Test Day

With great help from all you gals and guys I learned how hard it is to operate a truck. Tomorrow is test day. I need everyone to say that little prayer for me! Does everyone feel I can't do this before test? I understand not everyone passes on first try, but I sure would like to be one of those that do.

You got this go in with a positive attitude and will be fine

With great help from all you gals and guys I learned how hard it is to operate a truck. Tomorrow is test day. I need everyone to say that little prayer for me! Does everyone feel I can't do this before test? I understand not everyone passes on first try, but I sure would like to be one of those that do.

Failed! I did the pre-trip, got the dreaded 90, nailed that, next straight back, and passenger side off set. Not even a goal! Headed down the road no problems. Got back took what everyone told me was a victory lap. Parked and was ready for good news. Then I was told I was close, needed 70 to pass and only had 68. Can't believe I didn't pass the drive portion. Big road trip scheduled for tomorrow. Test again Wednesday.

What little teensy bit did you miss? Did you run over two too many leaves?

Must have been 32 two many Mr.V. When I knew I passed the pre-trip and skills, my nervousness went way down. I was thinking I got this. My heart really sank when I finished pre-trip and he said pull over to the dock, we'll let you do the 90. I had trouble every time on those, but yesterday one pull up. Allowed two, and two goal's. Only used one get out and looks, that was to see where my bumper was. Perfect between the cones. I knew then I had the skills whipped. Straight back easy and off set has two pull up with two goal. Did use either. So shifting and observing got me. My problem finally clicked yesterday afternoon. Over riving in low gears. I'm trying to get up to speed quick, instead of progressive shifting I'm running my rpms to high. Today should be good, a road trip with a loaded trailer. Two lane roads, interstate and through Tulsa. About one fifty one way.

Bucket realizes:

Over riving in low gears. I'm trying to get up to speed quick, instead of progressive shifting I'm running my rpms to high.

This is where you learn. Mistakes will teach you better than any instructor can!

Good luck!

Thanks Errol, I just returned with a 35000 lb load on a 140 mile road trip going east through Tulsa. Had lunch in Big Cabin. Then back through Tulsa going west. In a school truck loaded with junk. Mostly pieces of concrete. Great experience, tomorrow another road trip west through OKC. West to Elk City, then back to Drumright Ok. Then two nights, Tuesday and Wednesday of night driving. Wednesday will be a road trip with the loaded trailer. New test day Thursday 6/2/16. If after these road trips I can't pass the driving portion, I'll fire myself! LOL

You'll probably test in a rig with an empty trailer. Be sure you change your braking style as you change from a heavy loaded trailer to a light empty one.

It's bad form to hit the brakes and throw the examiner against the dashboard!

You will pass for sure. I failed the first time because I screwed up the 90 degree backing. I did more practice, and passed the second time. My instructor said I will be much better shifting when I have more driving time with a trainer. I still can't back the best, but it will all get better with practice. I am having fun so far.

Yes, test is with empty trailer. Tuesday is skills practice day. Upto date I've logged almost five hundred road and city miles. I feel pretty confident I'll pass Wednesday.