If you’re looking to start your professional truck driving career, obtaining your CDL is one of the first major hurdles. Preparing for your truck driving CDL road test in Chicago, IL is probably not terribly different from any other test you’ve studied for in your life. You’ll want to practice as much as possible, but if you over-think it and tie yourself into knots before testing day, you can end up burning out. Finding the perfect middle ground between well-practiced and calm is the key to approaching all aspects of a truck driving career, so that should be your aim during the road test as well.
When it comes to the CDL road test, it’s necessary to state the obvious up front: know the basics by heart. Professional truck driving requires plenty of technical know-how, but if you don’t have the basics mastered then no amount of special training can help you. Understand local traffic laws, be prepared to deal with parking, and practice backing up a rig and steering multiple trailer sizes until it feels like second nature. If you have the fine details mastered but you run a red light or hit a curb, you’ll still fail.
Once you have the foundations mastered, you should also consider that your testing experience will be determined, at least partly, by the person administering the test. Since being psychic isn’t one of the road test requirements, you should prepare yourself for dealing with multiple types of people on the road. A good rule of thumb is that you should be the calmest person in the cabin. Even if you make a mistake, carry on the test to the best of your abilities and hold your head high. Someone who keeps their cool regardless of what the test throws at them is a great marker of someone ready to begin their truck driving career.
If you’re struggling with one or two aspects of the test, don’t be afraid to conduct a little research of your own for additional tips. There are plenty of resources online written for truckers by truckers so you can nail down the tricky aspects of professional truck driving. Not everyone passes on the first go, but there’s no reason why you shouldn’t be able to put in your best effort every time you sit behind the wheel.
Just remember that once you have your CDL, the world of professional truck driving is your oyster! If you’re a Chicago, IL driver who is interested in starting or furthering a truck driver career, contact us at Bay and Bay Transportation at (888) 801-3026 or visit our website here for additional information.