Trouble On The Backing Range

How do you guys stay calm before testing? I've been at CRE for exactly 17 days...last chance to pass tomorrow..or go back home. I can complete the backing maneuvers on the test range..but screw them up once I'm testing. I feel like joe schmo. Last 4 of my class all test tomorrow..or go home. No stress at this point..but any tips appreciated.

Unfortunately I was nervous as hell when I took my test too. Only thing I can think of is just to pretend your still on the range practicing. This strategy may not work in your case because your kind of in playoff mode where it's win or go home. Not sure but just focus on the task at hand and not on anything else. Just remember that you do know how to do this. Good luck and may the force be with you!

Ha see what I did there....

BREATHE (is that spelled right? I'm under pressure, couldn't tell . . . ) but anyway, I know it is hard but force yourself to relax . . . my trainer gave me a tip that might help . . . he told me to do a running commentary while I was testing . . . "OK, I'm slowing down for this right hand turn . . . sign says clearance 13'6" . . . merging traffic ahead . . . gotta exit onto SR-65 up ahead . . . " stuff like that . . . sounds corny but it lets the tester know your aware of what's going on and it DID help me to relax and stay on top of what came next . . . of course, I DID ace the test the first time . . . just saying . . .

Jopa

Just remember, xceleration does not rule when going backwards!!

See what I did there?

Trust yourself.

You got this!

Indeed I agree with Steve....trust yourself. He's a man of few words but I'm famously a man of many words so I'll ramble on a bit.

First of all, understand what they're doing. They're saying "succeed at this or else". Well isn't trucking always like that? You can't just go out there and screw up. Safety is everything and there's a lot of pressure on drivers every day. What they're trying to do is see who cracks under pressure. Now don't get me wrong......they're likely not kidding when they say you have to pass or else. You might very well be going home.

But so what, right?

I mean.....you're going to wind up being a hard working, safe, reliable driver somewhere for someone. Hopefully it will be for CR England and you'll continue on. But if you do fail and they send you home you'll make one phone call and the next Company-Sponsored Training Program will bring you in for another shot. No big deal.

So to begin with, this testing is not "do or die". It's simply "do or go elsewhere".......no big deal.

The other thing to keep in mind is that you already know how to do what they're testing you on. So never doubt yourself. Do not overthink it. Do not get worked up about it. Just relax the best you can, knowing you can do it. The testing is just a matter of going through the motions once again. Nothing more.

And don't be intimidated by any instructors or examiners. They remember very well what it's like being in your shoes, they just won't show it most of the time. Their job is to put stress on you and push you to see if you're serious about this and if you have what it takes to make it out there. If they push you and pressure you a little bit just give em the reaction they're hoping for......stay calm, relax, keep a clear mind, and continue to learn with everything you do. Even the test itself is great practice for the stress you'll experience in tough spots out on the road.

So relax and just go through the motions one more time. No biggie.

This is called a "High Stakes" situation - do or die. This weekend two teams are going head to head in the Superbowl. One team will get those Rings, one team will just start thinking about next season.

In my training class, several of my friends were nervous and afraid they'd choke on a test backing. I reminded them of the difference between practices and the evaluation: someone's watching. That's all! So nothing really changed, the box is the same size, the cones haven't been moved.

If you get nervous, just remember this: Focus On the Task At Hand. Get that job done, then move on to the next.