Why Is the Test Stressful and What Can You Do To Make It Easier?
Taking the CDL test can be very stressful. You ask yourself, "What's the worst that can happen? If anything I'll fail and try again" but that doesn't seem to help. What it seems to be is the fact you are taking a test. Taking the time out and being inspected for an hour and a half with someone you don't know can be rough. So what can you do to make the test less stressful than it has to be? In this article we will consider some tips and suggestions for the Pre-Trip Inspection, Skills, and Road Test. Many people have applied these suggestions and it really has helped them not only relax, but pass the test the first time.
Pre-Trip Inspection
The most important thing you can do is study the CDL study guide issued by the state. There are instructional DVD programs that show a pre-trip inspection being done. These are beneficial because not only do you hear what you need to say but you can see what you need to inspect. Remember that it is better to say too much than too little. What you see, say something about. Your chances of missing something will be less and you are more likely to get a better score. There are a few key phrases to remember that can be applied to almost everything on the vehicle. Please review the points mentioned below:
If anything is attached to the vehicle, make sure to say that it is "securely mounted".
If anything has bolts, say that there are no bolts missing and that they have no "rust or metal shavings".
For anything that has liquid or air in it, make sure to say that there are no leaks.
If there are parts such as wipers, lights, etc. say that they are "working properly".
If you have any questions feel free to ask the examiner for further clarification.
Take your time on the test. There is no rush.
Skills Test
The skills test may vary from state to state, but most include the following listed maneuvers: straight back, offset back, parallel park, alley dock and serpentine back. What can you do to make your confidence build and pass the skills test? Please consider the following listed points:
Practice, Practice, Practice! If you have the vehicle you will be taking the test with, practice backing straight and all of the other moves mentioned above. Make sure to practice using your mirrors. If you do not have the vehicle you will be taking the test with, take a smaller vehicle with a trailer and practice with it. Remember, some practice is better than none at all
Go slow. When you are backing up, by going slower you can watch and see where your trailer is going and be able to make the needed corrections before you go too far and hit a boundary or cone.
Make sure you know what the examiner expects you to do. Again, if you have any questions feel free to ask them.
Always wear your seatbelt. It does not matter how many times you will be getting in and out or how slow you will be going. Wearing your seatbelt each time is not only safe but it will make sure you will not get points taken off needlessly.
Use the three points of contact when getting in and out of the vehicle. You do this by grasping the truck handles with both hands while stepping in and out of the vehicle.
Road Test
When you are taking the road test you should relax, the worst is behind you. Consider the road test this way: You are going on a small drive through town to show the examiner that you can be safe when driving your vehicle. As long as you take it easy you will be fine. Follow these listed tips and suggestions below to ensure you pass your Road test:
Wear your seatbelt the entire time.
Consistently check your mirrors while driving.
Read road signs aloud, especially bridge clearance and weight limit signs.
Keep both hands on the wheel.
You are in no rush. Do not hit your brakes at the last moment, be smooth.
Keep up with traffic but do not break the speed limit.
Force yourself to relax and focus on driving in as safe a manner as possible.
Success!
If you incorporate these tips and suggestions when you take the test, you will certainly be helping yourself out. Do the best you can and more than likely you will pass. It is very important to get as much rest as possible the night before your test. If you are nervous, let the examiner know how you feel before you take the test. The state examiners realize that it is stressful having to take the test. Remember these points, practice driving your vehicle, and study well before you take the test. If you do these things, you can be confident that you will pass your CDL test.
