Stupid Bumper Box

Today was supposed to be the day to get my hard earned CDL , and then came a little 3 foot box called the bumper box. I aced my pre trip, and proceeded to the backing pad, did my straight line and off-set perfect. 0 points and lining up for the 90, feeling great. Did my maneuvers with a couple extra pull-ups, and one boundary, and I'm perfect in the box. I use my last get out and look to see how far I am to the box. I roll back, and see the examiner start to walk-up. So I think I am getting close to the rear boundary, and I stop and complete the test. I get out and realize that I am a foot in front of the bumper box. My luck,lol. But, tomorrow is a new day, and I will conquer this once and for all.

Yup, you'll get it tomorrow. Next time just do your thing and ignore the examiner, except for the instructions lol.

You need to have the memory of a cornerback in the NFL when they get burn on a play and forget about yesterday, you're not the only one the has failed the first try, so keep going, you got this.

Handy hint: when you get out to look, pace off the distance you need to move, like, from the rear tandem tire to the box.

As you get to the cab, quickly look for anything on the ground, like a rock, crack in the pavement, etc., and pace that distance back from that mark. Look for another mark. In the cab, watch the edge of the window as it moves from mark #1 to mark #2. Then get out and accept your signed off score sheet.

Handy hint: when you get out to look, pace off the distance you need to move, like, from the rear tandem tire to the box.

As you get to the cab, quickly look for anything on the ground, like a rock, crack in the pavement, etc., and pace that distance back from that mark. Look for another mark. In the cab, watch the edge of the window as it moves from mark #1 to mark #2. Then get out and accept your signed off score sheet.

This technique makes good geometric sense. Would there be any penalty during the test if you used marker cones that you brought with you, instead of looking for rocks?

Of course the ground has a lot of details you can use, but why not be sure and provide your own?

No, they will not allow your to bring your own marker cones, or anything obvious. If you have access to the course before the examiner shows up, you might do what i did... pull the truck thru the box, make sure the bumper is in the box, then get some rocks, piece of rubber, anything lying on the ground and place it by your front tire as a marker, an inconspicuous marker.

Use a coin.

Spit on the ground for a marker. I do it all the time.

At prime, the pad was setup that a row of cones to the right of the 90 used for the straight, offset, and parallel was lined up with the back edge of the passenger side window frame when your back was against the seat when you were in the box.