Dean Of Mack's CDL Training Diary

The blind-side parallel bit me on the arse. Waited too long to get the tractor in. Apparently that happens to 80% or so of the applicants in Illinois who fail the skills test the first time. I didn't want to be in the 84% who fail some portion of the CDL test in Illinois, but it is what it is. I was nervous and forgot to look for my drive wheels getting close to the boundary. The blind side drive wheels breached the boundary and so did the front corner of the trailer. One of my instructors gave me some additional training and encouragement. Try again Tuesday...

No big deal Dean. Just keep plugging away. You'll get it, and we'll all be watching for your success story.

Good luck Tuesday!

So, I passed the skills retest this morning. I'm glad that is off my shoulders.

I take the driving test Thursday. I can't tell anyone enough how much I long for an automatic transmission! My veteran's knees are aching so much my family says the house smells like a Ben Gay factory!

I look forward to hearing you passed the test on thursday! Do you feel confident for your road test?

Awesome news, Dean! Glad you're sharing with us. It'll get done, you will prevail.

Good luck thursday.

You're almost there, Dean! I think the skills part is the most difficult piece of the puzzle. Just take your time, pay attention, exaggerate communication with the examiner, and remember your training during the road test.

The checkered flag is within sight!

I look forward to hearing you passed the test on thursday! Do you feel confident for your road test?

Thanks Rob. T! I was pretty confident for the road test. I'm not a fan of 10 speeds but I muddled through.

I passed! I was so relieved. My left knee has been elevated with an ice pack almost every night since mid January. The road test was tough. Two uphill stop/starts, four railroad crossings, two school zones, some highway. narrow streets and tough right and left turns. I asked the tester how I was doing at the half-way point and she said I was doing great. I got a 98/100. I almost flubbed the gear change going back into the DMV parking lot, but I managed to remember how to save it. It was that close!

I'm very thankful to this community for the encouraging words and helpful advice.

Now to take some time to go on a couple of college visits with my son (unless those get canceled) and interview with a grain/cattle hauler and a couple of regionals. Schneider is in the running also. I have three offers on the table now.

DeanR.

Great job driver!!