Virginia CDL Skills Test

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by smithwh, Dec 30, 2014.

  1. Dec 30, 2014 #1
    smithwh

    smithwh Bobtail Member

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    Dec 30, 2014
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    Hello! Hope everyone had a great Christmas and will have a great and safe New Year! I have my CDL-A skills test scheduled mid January in Richmond, Virginia. I had practiced backing up today. The straight backing is simple enough if I keep it in low gear and constantly watch the tandems. From what I understand, the examiner's touchpad will randomly pick one or two backing maneuvers that I must do without running over, touching, coming too close, or being too far away. I am OK with parallel parking however sometimes the tail end of the flatbed can get away from me and I can't see because of the header board. The offset back left is the hardest I think. I worked on it for a long time and I am having trouble. I didn't even try the offset back right. The 90 degree alley dock is also confusing to me. Am I allowed to look out of the back window in the day cab for the test? What about looking out the window behind me instead of looking in the mirror? I have trouble looking in the mirror and gauging where to back the trailer in with the 90 degree turn. If I can look behind me while backing 90 degrees I should be able to pass that section. I would appreciate any comments help or any related posts. Thank you!
     
    smithwh, Dec 30, 2014
    smithwh, Dec 30, 2014
    #1
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  3. Dec 30, 2014 #2
    FuzzFace2

    FuzzFace2 Medium Load Member

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    Jul 27, 2014
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    I cannot tell you what your state test will be but here in CT the maneuvers test is parallel park no hitting of flags or crossing of lines even with mud flaps. Parallel you have 2 pull ups/3 backups.

    Forward & straight back 2 feet or less from the lines but not on or over it both front & back. Straight back you only have the pull up from the parallel box and back no stopping or get outs and little to no snaking when backing. Look at trailer sides thru both mirrors not the trailer wheels.

    Ally dock to left side back 2 feet or less at back but not on or over line, must be even side to side and parallel down the sides of trailer to box lines (that you cant see) and when looking down the left side of trailer from rear you must see the dummy glad hand. Ally dock you have 2 pull ups/3 backups/1 get out.

    You cannot look out the back window of a day cab (what if you drove a sleeper cab?) for testing but can look out the side left side window for the ally dock and mirrors any time you want for any of the maneuvers.
    Good luck
    Dave ----
     
    FuzzFace2, Dec 30, 2014
    FuzzFace2, Dec 30, 2014
    #2
  4. Dec 30, 2014 #3
    lfod14

    lfod14 Road Train Member

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    Jan 9, 2014
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    lfod14, Dec 30, 2014
    lfod14, Dec 30, 2014
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