Tips on How to Pass the Certification Test for Professional Truck Drivers
Getting certified as a truck driver is like taking your test to get a driver’s license. You have to go through a series of challenges before you can get certified. If you intend to pursue a career as a driver, you might feel intense pressure in the days leading up to the test. If you want to pass, these are the tips you have to consider.
Sleep well the night before the test
You need to be in great physical shape for the test. You can’t drive when you’re feeling sleepy or ill. You can still do last-minute reviews, but it’s better to use your time to rest. It’s easier for you to go through all the requirements if you can think clearly.
Check the truck before driving it
A part of the test is if you managed to check the truck before starting to drive it. Failing to do so could be a few points off for you. The examiner won’t tell you to check the entire truck first, but it’s your responsibility. Once you get certified, you still want to maintain safety even if no one tells you to do so.
Always monitor your speed
You can’t drive a truck at the same speed as a regular car. Apart from having a massive vehicle, it could also carry tons of load. Therefore, you need to be mindful of the speed; otherwise, you could get into trouble. It’s more difficult to hit the brakes and avert a potential disaster.
Slowly apply the brakes
Again, using the brakes on big trucks could be challenging. Therefore, you need to go slow with them. Make sure that you apply the softest possible touch on the brakes to avoid a sudden stop. It could get you injured and also destroy the items on the truck.
Learn when to pull over
You can’t keep driving if you know you’re already at risk. The examiner might ask you to stop. Before it happens, you need to decide to pull over. It’s a smart decision since you could stop a possible accident. You can gather enough strength before you move forward.
Learn the function of every button
There might be additional buttons for indicators and other functions in a truck that you normally don’t see in a regular vehicle. You won’t be using all of them often. Despite that, you still have to understand their functions. Your examiner might ask you what they’re for and you have to know the right answer.
Calm down
It can be stressful driving a truck alone. It’s even worse when you have someone deciding your fate. Therefore, you have to calm yourself first before you start the test. Remember everything that you learned. Imagine that it’s a regular drive and not a test.
Don’t forget to keep the phone number of a towing service company in case you need help. You want to make it easy to contact them during unexpected circumstances. You can check out companies offering towing services.
Hopefully, you pass the test and do a great job.
