Hi Folks: I already have a CDL for about 6 years but never drove (got CDL but remained working in an office). I am approved and going to Swift in Lewiston, ID, to take their road test and if I pass their road test they will send me out with a trainer for 1-6 weeks. Recruiter said I have to be able to test in a 10 speed. Anyone know what kind of truck I will be testing in because I am wondering how forgiving they are with grinding a gear or two since I am jumping into a foreign vehicle (or any truck) after a long period not driving. Recruiter said if I can't drive a 10 speed they will send me right home. So I have a lot riding on this with my family and all plus making a lot of other arrangements which ups the pressure on me - so any input would be appreciated and quite helpful. Thank you!!!!
Probably one of their standard 10 speeds or so. They're pretty forgiving imo, just demonstrate that you have control and you're lookin where you need to look and don't run into or over anyone/curbs, signs sink holes, the usual stuff. Try to establish some rapport with the tester-guy and you'll be fine. If you're unsure of what he wants you to do, ASK him. Beforehand, see if you can familiarize yourself with the truck and ask the person if he knows of any particular quirks it has... especially if it's a heavily worn-in model. Also. Make sure its warmed up!! Cheers.
The initial road test may be in a 9 speed also... For my initial test in Lewiston, we didn't go above 25mph... It's just to make sure you are able to handle the basics functions without killin someone. Check with Sage Truck Driving School, out of PostFalls, or another school in your area, for a refresher course if need be. Good luck!
You could end up in a 8 speed. We still have them, unles Mica you are calling the trainy with the lo granny gear a 9 speed. Also, Lewiston is a very laid back place. You should be okay, and I would think that the tester will let you get familiar with the truck at first. Ask him if you can bobtail a couple of times around the yard. It is large enough so that you will not get into any trouble.
When I did the road test in lewiston they had to drive around the lot then straight back after getting out and checking the "dock" for objects and that was it. Also the truck was a day cab with a 13spd
I am going to head to Lewiston for the same thing myself. After a few years out of a truck, heading back to Swift. Like MicaBay suggested, it would be a good idea to taek a refresher course at a CDL school. There are a couple here in tri-cities that offer one, or another school in your area. I talked to one - T enterprises I believe, and it is $240.00 for a day of driving, backing and pretrip. I am planning on going that route, it's been awhile since I have driven a truck other than bobtailing across town to my shop and back when I had one to paint. My experience is the road test at the Lewiston terminal was pretty simple and laid back, like mentioned just to make sure you can safely operate a truck and have your head in the right place. good luck
When I did my road test there all I did was take an empty trailer to Clearwater Paper, back it in a hole, drop it and bobtail back to the terminal. Depends on who takes you out I imagine.
It is very laid back there. if you where to take your test in like Gary or PHX or Ohio, you will take a road test
