preparing for my skill test

i didn't go to trucking school, i just studied my handbook and passed all my written tests with only one question missed. i went up and drove with the guy that hired me for about a week. we picked up the truck i will be driving yesterday. i have my skill test scheduled actually scheduled it the day after i got my permit because of the wait time for the skill tests here in north Dakota. they are all backed up because of all the oil field drivers which is where I'm going as well. is it a good idea to use a flat bed trailer if i can get my hands on one for the test so they or just use the tanker trailer iv been pulling. i don't want a negative attitude from the instructor based on being part of the reason they are so backed up. also how strict are they on the skill tests i can drive safely in control at all times and control the trailer pretty good but still occasional miss a shift now and then? sometimes have a little trouble with the down shift coming out of corners. on my pre trip how am i suppose to check break lights as you cannot be in two places at once. i am going to print out the pre-trip and go over it and over it until i have it down pat while my truck is sitting at the shop getting the wet kit put on. my test is on the 20th. i don't know how much more seat time i will get until then. i quit my job about 2 weeks ago to pursue this endeavor going to start running out of funds before too long so its important that i pass this first time so i can start earning some money before i get behind on my bills. any tips especially from anyone that has recently taken the test would be helpful. (veteran drivers as well) iv heard they have been being real strict and flunking a lot of people of course that is word of mouth and i have no idea if the people that are getting flunked are more or less skilled than i am.
also will i be required to use the clutch when shifting gears, i have never tried shifting a semi that way the guy that hired me just showed me how to shift without using the clutch pedal for anything other than coming from a stop or to get it out of gear if you get your drive line wound up too tight.

any tips or solid advice would be helpful want to pass this test first try

 

if i do have to use the clutch pedal for shifting is there any advice on doing that with a 13 speed non synchronized transmission? the way that i was shown to shift the 13 speed you unload the drive line it will slide out of gear and then it slides right into the next gear as your rpm match the speed of that gear. i grind or have to make a second attempt at that gear mabye one outta every hundred shifts doing it this way if i have to clutch to shift hopefully i dont have to learn to shift this thing allover again.

 

im not so much concerned about being able to drive the truck cause that i know i can do im worried about passing the cdl driving test, if they make me double clutch on the driving test iv never even tryed to double clutch a 13 speed

 

that's a good idea, the shop that my truck which is the one ill be taking the test in and be driving as soon as i pass my test is going to allow me to drive the truck around there lot witch is pretty big after hours so even though im not up driving my bosses truck with him i can still get a little practice in before my test, i might make another trip up to the oil feilds to drive with my boss some more before my test as well, only problem is im starting to run lower than im comfortable with on funds and its 150 bucks in gas in my pickup to drive up to where we will be working. i like the idea of bumping the clutch pedal like as if i was double clutching without actually doing it, ill try double clutch around the lot too and see how that goes.

 

ill call the testing office tomorrow and ask if im allowed to float on the test or not.