Passed My Cdl Road Test

Okay so now i have made one of my biggesest acomplishment of my life got my cdl now i have a road test with a local company. Nervouse though because every truck is difrent im afraid im going to screw up with shifting . Can anyone help me advice tips hits. Anhthing thanks guys

Just like with the examiner, a company who knows you're new to driving isn't going to expect you to be perfect on shifting. Unless you're grinding a pound on every shift, a scuff here and there won't ruin your road test. They want to see confidence and safe operation with trailer and situational awareness more than anything.

They want to see confidence and safe operation with trailer and situational awareness more than anything

Robert nailed it. You're a brand new driver and they know that. They're not expecting perfection or anywhere near what a highly experienced driver would do. They want to see that you have the basics down and that you keep your composure, remain aware of what's around you, and make smart decisions. You have to seem like you're ready to move on to the next step and be taken out on the road for further training, that's all.

A lot of the testing procedures new drivers go through are as much about the driver having the nerve to handle the pressure as they are about testing your driving skills. If you can think clearly and maintain your composure then you're ready and able to continue learning. If you're freezing up, you seem overwhelmed, or you have a total lack of confidence you're not going to be safe enough to continue teaching at the next level.

So no matter how nervous you are, and believe me everyone is nervous during testing, keep thinking positive, smile a lot, and pretend you're as confident and cool as can be. You're going to miss some shifts so expect it and be prepared to react calmly. They might critique you a bit during the drive. Again, no problem. Just smile and thank them for the advice.

You'll do just fine. The company road test is really just a formality. Don't sweat it.

Not everyone is nervous. I was told by both the examiner at the DPS (written test), and driving examiner that I seemed like a serial killer. "Too calm and relaxed" was another response from another employee.

Maybe I'm just special. Lol. Who knows. Operating a fully loaded dry van in a heavy rain storm / heavy fog, in the steep mountains of the north east with heavy traffic (of all types of vehicles) while traveling at ~70mph is the only time my heart rate *might* increase a little bit.

Speaking of: I watched a truck ping-pong off two guard rails last month. After the passenger side hit, the truck became air born and went flying off the 300ft bridge into the river.

I believe there were no survivors. I was passing a fatality crash on the south side interstate bridge, going about 30mph. That's the only reason I was able to watch it all unfold.

Anyway! Congratulations on passing. :) It's simply the best job you'll ever have in your life.