So Anyhow I Took My CLASS A CDL Skills Test ...

[rsmith6621]

....and failed the second step(AKA BACKING)

My pre-trip presentation was almost spotless. Apparently on one of my backing exercises I stopped short of the docking boundary, basically I stopped on the front side of the cones. That cost me ten points and along with a couple other pullups that I got charged for. I exceeded the max points allowed.

The examiner explained to me that I would have been better off to have backed the truck and trailer through the rear set of cones which represent the wall of the loading dock, i would have only been charged 2 points. I thought about that remark all the way home and just said WTF, they would rather see me do damage to the truck and trailer and the building in effect and not to mention potential harm to humans than stop short?

Somethings just don't make sense. Anyhow they made 100 bucks and know I will return next week.

[jmowreader]

1. Go look at a loading dock between now and then

Your standard loading dock is made of thick steel and has rubber bumpers to stop the truck. If you back at a reasonable speed (idle, in low-range reverse) and you hit the dock itself, you won't hurt the trailer or the dock.

The shippers and consignees WANT you right up against the dock too...it's safer for their guys if you are.

[Tobin S.]

2. Hang in there, rsmith.

I've been a trucker for 16 years and I remember how difficult it was at first, especially backing. It's also difficult to get the hang of shifting. People don't usually appreciate that driving one of those monsters is a skill that takes some time to master. Just get in and drive, right? Wrong.

I have confidence that you'll pass the test next time and will be out there trucking it up soon.

[denbot]

3. Backing is the hardest skill to master.

You have enough to pass, and F.Y.I. in most states you can (at the DMV) re-take the test on the same day.

Have you found a company to work for yet?

I have been driving for a little over a year starting out with C.R. England, completing a lease (bad idea), and now work for a small independent, and doing OK.

There are a number of truckers on this board, so if you have any questions TobinS and any of the more experienced drivers are a good resource.

Good luck, drive safe and maybe I'll see you "out there".

[In_The_Wind]

4. You aren't going to damage the dock backing up at a slow speed.

You'll pass next time.

[Denny Fath]

5. road test

On your road test....don't forget to check that right side mirror, and don't forget to pay attention to all your signs and remember what they say. My instructor threw me off by asking me "How tall was that bridge we just went under?" Luckily I knew because we drove under it all the time in school .

Also on my pretrip- I did everything except check my fire extinguisher and test my brakes.

You'll do fine. Hopefully you don't even see this because you're in bed getting plenty of sleep. Eat a light breakfast, take a deep breath, pay attention to what you're doing and don't freak out! Relax and enjoy....the hard part is what comes next!!! LOL

[TBF]

6. I probably waited six months between tests -

this was back in the 80s. I was in a really small town and my parallel parking was pretty bad. BUT, that was not why I failed the first time - it was failure to check blind spots adequately. I passed the second time and really didn't see how important it was until I moved to a big city with lots of lanes. If you're not checking over your shoulder plus mirrors you could miss someone easily and that could be an accident.