MY TROUBLES

I'm out of cdl classes, but didn't pass the alley docking.

I found another place to test. so that is what I'm trying to do now. There wasn't a category to match my situation.

But, great advice from you.

I will NEVER give up.

Tx again!

HDX10 said: "I am stuck alley docking. When just practicing, I can do the maneuver. When the examiner comes. I always can not "get it in there".

HDX10: I'm confused by your description of your backing problem. When you mention examiner, do you mean you have already been tested and failed?

Your alley docking issue is extremely common and schools know this. Ask for additional instruction, if possible. But understand that you are not alone. When I was in CDL school, I passed my state test on the first try. But in reality, I really sucked at backing. Then I went to the Schneider Training Academy and had some great teachers, I improved. But guess what? When I went solo, I still sucked at backing.

So I get out on the road and I get some chances to practice backing, on my own time at big distribution centers. No pressure whatsoever! It was fantastic! I could get set up, measure distances and reference points and refine my technique. There were no doubt Yard Drivers who observed me and thought I was a total nut case, but I didn't care. Now I'm a fairly competent backer upper. It just takes time and repetition, but you'll get it. Just don't get discouraged. Keep learning, never stop learning.

HDX10 said: "I'm out of cdl classes, but didn't pass the alley docking. I found another place to test. so that is what I'm trying to do now. There wasn't a category to match my situation."

I've heard this a lot, that some private schools just cut off ties to a student if they don't pass their first road test. That really shows the school is not dedicated to it's students success if they don't offer more training and another opportunity to road test.

That's why the best bet for students is to go the paid company CDL training route. I feel bad for students that may fail one part of the State test only to have to scramble to find another way to re-test. These new/young drivers have enough pressure on them without this added burden.

HDX10: What about still signing up with a company that will pay you to finish your training? You can find multiple links here to tell you more about company paid CDL programs.

I'm glad you're not giving up. The school won't give you additional time or attempts to pass? The school I attended (160 driving academy in Moline ill.) Gave students 3 tries to pass before kicking them out. In my area there are some companies called something like "1 day CDL". They will give you about 6 hours of instruction and then allow you to use their equipment to test. I believe they're about $300 though.

Although you didnt pass your test will you still receive your 160 certificate from the school? Without that certificate it will be difficult landing a job.

A good trucker buddy of mine started into the life of trucking about the same time as I did. This trucker buddy has had a learning disability his whole life. Special ed his whole life. His cdl instructors told him he might not be cut out for trucking but he never gave up. He failed the written exam 3 times. He failed the driver exam 3 times. He passed on the 4th try. He got his first job and in his first week solo he hit something. Nothing major and on private property. He was fired. Within a week he found another job and hasn’t hit anything since. Now almost 3 years later he is a very successful driver. Hes about to start driving local for 28 dollars an hours and be home daily. I’ve had way more incidents on the road than my learning disabled buddy. I passed the class room with like a 98% then I passed all the road stuff first try. Then I went out and started looking for something to hit. Don’t give up man. It’s no harder than driving a car it just takes way longer to master. I’m still not 100% there but I can see how eventually I will be the master over this machine.

Rubber Duck,

That's a great story to share. Very inspirational, thanks for posting it. Good stuff.

That is an awesome story, and what makes it even better is that it's a TRUE story!

God bless your friend & you for having shared it.. "Keep the rubber side down", and be safe out there!

I, also, will never give up!

HIGHLY_MOTIVATED_X10

A good trucker buddy of mine started into the life of trucking about the same time as I did. This trucker buddy has had a learning disability his whole life. Special ed his whole life. His cdl instructors told him he might not be cut out for trucking but he never gave up. He failed the written exam 3 times. He failed the driver exam 3 times. He passed on the 4th try. He got his first job and in his first week solo he hit something. Nothing major and on private property. He was fired. Within a week he found another job and hasn’t hit anything since. Now almost 3 years later he is a very successful driver. Hes about to start driving local for 28 dollars an hours and be home daily. I’ve had way more incidents on the road than my learning disabled buddy. I passed the class room with like a 98% then I passed all the road stuff first try. Then I went out and started looking for something to hit. Don’t give up man. It’s no harder than driving a car it just takes way longer to master. I’m still not 100% there but I can see how eventually I will be the master over this machine.

That's a good question! I never even thought about that! AFTER I PASS THIS TIME (A COUPLE DAYS FRIN NOW), I will have to give the school a call to find out. Tx for the tip!

I'm glad you're not giving up. The school won't give you additional time or attempts to pass? The school I attended (160 driving academy in Moline ill.) Gave students 3 tries to pass before kicking them out. In my area there are some companies called something like "1 day CDL". They will give you about 6 hours of instruction and then allow you to use their equipment to test. I believe they're about $300 though.

Although you didnt pass your test will you still receive your 160 certificate from the school? Without that certificate it will be difficult landing a job.

I know I said this earlier. But driving for 10 months I probably only had to do four or five 90 degree backings. I was in St Louis two nights ago had a 3 a.m. delivery in an absolute downpour. I did the Google Earth before and thought there's plenty of room even though it's tight to do a 45. I'll be damned there are trailers lined up along the fence so now I have to do a 90 to get it in the hole. Like I said take your time. In all the crappy things against me taking my time I put it right in... Those are the times you're so proud of yourself but you know you could screw something up any day. Like I said take your time brother you can do this...BTW I was totally saturated, still got out and did three goals. Even though you're soaked it doesn't explain an accident.

JYK9, look on the bright side. You got a shower without having to use any of your points!!

Kudos to you on that 90 back-in.