Failed My CDL Skills Test Today

This is my first time commenting here but I have been taking advantage of all the generous advice and experience offered here since long before I started school on Dec. 1st. I have nothing negative to say about my school or instructors and I'm not here to whine or look for pity. Just if there is anyone with any encouraging words to get my confidence level back up, I would be grateful. I passed my pre-trip fine, moved to yard test and was feeling somewhat nervous but ok. My first maneuver was a simple straight line back. Understood the rules as they were clearly explained to me and proceeded to back successfully through the box. Set my brakes, blew the horn and was not where I thought I was. Thought I passed my front bumper out the back of the box but was about six feet short. The examiner couldn't believe it, was very sympathetic too. I can't explain how I could do that - definitely wasn't due to over confidence. That was 10 points right there, leaving me only 2 more points for the next two tests. Very nervous now and feeling like a moron, I did a right offset ok, then on to right side parallel - was close but blew my two points going out the back. These were all moves that I was moderately proficient at. I retake the test next Wed., New Years Eve. I don't know what to think about this.

First of all Michael welcome to TT! As someone who was advised to not even test because my instructors didn't think I could pass the backing, I am telling you, you can do this!!!! You made a mistake this time, but so what? The sun will still rise tomorrow morning and the earth is still rotating on its axis, so the world had not come to an end!!!! Believe in yourself!!! I still have difficulty backing, but I am getting better the more I do it. I know not passing is discouraging, but put this behind you because tomorrow is a new day. Enjoy Christmas with family and friends then get back to business. Best of luck to you and let us know how it goes the next time!

This is my first time commenting here but I have been taking advantage of all the generous advice and experience offered here since long before I started school on Dec. 1st. I have nothing negative to say about my school or instructors and I'm not here to whine or look for pity. Just if there is anyone with any encouraging words to get my confidence level back up, I would be grateful. I passed my pre-trip fine, moved to yard test and was feeling somewhat nervous but ok. My first maneuver was a simple straight line back. Understood the rules as they were clearly explained to me and proceeded to back successfully through the box. Set my brakes, blew the horn and was not where I thought I was. Thought I passed my front bumper out the back of the box but was about six feet short. The examiner couldn't believe it, was very sympathetic too. I can't explain how I could do that - definitely wasn't due to over confidence. That was 10 points right there, leaving me only 2 more points for the next two tests. Very nervous now and feeling like a moron, I did a right offset ok, then on to right side parallel - was close but blew my two points going out the back. These were all moves that I was moderately proficient at. I retake the test next Wed., New Years Eve. I don't know what to think about this.

I just got my license on 12/12 and the only advice I can give is what Aaron Rodgers said early in the season...RELAX. I nailed every yard move from week 1.5 up until into the 3rd week at which point our group changed (6 in the class and same groups up until then but an instructor had to take some time off). At that point the seat position changed from what I was used to adjusting it to so my marks were off and even the morning of the test I was not 100% sure but I relaxed and passed. 2 guys failed the first try but retested and only one passed because the other stopped, for some unfathomable reason. right in the middle of the straight line back (he stressed out and made too drastic of a turn and got himself to the point of being out of bounds). Other more experienced drivers can give more advice but from my perspective and having recently passed my test I will say do not call yourself a moron...this is not easy. And as far as what to think about this...think positive and relax.

Thank you, Jolie R. Your words do lift me up. My parents, my brother and good friend have all been very sympathetic and encouraging to me which means a lot, but it is somehow more meaningful at this point in time to hear from someone who has endured the same pressures and anxieties. Enjoy your Christmas as well. I will keep you all informed.

Thank you, Ray C. Congrats on getting your license recently. Yes, relax is the key word. And I'm normally as calm as can be. I guess my jitters started when I left school on Monday after starting to have problems on backing that I had already worked out. Instructor told me to quit overthinking it. My examiner told me the same thing this morning. I seem to have lost my mojo. lol I've been through more stressful situations in my 53 years. I just didn't see this happening this way. But I am trying to look at it as a valuable lesson. I will do better, I know. Enjoy these holidays.

Thank you, Ray C. Congrats on getting your license recently. Yes, relax is the key word. And I'm normally as calm as can be. I guess my jitters started when I left school on Monday after starting to have problems on backing that I had already worked out. Instructor told me to quit overthinking it. My examiner told me the same thing this morning. I seem to have lost my mojo. lol I've been through more stressful situations in my 53 years. I just didn't see this happening this way. But I am trying to look at it as a valuable lesson. I will do better, I know. Enjoy these holidays.

Thanks and keep your head up. I am no spring chicken at 45 but got through it and you will too! My Instructors stressed not over thinking and second guessing yourself if you have been doing this and nailing it for the past 2 weeks. At our age we have an advantage. Happy Holidays to you and keep in touch as we may see each other someday out there!

This is my first time commenting here but I have been taking advantage of all the generous advice and experience offered here since long before I started school on Dec. 1st. I have nothing negative to say about my school or instructors and I'm not here to whine or look for pity. Just if there is anyone with any encouraging words to get my confidence level back up, I would be grateful. I passed my pre-trip fine, moved to yard test and was feeling somewhat nervous but ok. My first maneuver was a simple straight line back. Understood the rules as they were clearly explained to me and proceeded to back successfully through the box. Set my brakes, blew the horn and was not where I thought I was. Thought I passed my front bumper out the back of the box but was about six feet short. The examiner couldn't believe it, was very sympathetic too. I can't explain how I could do that - definitely wasn't due to over confidence. That was 10 points right there, leaving me only 2 more points for the next two tests. Very nervous now and feeling like a moron, I did a right offset ok, then on to right side parallel - was close but blew my two points going out the back. These were all moves that I was moderately proficient at. I retake the test next Wed., New Years Eve. I don't know what to think about this.

I'm your age and here's what I suggest; 1. Use your get out and looks (GOALs). On straight line backing we were only allowed one, but that one would've shown you where you were. Then you could back up enough and beep the horn. On all other maneuvers we were allowed two free GOALs and two free pull ups. 2. Use pull ups. We were only allowed one free one on straight line, but additional ones only cost one or two points. I'll take that over 10 any day. 3. If your Examiner says he'll offer help setting you up, pay attention and do exactly as he says. Mine did this and I was too busy watching the trailer instead of him on the setup for straight line. Therefore, I had to use an additional pull up.

My nemesis was the offset backing, but it was the one I nailed with no pull ups and only one GOAL which was when I was done.

If your Examiner was sympathetic, he probably recognizes you've been a good student. Don't be afraid to use those GOALs and Pull Ups.

Don't over stress on it. I struggled a lot with Parallel parking. Just breath and take your time. You'll get it next time, Enjoy the holidays

Hey Michael P.

It is hard to give direction without knowing the exact placement of the cones. What I can give you is: When you practice, take notice of the placement and make damn sure you are within the boundaries on every practice run. This will give you the site picture you will need.

As was said above, relax dude. Take a deep breath before you start a maneuver and rely on your training (practice).

Your tester wants you to pass.

You can do this.

Thanks so much to everyone for taking the time to share your thoughtful and constructive advice. It's very heartening to see this kind of camaraderie among the forum users, whether they are students like myself or seasoned veterans. If all aspects of our society worked like TT how nice would that be? I look forward to soon being able to help someone here the way you all have helped me. Thank You!