I took my test at a trucking company in Missouri. I was confident of everything except the walk-around inspection. I knew I had the signs, the written testing, and the driving test down pat. I was just fearful that I would forget something during the walk-around that would keep me from getting my CDL.
Hubby had showed me the ropes and I did some practicing, both on and off the road. I studied my book for hours on end. I did great on the signs and written testing. What surprised me was that I passed the inspection section with flying colors! What really surprised me was that I failed my first driving test! I had accumulated too many points and during that test, the fewer the points, the better.
Here was my problem and it wasn’t on the road, it was the obstacle course in the parking lot that got me. The head games that people play is what caused me to have to come back the next day and try again.
I was informed by the instructor that anytime I knock over a cone or have to pull up to realign the trailer for a back, I would get a point. Those points are bad things and that’s all I was concerned with. So, I’ve got it in my head that it’s gonna cost me. But for the life of me, I couldn’t back worth a squat that day (just one of those days) and I pulled forward so many times that I failed. I really racked up those points trying to get backed and miss that cone.
Hubby and his best friend took me out to a huge, deserted department store parking lot and started putting me through the paces. We worked into the night. Even though they were patient as all get out and chuckling behind their hands (I caught this in the rearview while I had angry tears streaming down my face), I just kept trying harder to get it right. I wanted that damned CDL so bad that I couldn’t stand it! My left leg is doing the major shakes on the clutch and I’m awfully tired after almost 6 hours of practicing my backing. My biggest problem was oversteering. I did start to get the hang of it by the time we called it quits that evening, but I still didn’t believe that I was going to be able to pass that part of the test and get my license.
I was thoroughly P.O.’d at the guys for laughing at me, but they took me to get a good meal and explained to me that they had been through all of this themselves and that they were laughing at the memories I had reminded them of from their own beginnings in learning to drive a truck. Then they told me some of their own stories. This made me feel a little better. Of course, they got to learn on the two-stick shifters and I was eternally greatful that I didn’t have to know how to do that and have to back up, too! A few years later, though, I did want to try a double-shifter, but the opportunity never presented itself.
After that good meal and a good night’s rest, I went back to the yard the next morning to try again. I was nervous, as is natural, but I had a thought. It hit me like a bolt out of the blue and I started grinning like a Cheshire cat! Hubby caught the grin and wanted to know what I was smiling about. I told him to wait and see.
So, I listen to the instructor telling me again about how to get points that will prevent my getting my CDL and then I climb up in the cab. “Now, remember”, said the driving instructor “you get a point for every cone you run over and you get a point for every time that you pull up!” Okay, let’s do it, I thought to myself. Let’s get this show on the road. When it came time to make the back, I never even flinched. I ran over the cone and put the trailer where it needed to be. ONE POINT! That’s the only point I got and I walked away with that damn CDL in my pocket!
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HA! They must have gotten wise in Illinois, because if you even touch a cone it’s an automatic fail. We get one free pull-up, then it’s 1 point for each additional pull-up. Way to play the system though!
I’m sure that the rules have changed since I took my test. With things the way they are today, that’s probably the reason why they try to have you learn (and try to perfect) so much in 3 or 4 weeks of training!
Great story and memories for me too. Maybe I should write about mine. Those tests are not real life backing and I think that was what gives all of us problems. I understand the instructors want to know you know how to handle that rig and not run over everything out on the highways, but there must be a better way! There are days that backing is so easy and then you have the days you can not back a straight line. But if you want something bad enough, you keep on trying. It is a great thing to achieve your goals/dreams. NEVER GIVE UP!
Hey, Rhonda. I’d love reading about your training and testing! Everybody goes through different experiences when learning to drive a big rig. I feel a blog post comin’ on…
That is hysterical! I thought I had already left a comment on this one – I had meant to. The ending had me totally laughin out loud! Hey, if they’re gonna design the system, it’s your job to make the best of it! Awesome story!
I am about to begin school to get my CDL. My husband has been driving now for nearly 10 yrs. I have always been a better driver then my husband in a four wheeler. He is offering his support, Thank God! but I can tell he is doubtful that I will be able to pull it off. I am dammed and determined to make it happen. I am ready to drive.
I am grateful to find your posts, they are both encouraging and inspiring.
BellaDonna112, welcome to truckingtruth and we are so glad that our stories and other info is helping many. I liked your comment that you are a better driver than your husband!!!!!
Go for your CDL and just take it one step at a time. Since you want it, I’m sure it will happen. Be sure to read truckermike’s blogs too so you have a better understanding on what to expect.
There are many women drivers who are very successful in driving for a living. There are also some who have done it for 40 years when it was not accecptable at all. They were the trailblazers of that time which makes it so much easier for women now to be in trucking. Powersteering also helps!!!!
Go into this knowing you can achieve anything and it does make it easier. The more you study, it will be easier–expect that pre-trip stuff! It does not come easy to many of us. If you read my pre-trip story, that will tell you that it was a toughie for me.
We will be cheering you on so keep us posted! Any questions, we are here to help.
You go, girl! Granted, it’s a totally different lifestyle than what you’re used to, but you CAN do it! Let the husband be doubtful, but if he’s anything like my husband, he’ll be proud as a new parent that you can drive 80,000 pounds down the highway with the best of ‘em! As Rhonda stated, when it comes to taking the test, concentrate on the pre-trip inspection stuff, especially if you’re not mechanically inclined. The rest is pretty much common sense.
We’re pulling for you here! And please do not hesitate to come on in and tell us of your school experiences from day to day. Everybody sees, hears and learns differently and we’d love to know how it goes with you.
Welcome to Trucking Truth and we hope to hear from you soon!