I got my permit on Thursday. That was a happy day. Naturally, that means the easy part is over but the fact that I'm halfway toward actually obtaining my Class A CDL is reassuring at least. I may be behind the wheel of an actual truck as early as Monday. That's when the reality of this is probably going to overwhelm me.
I still don't fully understand the process of double clutching. I have read the instructions several times and the phrase ''it takes timing and practice to achieve this maneuver successfully'' still bewilders and haunts me. I have a feeling that this will be a very long week.
The final test will consist of 4 parts: pre-trip inspection, 4 point brake test, range manuevers, and a road test. The pre-trip inspection involves checking all of the various operating systems and part conditions prior to operating the vehicle. There are over 100 parts to identify and inspect. I'm still learning those. I'm definitely not a mechanical person. The brake test seems relatively simple, but until I can get my hands on it, it's just bullshit in my head. I need to develop muscle memory in order to fully comprehend and execute anything I've learned about operating any of these systems. Of all the graded tests, this seems like it will be the easiest to master. The range manuevers, however, seem like they will be the hardest. They involve three different backing scenarios. The first is a simple straight line backing. Fairly simple. Pull forward, back straight, done. The next is slightly more challenging: pull forward again, back into adjacent space, done. The final scenario is incredibly challenging: pull forward again, parallel park, done. That last part is a little ridiculous, but I will continue to attempt it until I master it as well. The road test will be a little stressful, but once I am ale to operate the vehicle it shouldn't take too long to maintain control of it and drive it safely and legally through town. I hope, anyway. Unfortunately, they do not permit you to bank successful test portions. So, if I fail any of them, I must take them all over again. I don't want to retake any of them if I can help. I want to be ready and successful on my first attempt. The school instructors determine when they believe you are ready to officially test and I hope that I'm as ready as they think I am when the time comes.
If I can make this happen in two weeks, I'll be extremely happy. I guess we'll see what happens.
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