CDL Exam Woes; Yep, I Took The Retest, Retest, Retest

So finally passed my driving test. Here's the story :-)

In our previous episode...

1st try: Passed pretrip and incab, backing was close but blew it out when the examiner (Keith) noted that I wasn't totally straight in the alley. My bumber was in the box as I was taught but my tractor/trailer (although straight in relation to each other), wasn't straight with the alley. That was 10 points, blew me out of the running.

One week later...

2nd try: Passed the backing with points to spare (went really well).

Driving went good, (doing a manual trans), got back to the test site and Keith (examiner) said you passed on points but I have to disqualify you because you were going 32 in a 25 mph zone. Rats.

One week later...

3rd try: On a Sunday, different examiner (Don, a 30 yr trucker).

Same result, passed on points but speeding AGAIN. "AAAAHHHH!" I. Can. Not. Believe. It...

I drove home calling out loud every street sign and continued this for a week (wife quit riding with me until I get my CDL because I continue to say all the speed limit signs out loud).

I drive around every day calling out signs and pointing to them and checking my speed, every day, 2 to 3 hours.

"Hi, I'm Dan and I'm a speeder."

Isn't funny.

But I had an epiphany, I cannot reach my goal of no accidents, no citations, if I speed like in a car. You just can not do it.

One week later...

4th try: On a Sunday again and Don again, passed with almost no point deductions.

But the lesson on speeding has stuck.

The owner of the trucking school told us once that he drives like an old man and I understand why now. Although he does own several race cars and races around the county as a hobby but on the street, old man style.

After you get your CDL, my school then takes you out and teaches you about sliding tandems , landing gear and such, so I will start that after Christmas.

If I hadn't been speeding I would have graduated by now but God wanted to address my speeding issues, He knows best.

James,

I like your tenacious spirit.

Thanks Doug

I can not, will not, quit. I must do this thing.

I get my 160 hr cert next week, then will start applying.

I like Halvor Lines, not too huge but not too small.

I liked how they laid everything out and were honest about their expectations and pay.

Cheers.

James,

Just saw your reply to me. Where is Havlor Located? I haven't heard of them before. I will be taking the permit test in mid February, and then if I get accepted I hope to go with Millis Transfer in Wisconsin by April. Like you I am compelled to do this. I am excited and nervious, but more excited. Anyway good luck to you. Keep us updated.

Halvors home terminal is Superior, WI. They have a brand new terminal in Inver Grove Heights, MN and one other but forget where.

They have about 500 trucks, about 1500 trailers, and four-year recipient of “Best Fleets to Drive For” but I didn't know about them till they made a presentation at my school.

They don't pay the top dollar but are in line with most, especially as a new driver, I want to be trained the best, safest way, money is important but training is forefront.

They were up front with what they pay and all the bonuses and whatnot.

What really struck me was how they emphasized that they want you to stay with them so their aim is to be totally transparent with expectations.

Five weeks mandatory with trainer, trainer is not allowed to drive.

https://halvorlines.com/about-halvor-lines/trucking-transportation-logistics-company

James