready to be licensed to drive and will do so safely, so just show the examiner.

Keep something in mind. If anything the examiner tells you to do may be unsafe, such as making a turn when traffic is coming, DO NOT do it. I remember my examiner was trying to rush me and even said "Come on Grandpa, we don't have all day!" while I was at a stop sign waiting to make a right turn. I looked at the examiner and said "It is not safe to turn yet!" and proceeded to wait until it was. At the end of the testing, the examiner was very pleased I did not buckle to pressure and do something that was unsafe just because someone else was getting impatient! In the real world, this will happen, and you need to always keep safety at the front of your mind and not worry about pleasing others.

My personal safety motto that has helped me reach nearly 3 million miles safe driving is this: Safety First.....Never Last.......Have a Future.....Not a Past!


I wish you well Ben. Now, go show them you are worthy of that CDL!

 

also if you can print out a pre trip inspection list and do it over and over on a actual truck put your hand on each item learn what that item is and how it works and why if you can get a actual understanding of what your checking on why vrs memorizing a list you will be better off. if you are paying a school for your training make them help you with this and maybe even give you extra time to walk around the truck after class.

 

Exactly,I attended college and stayed at the dorm.Every night after school I would go where the school trks are parked and practice.The pretrip,air brake test.The shifting pattern,pretrip on the trailer you name it I studied.I would go home on the weekends and when I get back to the school late sunday afternoon I would practice some more and watch videos and read the many books on truck driving.

 

Just relax and do what your instructor has told you! It is really simple if you do it in order and don't skip around. One thing leads to another. Also if you can take it on the crappiest weather day of the year. LOL It was bitter cold the day I did mine and after he saw I knew what I was talking about he cut it short to do the in cab and drive test stuff! You'll make it! Good luck!

 

The best way to learn anything you need to remember, is to study often for short periods. Try hitting to book 3 times a day for maybe 30 min. at a time. Your sub conscience works during the day without you even realizing it. This is the way to learn instead of memorizing.

 

Remember to be specific CDL Cracked Damaged and Loose or PMS Properly Mounted and Secured. On the Air brake test, make sure you use a watch to time your PSI loss, and TAKE YOUR TIME.

 

Sage advice...no time limit as long as it's reasonable...DO NOT forget to turn the ignition to "ON" before you do the air brakes test...in my state it would be an automatic fail.