Test Tomorrow 19Nov2013

Well, I take my CDL test tomorrow at 0830. I have got test anxiety like you wouldn't believe. Part of it is from all the horror stories we have been told about the Ladson DMV and how they fail students for non-failable offenses. Or the fact that they don't abide by the CDL Test administrative compliant according the rules and regulations set forth by the SCDOT. But I'm praying that I will pass. And if I get the Hawaiian lady, I will bring her a pineapple.

I'm sure you'll do fine Dewey....Just don't over think it!!!!

I've got my pre trip down word for word. And the skills range wont be an issue. Just the driving portion. Ugh

You'll do fine man. Just take your time with everything.

Good luck!

Man, everyone is nervous before the test. Heck, I took my CDL test in August 1993 and I can remember the exact spot I was standing in, the weather that day, and the people I was talking to because I was so anxious to pass that thing.

You do realize that even if you fail it lightning isn't going to strike you dead, right? The "consequences" of failing are having to reschedule another test and pass it the second time. Big deal!

So just try to relax. There are no consequences to failing. They just want to see that you understand the basics of handling a rig and that you can avoid doing a couple of things like running over a curb or rolling backwards at a stop. They'll let you grind some gears, take a couple of turns too wide, and things like that. They know you're still a student with more training yet to come. They don't expect you to drive like a pro.

And for you and anyone else preparing to take your CDL exam have a look at an article I wrote called Passing The CDL Exam: What Are The CDL Examiners Looking For? It's not just about shifting, steering, and backing. It's about confidence, awareness of what's going on around your vehicle, and the ability to control your emotions.

You'll do just fine. In the end it's not about passing the first time. It's about passing sometime. Tomorrow is your first chance. Maybe you'll pass and be done with it! Maybe you'll have to try again. Who cares? In the end you're going to have a CDL and move on to the next stage of your career. That's all that matters. So look at tomorrow as an opportunity to only have to take the test one time. A lot of people have to take it two or three times. No big deal. There are literally hundreds of thousands of seasoned veteran truck drivers on the road today that had to take it more than once. They probably barely remember that fact.

And personally I don't believe that garbage about failing students that should have passed. Sure, if you ask the person they failed they'll tell you they should have passed. But I'd bet a million bucks that if you talked to that CDL examiner it would take 10 seconds to learn the truth about why that driver failed.

So go out there and do what you already know how to do and let us know how it goes