Wish Me Luck

Well I just got the call from my school today telling me I'll be doing my detail this coming Saturday and I can go in and practice on Thursday and Friday @ the school. I just graduated from the class this last Sunday. I think seeing some people wandering around in the yard 2 or 3 months after they graduated and still going over pretrip, backing maneuvers, and otr practice is making me very nervous about going this quick, my shifting needs work and my nerves once fired up do not help in being more fluid in down shifting and such. Any advice about how to relax more effectively, and legally so I stand a chance at nailing it on my first go round?

I recently just went through "the test" and I got myself all worked up, but it really wasn't so bad. Disclaimer: Everything I say is about the Michigan test and may be different in New Hampshire.

pre-trip inspection For the pre-trip inspection you only really have to memorize a few key numbers, and the rest is just being able to name the parts and say what isn't wrong with them. So for any part look at it and think "what could go wrong with it?" and then say "these things aren't wrong with it." that probably isn't worded the best. For example say you are looking at the brake chamber hoses. Ask yourself "what can go wrong with these?" answers: they can be cracked. they can be leaking. they can be rubbing together. they can be poorly connected at either end. then just say "I am checking the brake chamber hoses. They are not cracked, leaking, or rubbing together. They are well connected at both ends."

So rather then memorizing everything, just know the parts and ask yourself that question about each one. Then all you really need to memorize is minimum 4/32 tread depth for the front tires, min 2/32 for the rest of the tires, minimum 1/4 inch brake lining remaining, no more than 3/4 inch play in belts, and no more than 1 inch play in slack adjusters. It seems like a lot, but it is a lot less than memorizing a list of very similar things about each part of the truck. It really isn't so bad once you practice a few times.

backing maneuvers The only advice I have for this is practice practice practice. If you can do it in the practice lot you'll be great at the test. Just take a few deep breaths beforehand and do what you always do. In Michigan there is no penalty for going very slowly or even stopping as long as you don't change direction (i.e. back up, then pull forward, then backing up again costs points). So go slow, it's not a race.

road test I honestly found this to be the easiest part. Just stay relaxed, check your mirrors frequently, pay attention to all signs (especially the height of bridges, my examiner asked me after we went under a bridge what the height was), and don't hit a curb.

I'm sure you will do great, best of luck to you!

Thanx!, I think I'm letting the pressure of 8 weeks of schooling and my own insecurities play right into a huge mess of nerves. Not to mention the fact I really need to get the license so I can start working my way back into adequately providing for my family etc etc etc... who knew? I guess I should get back into meditation and get my head clear. Again thanks for the encouragement

Meditation is an awesome idea. Rigorous exercise is also a fantastic stress reliever.

Also, keep in mind it's not like you only get one chance to take the CDL exam. You can take it multiple times without any problem so don't sweat it. Some people fail the first time and simply come back in a few days and pass it. The CDL examiners have to fail some people or they wouldn't have a job for long. But I can't recall ever hearing from anyone who flat out couldn't pass the exam and gave up on it. You just keep working at it until you pass - no big deal.

Just make sure your thoughts stay positive. Do not let any doubt or unhelpful thoughts creep in. Imagine yourself taking the test and doing perfectly. Keep your thoughts focused on what you're going to do to prepare for and pass this test, not the "what if's" that try to creep in.

I wish you all good luck to pass in all test you attend...

Meditation is an awesome idea. Rigorous exercise is also a fantastic stress reliever.

Also, keep in mind it's not like you only get one chance to take the CDL exam. You can take it multiple times without any problem so don't sweat it. Some people fail the first time and simply come back in a few days and pass it. The CDL examiners have to fail some people or they wouldn't have a job for long. But I can't recall ever hearing from anyone who flat out couldn't pass the exam and gave up on it. You just keep working at it until you pass - no big deal.

Just make sure your thoughts stay positive. Do not let any doubt or unhelpful thoughts creep in. Imagine yourself taking the test and doing perfectly. Keep your thoughts focused on what you're going to do to prepare for and pass this test, not the "what if's" that try to creep in.

Yeah I wish it was that simple they charge a $100 detail fee for each test attempt and last I checked I wasn't quite rolling in dough. Besides I REALLY need to get this so I'm able to get on with life and start being a productive member of society again. But yes, thank you I will focus on what I can control and leave the rest to the powers that be.

Dave...don't push yourself when you take the test....BREATHE....You don't even have to focus to hard, because you KNOW you have done this, and you can show them you can DO it...so BREATH....and don't hurry. Hurrying will get you in trouble. They will expect you to grind gears, they will expect you to be cautious. You aren't a pro who can float thru the gears...you are a rookie who is expected to double clutch (I've never understood that part). And remember, when you do double clutch, you don't have to take the clutch clear to the floor...just far enough to "clear the gear". So work on that...it will help you immensely. Good Luck...and tell us how you do. I just know that when I open your post it will have 4 lines of that little guy doing the happy dance !!!!

Thanks Steve, Brett, Starcar, for taking the time to reply, my life is a mess currently and my confidence in my abilities has taken a pretty good hit as well. Just talking and getting positive feedback is helping me get it together. I flew thru the course with minimal difficulty right up until the shifting and the occasional missed gear. I can do this but as you all have said just relax and do what I know I can do. ok so no more replies to this thread til sat afternoon when I post the results, its time to stop talkin, and get to the doin.

L8r Dave

Dave, Ive been out of work for a year so I can feel your pain as far as the financial hardships and confidence goes. I have been accepted to my chosen company but they are waiting for their school to open that will be near me. They cant give me the exact date so Im in limbo and pulling out what little hair I have lol.

It may help to watch a video that I found online. What they say may sound a little silly, but if you try their suggestions you may be surprised at the difference it can make in the way you feel about yourself.

http://www.ted.com/talks/amy_cuddy_your_body_language_shapes_who_you_are.html

I know some people aren't into this kind of thing but it can help.

Good luck on your test.

As a common sense human.....ANYTHING that helps is worth the time and trouble...thanks for the share !!!