Failed CDL Skills Test For 3rd Time - What Now?

Toonces, I too was embarrassed to announce on here that I failed the backing (alley dock) three times, but there is really no need to be. I had to wait 1-2 weeks in between re-tests with no practice and 30 days after the third time. For me I re-injured my knee, so I have to wait awhile after knee surgery to take it a 4th time. Just because I can't practice and I have to wait awhile to re-test, I called around, and to answer your question if a company paid cdl program will accept you if you didn't pass a private school, the answer is yes. I talked with Knight and Jim Palmer and explained everything to them and they told me that it would not be an issue. I wish you the best, and it sounds like they will let you re-test a 4th time, I am sure you will nail it.

Thanks for telling me that Jeff. That puts my mind at ease if for some reason I don't pass the 4th time.

Bucket, sorry I forgot to post my update:

Late Thursday afternoon I was called into the director's office and was told DPS said no to the re-test of the 3rd try. So, I am now home waiting my 30 days for the 4th try. The school is allowing me to go back to practice on 8/1, and I will re-test on 8/10. They let me come back a couple of days earlier than they usually let people because I'm going to commute from Tulsa and won't need housing in Drumright. That will give me 7 days of practice. If I randomly get the alley dock again for the FOURTH time, I've decided the universe is definitely against me. Just kidding. Kind of. :)

The test is a little different in MA then where you are. But, if it makes you feel any better, I had to test four times before I got my license.

You are not kidding! I'm at a school right now for 6 weeks in MA. I already have my CDL Class B license and have decided to go for my Class A. When I tested for my Class B before I got into coach buses, I found it easy. Now, 15 years later, perhaps the rules and regulations for testing Class A drivers has gotten that much stricter. We were told today in class that on average, of a class of 10 for example, only HALF will only pass their CDL Class A tesr the very first time. Half. All I keep hearing is "don't do this, you will fail" or "do that, or you will fail", or "don't point this out or say this to the trooper", or else guess what? Yep, you guessed it! You. Will. Fail. Massachusetts must be the hardest state to obtain a Class A license in the entire country. I am thoroughly convinced of that now. Maybe for the Class B license, it is or was relatively less difficult back when, but it has been made very clear to me that getting my Class A, even going through a CDL school, is NOT going to be a walk in the park. And the troopers are going to make sure of that as well. So, while I am not one who likes to take the easy way out of things, or to take any shortcuts, due to this early frustration, I am wondering myself if it is just better to test in another New England state like Maine, Vermont or New Hampshire so that I am not completely demoralized even before the test begins. I am in my 4th day of training and I am pretty much just that: demoralized. So, if you have any little bit of confidence going into a private school, do not worry, because rather than build your confidence from the beginning in order to help you pass the test, they will zap that from you right from the start to begin with.

Jeff B. - Do you happen to know who you talked to at Jim Palmer? I just talked with a recruiter there and she told me that since I went through a school & didn't pass, I couldn't attend their company-sponsored training.

I also checked with Prime and was told the same thing.

Hopefully I will pass my test on Aug 10 and won't need to go through a company sponsored training program. But I thought I should start checking just in case. I can't afford to go much longer without income. I'm going to keep checking other companies and hopefully I'll find one that will take me. Trying not to get discouraged...

Monday you get to start practicing again. Don't spend aii your time on the 90. Odds are you won't get it. You'll pass the skills so get ready for the road.

Toonces, I have misplaced the guy's name from Jim Palmer, but as soon as I find it I will let you know. The guy I talked with from Knight, his name is Steven Mcleod. I asked them both basically what if I failed private cdl school, and they both told me that it wouldn't be an issue (but these are recruiters) so hopefully it is true. Maybe Brett or some of the vets will have more info on this type of scenario. I am sure you will get it this time, I have to wait until I am recovered from knee surgery to take mine again. I wish you the best.