Road Test Failed : (. Bloggish.

Welp went to my road test yesterday. Ofc by title you've figured out by now, I did not pass : ( . The good news is that I was finally formally instructed on how to do the back up maneuvers, how to properly downshift double clutch and updated on the pre-trip inspection.

Passed the pre-trip with 2 dings. (somehow I forgot to check the city/country horn in cab and missed U-bolt on trailer suspension components) I did initially completely skip the drive-line on the first pass but after the rear of the trailer went back and got it. Passed the straight back, off-set right and alley dock with only 2 points for touching a cone once. Made it through the "city", onto highway / off of highway with 1 point for a moment of terribad downshifting. Where I failed, "knik bridge turn around". I had heard that this is where most test takers fail but I did not know why nor did I ask (too focused on everything else I had learned). Unfortunately in my 1 day training we did not visit that area nor was it mentioned.

Apparently in order to make the turn since it is so tight you MUST "jug handle" turn through what little intersection space is available (use all of it) to not hit either left or right curb. Darn hindsight 20/20 ness. I can't help but keep asking myself questions about "what if I had done this or that or" etc etc etc and semi beating myself up on it. I got down there and looked at this tiny turn like.........oooookayyyyyy. Guess I will just hug my "lane" the best I can without going into the other lanes of traffic. Nope, still off tracked over the curb by 2 feet, I watched seemingly in slow motion (since I was only doing 5mph or less lol) and in horror as the trailer tires made their way towards the inside curb. I did nothing to stop it and just watched the tires run over the curb. I said out loud "annnnnd there's the curb....." knowing that this would automatically fail me. I honestly figuratively froze, not knowing if I had any options nor the thought to try anything other than watch the slowly impending doom. I think everyone honestly at the school was kind of bummed I didn't pass. The road test guy, the other students and I'm assuming my instructor too. Especially considering, I was a couple steps away from completing!

What was left to do after the knik bridge turn around - emergency road side stop. name a posted bridge height, bridge weight or other road sign. return to staging yard (test complete).

Honestly I cried, trying to hold back any tears and swallowing the lump in my throat. (Darn lady hormones :D) The road tester on the way back telling me that I am a really good driver and that he would hire me if he were someone looking for drivers. Also that he is sure that I will pass next time and to call the office immediately for a reschedule. Not necessarily but it's a fancy thought. The other four students also heading back to their cars also somewhat consoled me by sharing their experiences, said they were all rooting for me and that they had watched me do the backing course. Told me I smoked it and that they had watched 9 week guys still fail to complete that portion of the test. They all kind of expressed an "awww man! that sucks you failed right there!!!" I am pretty proud of all of the major improvements and skills I obtained during my 1 day. So now it's back to the drawing board which is -

Getting back on the waiting list for a road test/calling everyone and anyone today that is certified to do road tests. My Class IA Permit expires the 19th so I doubt I will be able to find anyone to test between the 15th and the 18th but it's worth looking into. If I can't find any certified third parties available, it's time to study the passenger's endorsement written exam (dmv loop hole) in order to renew my permit a second time. Then I will need to wait 15 days after the renewal to test again, but at least I am already on one waiting list (same school I tested with yesterday) for now. And practicing where I can with the new found knowledge I gained until the next road test.

Keep up the positive attitude and you'll be fine

Thanks for the support Parrot Head 66. Just wondering. How did that nickname come about? I'm having fun trying to think of how.

Wow so I just called DMV to confirm what I need to do and this time I was assured (via dmv paper info and supervisor) by the CDL end of DMV that there is no 1 year waiting period if your CDL permit expires/lapses you just retake the writtens and that you do not need to go to a passenger endorsement to renew a permit for the second time..........now I'm confused, why was I told this by the other DMV ppl guess it's time to brush up on the usual written exams (gen knowledge, airbrakes, combination vehicles). Go down there, and see what happens wish me luck!

Update: Passed the written exams. Thanks TruckingTruth :D the testing materials here helped me brush up for sure. Other DMV drama goin' down now. CDL Services VS main office DMV manager /gasp!