Quick question from an IL resident.

They start taking it out of your training pay, not when you get your truck.

 

yeah durring training. even if you dont get paid a week or two.

 

Yeah i got one negative "check"

 

wow how could you do that?

 

I must have gotten the trainer that is the exception as I got paid every single week of my training.

 

I was at home for a week, otherwise i got paid every week also.

 

Ok. Took my CDL test today in E St Louis IL. Pre trip was an absolute breeze. It was so hot outside the guy just sat on the step of the truck and asked me about the tires (what to check for ). The suspension and brakes. Pretty much just basic answers firmly secured not broken or missing bolts etc. like I said very simple. Never even touched a part. Just explained what I would be checking for. We then did the in cab inspection. More of the same question and answer thing. Last part was brake test. Make sure when you turn the engine off you turn the power back on and push in the yellow button for the air brake test.

Next was a 4 part skills test. First was a straight line pull up. I will tell you. This may sound very easy but it was by far the most difficult part. You must line your front bumper up to lines on the pavement. Where ever you stop that's it. Each line represented a certain amount of points. You have no reference to go off of. One you get about 5 feet from it you can't see it so it is kinda a guessing game. The first time I stopped about 1 1/2 feet before the box so he got me out of the truck to look at what I did and gave me another attempt. Second time I totally guessed and was about 6 inches from perfect. Don't take this one lightly.

Next was straight line backing. Keep the back tires between 2 yellow lines. You have to back up about the entire length of the truck and trailer. Very simple.

Next was a measured right turn. Must navigate right 90 degree turn with cones on both sides of you and keep the trailer tires as close to the cone as possible while completing the turn. There are a set of lines on the ground next to the cones that represent points. Did this one perfect zero points.

Last was an angle dock. Wasn't a 90 about 45. Well this one got me. I assumed that I had to finish with the truck and trailer straight. Boy was a stupid for assuming this. He didnt care how the truck was angled just that the trailer was straight. They give you one pull up and one GOAL on this one. I backed in to the spot perfect but my tractor and trailer wasn't in line so I pulled up to get them in line and then backed to far. I didn't hit the cone but I went passed the line so DONE. Afterward he asked me why I pulled up cause it was perfect the first time. I told him so the truck and trailer would be straight. He stated he don't care about the truck just that the trailer is straight.

So anyway. We went back inside and he told me to reschedule right away. He said I'll be fine next time and not to worry about it. He said he would make sure he does my test the next time and I should pass no problem. Good thing about Illinois is the actual CDL is only $60. You only pay once you pass everything. So it's totally not a money thing with them. My tester was more than fair and I blame noone but myself. So I go back on June 13th for another ( and hopefully final try ).I hope this give you some sort of idea as for what to expect. Like I said this facility was the E St Louis one and other facilities may be different. But at this one it was far easier and way more laid back than I expected.

 

Its the same way here in Marion, IL same test as you explained.

 

that sucks man hope you get it now .