Semi-Retired ;-) CDL B To CDL A, Lord Willing!

Day 12 came and went quickly Would've liked more practice on the range to be better, more ready for testing, and to calm the nervousness.

Still needed to be signed off on two maneuvers and had three hours in which to accomplish. Parallel parking is up first, blind side. Got 'er done pretty quickly without too much drama, and got signed off on blind side. Sight side went a little off the rails. It's the same set up and all, but for some reason I tend to hold the first turn-in a little long. I goofed a couple of times and the trainer told me to practice some more. After some practicing, I got it more dialed in and was able to get signed off on sight side. Then the alley back was next. After a few successful runs, I got signed off on alley dock.

Wish there was more time on the range; though I feel I can accomplish these maneuvers, just want more assurance, especially since I'm testing the next day (which is today, as I'm writing this in the morning of test day).

Definitely nervous! However, I expect my confidence to carry me through it all. I'm looking forward to meeting the examiner and showing him/her what I've learned from these past two weeks! Great weather for testing! I hope the fog lifted for the student that went before me.

Shout out to Keller Trucking for sponsoring me and to Trainco for the training.

Until later...

Day 13 didn't end well as I failed the alley back. Bummed out to say the least. No excuses, just messed up. I'll get it next time.

Retest scheduled for a later date that could get moved up if there is a cancellation before then.

Until later...

Don't fret too much! Many others did not pass the first go round. You get more than one try. Think about what that truck needs to do to make that trailer go where it needs to be.

Don't let it get to you. You will get it. Its all part of the learning process. Hammer Down!!!

Many drivers require several attempts before passing. Don’t bet yourself up…and don’t give up!

Thanks, Y'all. I appreciate your words of encouragement. It was so weird to be so nervous. I'll get it next time!

Received a text yesterday asking if I wanted an appointment for the next day; I asked what time? So I retested this morning, actually closer to noon, they were quite busy. Glad to report everything went very good and now have an appointment set up at my local SOS on next Tuesday to get the Class A license in hand.

Orientation at Keller starts on the 21st and goes for three days then I'll find out when I go with the trainer for the next five, or so, weeks.

If I could change things a bit, I would like more practice time on some maneuvers on the range; have all the trainers on the exact same page when going through pre-trip inspection , because only one mentioned anything about bud spacing, among other things; and have trucks similar to what is used for driving and testing on the range to learn on.

Thanks for following along these last few weeks. For me, it's been a fun, tiring, and frustrating (at times) experience that took place in a relatively short time frame. Overall a good experience; even with failing the skills test first time 'round.

Until later...

Congratulations FR8 M4N!

Glad to report everything went very good and now have an appointment set up at my local SOS on next Tuesday to get the Class A license in hand.

For me, it's been a fun, tiring, and frustrating (at times) experience that took place in a relatively short time frame. Overall a good experience; even with failing the skills test first time 'round.

From one student to another, it is absolutely a lot to take in at once. Just stay focused and you'll get to where you need to be.

Received a text yesterday asking if I wanted an appointment for the next day; I asked what time? So I retested this morning, actually closer to noon, they were quite busy. Glad to report everything went very good and now have an appointment set up at my local SOS on next Tuesday to get the Class A license in hand.

Orientation at Keller starts on the 21st and goes for three days then I'll find out when I go with the trainer for the next five, or so, weeks.

If I could change things a bit, I would like more practice time on some maneuvers on the range; have all the trainers on the exact same page when going through pre-trip inspection , because only one mentioned anything about bud spacing, among other things; and have trucks similar to what is used for driving and testing on the range to learn on.

Thanks for following along these last few weeks. For me, it's been a fun, tiring, and frustrating (at times) experience that took place in a relatively short time frame. Overall a good experience; even with failing the skills test first time 'round.

Until later...

This might sound crazy, but failing the test can be a net positive. You have faced adversity and got through it. You proved to yourself that even if you struggle at first, you can find a way to get the job done. You are going to need that experience of having faced adversity and powered through to get the job done in the future.