What Happens If I Just Can't Do The Basic Skills Test For The CDL Exam? What Are My Options?

Hi. I just started the CDL class in NW Florida last week. Like the lady that started this post, I am very nervous about the skills test. So far I have only done straight line backing and Pre-trip inspections. I'm just trying to remember to breathe and rake it slow right now (OH and trying to not death grip the steering wheel lol). I am hoping in a week or so it will get better????

It does indeed get better, Vonda. Don't over think it, try to relax, be able to laugh at yourself and have fun with it.

I got my cdl license last year. The skills were the hardest part of the course and test for me. What worked was just going over it and over it in my head. I would do every skill in tears in the beginning saying I cant do this. Then I took a break as the school was on vacation for 3 weeks. It allowed me to get my head back in the game. The first day out, it clicked and I just practiced and practiced. Two of my teachers were horrible and taught thru humiliation and screaming. The other two were absolutely fantastic. They knew what worked ; telling me I can do this. I also chewed gum while practicing. I failed the skills part of the test on the first go and got it on the second. The first time, I had a panic attack because one of the screaming teachers brought me to the test sight. The second time ; the teacher that came with me was an ex marine, apologized for the way I was taught, and had total belief in me. He gave me the confidence and I did all three skills perfectly ; scored one point between all three. You can do this. It is a challenge, but you can do it.

I got my cdl license last year. The skills were the hardest part of the course and test for me. What worked was just going over it and over it in my head. I would do every skill in tears in the beginning saying I cant do this. Then I took a break as the school was on vacation for 3 weeks. It allowed me to get my head back in the game. The first day out, it clicked and I just practiced and practiced. Two of my teachers were horrible and taught thru humiliation and screaming. The other two were absolutely fantastic. They knew what worked ; telling me I can do this. I also chewed gum while practicing. I failed the skills part of the test on the first go and got it on the second. The first time, I had a panic attack because one of the screaming teachers brought me to the test sight. The second time ; the teacher that came with me was an ex marine, apologized for the way I was taught, and had total belief in me. He gave me the confidence and I did all three skills perfectly ; scored one point between all three. You can do this. It is a challenge, but you can do it.

Oh my Gosh....I am having this experience right now! I've had a Class B for years. I work part-time at my husband's company. I decided to upgrade my CDL. Even though i already have my Air Brake restriction lifted, and already have taken the pre-trip and passed many years ago, I still had to do them. I actually "passed" that part the first time around. My instructor was a lot like you describe.....Yelling at me. That DOES NOT work for me. I am 50 years old! Felt like my mother yelling at me. The On The Road practice I feel like i'm doing well at (I mean, I pre-trip work trucks and drive big trucks at work). But i am having so much trouble with the skills! This is part of the reason I went to this CDL school, to improve maneuvering a trailer. I failed that part of the test twice now! I'm exactly like the original poster.....my brain turns to mush and I get nervous! I have a 2nd training scheduled with the instructor who really explained things well to me. I just hope I can remember what he says when I test for the 3rd time!!!!

Well, I finally passed the skills part!! It took me 3 tries. And then I failed the road test once....and the road part I was actually confident in!! Now, my whole plan has changed. I was just going to get my Class A for my current company. Now, I am seriously considering going over the road.

Anyone have any helpful suggestions on good companies?

Thanks!!

I got my cdl license last year. The skills were the hardest part of the course and test for me. What worked was just going over it and over it in my head. I would do every skill in tears in the beginning saying I cant do this. Then I took a break as the school was on vacation for 3 weeks. It allowed me to get my head back in the game. The first day out, it clicked and I just practiced and practiced. Two of my teachers were horrible and taught thru humiliation and screaming. The other two were absolutely fantastic. They knew what worked ; telling me I can do this. I also chewed gum while practicing. I failed the skills part of the test on the first go and got it on the second. The first time, I had a panic attack because one of the screaming teachers brought me to the test sight. The second time ; the teacher that came with me was an ex marine, apologized for the way I was taught, and had total belief in me. He gave me the confidence and I did all three skills perfectly ; scored one point between all three. You can do this. It is a challenge, but you can do it.

Oh my Gosh....I am having this experience right now! I've had a Class B for years. I work part-time at my husband's company. I decided to upgrade my CDL. Even though i already have my Air Brake restriction lifted, and already have taken the pre-trip and passed many years ago, I still had to do them. I actually "passed" that part the first time around. My instructor was a lot like you describe.....Yelling at me. That DOES NOT work for me. I am 50 years old! Felt like my mother yelling at me. The On The Road practice I feel like i'm doing well at (I mean, I pre-trip work trucks and drive big trucks at work). But i am having so much trouble with the skills! This is part of the reason I went to this CDL school, to improve maneuvering a trailer. I failed that part of the test twice now! I'm exactly like the original poster.....my brain turns to mush and I get nervous! I have a 2nd training scheduled with the instructor who really explained things well to me. I just hope I can remember what he says when I test for the 3rd time!!!!

Relax, breathe, and say out loud everything you see and are doing. i even read the litter fine signs. exaggerate your head movements so they know you are using mirrors.

check out my article:

Failed the CDL exam...so what?