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How many fail their pre-trip on the CDL test?

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by Tak, Jan 13, 2014.

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  1. Jan 13, 2014 #1
    Tak

    Tak Bobtail Member

    45
    12
    Jan 8, 2014
    A western state in the US of A.
    0
    I feel like a complete idiot because I know the pre-trip but when I was under the gun I fell apart and forgot to mention exactly what I would check for on a number of items, and I ended up not getting enough correct to pass.

    I failed to mention that the slack adjustor is not cracked, bent, or broken and has no missing hardware, and since I began on the front right side, I missed it on all the subsequent wheels because we're allowed to say "I'd check this axle the same as I would my front axle, checking my frame, brakes, suspension, tires, and wheels," or "I'd check this side the same way as I would my other side," etc., therefore I missed it for all the other axles. I failed to mention that my brake lines aren't cracked, bubbled, or blistered and not leaking. I failed to point out damage to the trailer bulkhead and a dent in the catwalk. I failed to point out the bent landing gear crossmembers. I was even docked for failing to mention the non-existent mud flaps on the tractor- they had been removed by the school because they interfered w/ the trailer landing gear. There were a few more things but y'all get the idea. But I've been reviewing everything lately and I know what it is I need to remember.

    I did fine on the air brake test and in-cab inspection though.

    Now I have to wait to see if they can get me in for a re-test, on a standby basis, because the scheduled tests are booked weeks in advance.

    I know when it comes to the yard skills and road test, I'll do fine. But the school did tell me that I'll get a day or two of advance notice of when I can get in on standby and will be able to get a few hrs. of practice in the night before so I'm fresh and ready.

    So how many others fail their pre-trips? Does it happen very much?
     
    Tak, Jan 13, 2014
    Tak, Jan 13, 2014
    #1
    OPUS 7 Thanks this.
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  3. Jan 13, 2014 #2
    SHOJim

    SHOJim Road Train Member

    3,399
    17,208
    Apr 19, 2011
    Columbus, Ohio
    0
    When i went to do my pre-trip for a class B....I TOTALLY MESSED IT THE HECK UP!!! Went back a week later and nailed it! More people probably miss it first time than you could imagine. You WILL get it next time!
     
    SHOJim, Jan 13, 2014
    SHOJim, Jan 13, 2014
    #2
    OPUS 7 and Tak Thank this.
  4. Jan 13, 2014 #3
    tow614

    tow614 Road Train Member

    3,759
    4,630
    Mar 18, 2013
    0
    What's a pretrip
     
    tow614, Jan 13, 2014
    tow614, Jan 13, 2014
    #3
    bottomdumpin, nb629 and G.Anthony Thank this.
  5. Jan 13, 2014 #4
    Lepton1

    Lepton1 Road Train Member

    12,647
    25,588
    Nov 23, 2012
    Yukon, OK
    0
    Yep, when I regained my CDL last year I failed the pretrip and then went back and passed it but then failed the skills test (in the middle of a dust storm). Keep the faith... but it sucks being on standby.
     
    Lepton1, Jan 13, 2014
    Lepton1, Jan 13, 2014
    #4
    PyleIt Thanks this.
  7. Jan 13, 2014 #5
    Wooly Rhino

    Wooly Rhino Road Train Member

    3,367
    5,647
    Jul 6, 2008
    Liberty, Missouri
    0
    Before you take the pretrip part of the test tell your examiner "I will be checking all of the items I will point out for cracks, leaks, breaks, signs of excessive wear, damage, correct levels or pressure, or any other possible sign of something being unsafe or missing." Then all you have to do is point and touch. You do not have to name the parts. A pretrip is a visual thing.
     
    Last edited: Jan 13, 2014
    Wooly Rhino, Jan 13, 2014
    Wooly Rhino, Jan 13, 2014
    #5
    Just passing by, Acidicanthrax and Tak Thank this.
  8. Jan 13, 2014 #6
    Allow Me.

    Allow Me. Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

    10,642
    12,110
    May 28, 2009
    Rancho Mirage, Ca.
    0
    Depends a lot on the tester. It's OK to ask the tester what exactly he wants, as in clutching or floating the gears. Don't assume you have to double clutch, he may say it's ok to float. You won't know unless you ask. Ask him if he wants you to explain EVERYTHING as you do the pre-trip, or can you say the same for the other side. Some will even tell you to skip the rest of this side. Just don't rush yourself, there is no time limit.
     
    Allow Me., Jan 13, 2014
    Allow Me., Jan 13, 2014
    #6
  9. Jan 13, 2014 #7
    gpsman

    gpsman Road Train Member

    1,581
    1,211
    Dec 10, 2013
    45212/59759
    0
    You don't do it by knowing what you need to remember, you do it by memorizing a script, and repetitive practice of the PTI. I know it's boring as all get-out to keep going over the same truck, but you have to know it inside-out. And if for no other reason than valuing your money, you will learn it inside-out. Few things pucker the sphincter more at 0 mph than releasing the brakes to pull into the garage behind a weigh station with your poop not in a group. You want to be confident your rig is legal. That takes "work", and attention to detail... you know, "professional standards". You have to apply them to yourself, so when someone with authority glances at you you aren't standing there with your pants down looking over your shoulder with a come-hither look on your face and crying about it later.
     
    gpsman, Jan 13, 2014
    gpsman, Jan 13, 2014
    #7
    UturnGirl Thanks this.
  10. Jan 13, 2014 #8
    gpsman

    gpsman Road Train Member

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    That's a new one on me, and I can't imagine a state tester permitting it.
     
    gpsman, Jan 13, 2014
    gpsman, Jan 13, 2014
    #8
  11. Jan 13, 2014 #9
    Richter

    Richter Road Train Member

    4,090
    1,700
    Feb 13, 2012
    Philadelphia Pa
    0
    I failed the road test by touching a curb but did fine on the rest. For the pre trip simply walk around and point at everything you see. start with driver steps, window, miror door, rim tire, axle, hub seals, brakes (pad, slack adjuster, hose etc.) steering, etc...we haven't event moved from right outside the door yet and i got all that. Just look at the truck and mention everything you see. You cant over pretrip a truck lol. You have the cheat sheet right in front of you lol.
     
    Richter, Jan 13, 2014
    Richter, Jan 13, 2014
    #9
  12. Jan 13, 2014 #10
    SHOJim

    SHOJim Road Train Member

    3,399
    17,208
    Apr 19, 2011
    Columbus, Ohio
    0
    I think that's when you stop the mail and your newspaper and put your lights on auto-timer at home.
     
    SHOJim, Jan 13, 2014
    SHOJim, Jan 13, 2014
    #10
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