CDL Road Test @ Eagan MN

I was doing so well on road time and range excercises that the director of the school offered me an opportunity to fill a vacant CDL road test time slot a few days ahead of schedule. I passed the pre trip , we went out on the range. I did mostly OK, the lines were worn so I had a wide entry on a left turn... All that was fine until..;. I was traveling west on a range road, came to a stop for a stop sign, scanned the entire area twice and proceeded carefully,, before I reached the center of the intersection, the examiner called a stop ( so I did) and then about a half secon later, from the right side, a car passed in front of me . The road 40 ' to my right is a 4 lane 45 MPH uncontrolled intersection that is the entrance to the test site. The car had been traveleing west as well. He set up for his left turn fast and entered into the short (30') drive that intersects the point where I was stopped and scanning. when I started through there was no way to see this car, he was behind me and 40' to my right on a 45 Mph road. My stop was smooth and almost instant. My examiner was not excited . we proceeded to the backing portion of the test where I performed very well. He then said " unfortunatly I can not take you on the outside road test because I had to call a stop, see you in a week )FAILED ! My problem with the whole thing is " He. as a passenger had plenty of time to see the approaching car on my right, he saw the car shooting into the left turn .Had he not called a stop, the car would have noticed a semi in the intersection 25- 30 feet in front of him and stopped. OR (if texting) would have run into the side of my trailer.

What I learned is always watch the right side in that type of intersection, and it always falls to the professional to avoid an accident. Theese are good lessons, though I cant help the feeling of (one in a million) can I do well after being out of a truck for a week ? I only get 2 hours 2 days before the retest.

Hey Ken. That's a bummer, but in the grand scheme of things it's really pretty trivial. You'll do perfectly fine in the truck after a week with little practice. That's a concern that everyone has but I can't remember anyone ever mentioning it as being a problem when all was said and done.

And one thing to keep in mind is that a CDL examiner who never fails anyone doesn't have a job for long. They have to fail some of the drivers. But getting your CDL doesn't mean you have to prove you're a great driver. Of course you're not - you're brand new. They obviously know this. They also know you're going to have more training once you get on with your first company.

So what CDL examiners are looking for is someone who is obviously picking up on the basics of handling a rig and someone who can stay relaxed and focused behind the wheel, especially under pressure like during the CDL exam. Giving you a CDL basically means they feel you're capable of becoming a safe driver and you're ready to move on to your next phase of training on the road with your first company.

So just relax - you're going to do perfectly fine. Being out of the truck won't be a problem, and failing the test the first time just pretty much makes the second try a formality. When you're taking the test the next time, just focus on being confident and relaxed. Drive it like it's just a friend along for the ride. And believe me, these examiners do not want to fail anyone. They know how important this is for everyone and they want to see you be able to have a career in trucking. But they have a job to do and they have to fail people sometimes. You gave him the opportunity to notch a failure on the board so now they'll feel free to pass you and let you get on with your career as long as you just relax and do what you already know how to do - cruise around town in that rig.

About a week from now you're going to be an officially licensed commercial driver

Thanks Brett. Sound advice as always. Just a note of thanks on the HAZMAT prep test. (PASSED) I just got back from taking the written test for my endorsement, finger prints etc.. All ready to go for a relaxed confident and careful CDL-A road test. Thanks again.

Hey, congrats on the Hazmat endorsement!

Definitely looking forward to getting the good news after your next exam

I posted on the general catagory and thought i'd post here too. Yaaaaay ... CDL Aaaaa. Im on my waaay. was a verrrry gooood daaaaaay. Thanks guys. Passing the road test feels good. Was a lot like navigating hell with a half empty fire extinguisher. ( I only say so cause you dont know truck # 101) Real tough seventh and eight gear. .. also backing tracking etc... but I passed and that is that. Time to learn more. and more . and more. Thanks

That's awesome news!!! Congrats!!

Before you know it you'll be on the road with the big dogs!!!

You know Brett, its funny you should say that " Running with the Big Dogs ". I will be out on my own next week. LTL driver, City P&D. They run Mack trucks ! I get to look at a chrome dog butt all day ! I like it. some vry tough docks though, with a 53' in town. Thanks Brett , I will be checking back into " High Road " for weights and balance education.