It’s several years old but it’s never obsolete. It was part of the CDL test up until the new modernization test went into effect this year. The school still teaches this because it’s still applicable on certain occasions in a real world situation. Thank you for the comment!

Before you do the exercise, the examiner will give you an overview of the exercise so at that time ask him if you can position the truck parallel to the parking space.

Go a little bit further with your back trailer axle that you’re looking at on the left side. But only about a foot, next go in just a little bit further with your tractor axle on the right side at the back tire and just go a little further and that puts it closer to the outside line. It’s a simple adjustment. Good luck.

@@mikelogan99CDLClassAskillstest thanks so much ! I learned the forward offset watching your videos as well.

That's great!

You may not have gotten my response in time. I think your nerves are getting the best of you. All I can say is take your time and if you feel like things are not going well try to correct each part. Break it down into many pieces. If you get too far into the maneuver and it’s not going well, sometimes it’s too difficult to make your corrections. Try to catch them early enough where a pull-up would help you?.

@@mikelogan99CDLClassAskillstest I passed today!!! You’re a 100% right my nerves were getting to me, I woke up in a totally different mind frame today and passed, listened to good music, took deep breaths, went slow just like you said! Thank you for the response and kind words!

Awesome!

It’s possible because you have a shorter wheelbase and perhaps a smaller turning radius. If you’re able to practice with that truck, that would be great then you could find out if it works.

Check your mirror adjustment, they should be in the bottom of the mirror.

Yes sir you’re correct. If you watch the video again that’s exactly what I said to begin the exercise. Just wanted to clarify that the steps and instructions in the video are correct. With the new modernized test being implemented I don’t think this maneuver is in the CDL test anymore. School still may teach it but you’re not tested on it. The offset that you tested on now is more like the conventional parallel park except for it has 100 foot lane which is a lot more than the conventional parallel park. Thanks for the comment.

The new Modernized CDL test was implemented in July 2023 and all testing facilities had one year to bring their testing facility up to date. This included training the testers, painting new lines for the backing portion and bring everything up to date so by July 2024 everyone was ready. This parallel park from the old test was still being tested during the first 6 months of 2024 for those testing facilities who were not completely ready for the new modernized test. Showing this as a 2024 test is correct for the first 6 months of the year. You're correct that it is not the new offset, I have a new updated video for that. Please watch the parallel park video because it will give you pointers on how to offset, plus you may need to parallel park someday. Thanks for the comment!

Yes, when you line up the drive axle “front and rear axle” to the center of the landing gear brace that will give you a very accurate degree of angle that indicates your next turning point. Next, stop when the Tractor and the Trailer are straight in line with each other and continue back until the left side trailer rear axle approaches the entrance of the exercise lane. Turn right when the trailer tire is at the line. Now watch the passenger side and when the rear tractor axle approaches the line, entering into the lane then turn left which brings the tractor in front of the trailer and you should be in the lane. Keep in mind some tractors have a very sharp, turning radius so the amount that you turned can be different from one vehicle to the next. Best of luck to you!

@@mikelogan99CDLClassAskillstest thanks so much for replying!!

You're welcome, I try to reply to all comments.

I would hope that the testing facility had lines that were visible.

Check your email for a response! Best of luck

The trailer on the left and right need to be visible in about a quarter of the mirrors.

@@mikelogan99CDLClassAskillstest so can you send for me some diagram to know and remember all the time please 🙏 thanks again

kzfaq.infoh281Xr2szt8?si=dKL-jk0lwhBOWlfN Try this, it's really not that hard to find information about this. In this video they refer to 90/10 field of view.

Well said,

During the test you’re only allowed two get out and look. During practice this doesn’t apply. Is your instructor allowing you to get out and look at your position? This might help so that you don’t go past any step without doing it correctly. Look at the location of the trailer tires and tractor tires. I’m showing you turning points in the video. I also point out the angle of your first turn by watching the right side tractor axles lining up to the center portion of the trailer Landing gear braces. Good luck

@@mikelogan99CDLClassAskillstest thank you, and I just think I'm overthinking, which makes it seems harder than what it truly is, and no my instructor never mentioned we can get out and look

You get two looks when you test. It's absolutely important to know when to use these during the exercise. When you practice get out at different times to determine when the looks are most beneficial. The most important is the last position when the rear of the trailer is stopped in the space at the end of the lane. If you're not in that space you could be accessed points and possibly fail.

It’s a 48’ trailer, running the trailer axle’s all the way back limits trailer swing and can be easier to control encroachments. Stopping in the rear 3 foot box is easier because you’re looking down at the tires to gauge the distance. The back of the trailer is right behind the tire.

The truck was initially at 100 psi and he started the engine, idling it up a couple hundred rpm and waited to here the purge of air that indicated the governor cut off and it stopped building air pressure at approximately 125 psi. That’s a full charge of air that you need before you start the air brake test. If this doesn’t address your question please explain. There’s nothing in the air brake test about a 100 psi cut in. The compressor always builds air until it cuts off at 125 psi.

@mikelogan99CDLClassAskillstest at my cdl school, we start. 1. Chock Wheels 2. Get in cab, seat belt on, brakes set, gear in neutral, and turn key to on position, and say checking see abs and abs trailer light come on and off, and my deff light comes on and off 3. Going dona safe start, finish my 4 way, left and right turn signal, high beam working. 4. The do a vehicle cut in and cutout, this vehicle cut in at 100 psi, and my cut is is between 120 and 140, this vehicle is approximately 125. Now release yellow brake and do cut in at 100 psi and to make sure air gauge working properly, then tap lightly on brake pedal, air Guage should drop under 100 0si to indicate p Proper working Air Guage. 5. While Air psi build up To governor cut out, I'll start my in cab inspection.. 5. Once in cab finished, start air brake test, w8th air Guage and govorcut off, this v3hicoe cut in at 100 psi and cut out between 120-140 psi, and this vehicle is at approximately 125. The start down the rest of brake test...

My video is only the required Air Brake test. This is required to receive a 100% "everything correct" score or you will automatically fail. You're making reference to the in-cab inspection and you are not require to score 100% but try to get a good score. There is not an Auto fail for the In-cab inspection.

I'm so glad!

@@Fit4lyfe122 what state ?

Great, Let me know if you have any questions. Also let us know if you successfully completed the exercise.

It’s a 48’, as you pull forward don’t drift to the left, stay centered and pull forward as far as you can, then very slow speed but a hard turn to the left and bring it back just before the right side trailer tire/ forward axle approaches the zipper line. That should pull the trailer axles on the right side between the exercise box and the small line. Remember, you can also get out and look. You have two opportunities to do this so use them wisely.

Starting out in the right gear is an easy fix. You’ll figure that part out. Going in reverse and putting that trailer in the 100 foot space is going to be the challenge and it just takes a lot of time and practice. Watch my video and when my tire approaches the line that’s a point that indicates when to turn and then when the right side of the tractor drive tires approach the line that’s also another indicator of when to turn. Depending on the turning radius of your truck depends on how much you turn.

The more you do this the better you’ll be. The front of the vehicle looks different than the back. It’s very long and it’s going to be a process of figuring out how to pull forward. Also get out and look so you see the difference between inside the vehicle and outside.

A couple of concerns about that which would be stopping with the rear of the trailer within the 3 foot box. Also the trailer positioning would be more gradual because of the spread, meaning the distance between axle groups.

It’s not an automatic failure. It’s an encroachment and it has a higher penalty point value. Yes, you must clear the encroachment by reversing direction either forward or backwards. You cannot finish an exercise encroached because it has a high penalty and that will fall you. That’s why it’s important to get out and look to make sure you didn’t finish an exercise with any part of the vehicle outside of boundary line. Once you determine that indicate you’re finished with the exercise either by telling the examiner or entering into the vehicle and sounding the horn..

Yes, go slow. On the forward stop you can’t stop until you feel like the front of the truck is in the box. You can do it in the lowest gear.

I got dinged for going too slow. The tester told me I was supposed to simulate going thru traffic so me being too slow was considered a stop to him. I was testing in a 10 speed. Next time I'm gonna go slow but keep it moving no wishy washy scared to move just keep a steady flow thru the offset.

What gear were you in? I'm not in total agreement with the statement you are in traffic. This maneuver is a test to see if you are aware of where the front of your truck is by looking out the windshield in any situation because you sit a lot higher than you're used too. That could be a parking lot, in traffic and a multitude of situations.

You’re correct but any testing facility should have a course already set up so you can make a 90 degree alley dock. Because most states have adapted the new modernized CDL exam this maneuver will be obsolete soon.

You can go back to the beginning and start over if you want. You’re limited to doing the exercise within a set of boundaries and you can’t go beyond that. Other than that you can take pull ups beyond the two free ones but any pull ups after two are accessed penalty points.

Thank you

Glad it was helpful!

Break it down into little parts and do each step correctly, if you feel like it’s not the way you remember then do that part again. You’re allowed pull ups so you can make the corrections. After the first two free pull ups you start to accumulate points but pull ups are the lowest points value. Best of luck! Let us know how you did on the test.

How many points will you get if you have to do a 3rd video ​@mikelogan99CDLClassAskillstest

​@mikelogan99CDLClassAskillstest how many points will you get if you do a 3rd pull up

The points system is a little complicated so it’s best to ask your examiner or instructor about the points.

The back trailer tire, driver’s side was at the exercise entrance indicating by the dash line. That’s when you turn right. When the passenger side tires start to cross same dash line, turn left. I would pay closer attention to the line marking the entrance and boundary.

Thanks

It’s almost 70 ft, he’s pulling a 48’ trailer. Yes, all the way left. Every truck has a different turning radius so this may change from truck to truck.

Ok mr Logan I'm in a 40ft

Will that whole left work for the 40ft

As I review past responses I want to comment that this is the same for every truck. If it turns too fast then that truck has a shorter turning radius so turn less in that situation.

Mr.logan i fail today im sad about it cause im really trying. I tested on that 40 ft and i couldn't get it for nothing the instructor say i was driving it like i was still practicing in the 53 ft. I just don't know what to do ​@mikelogan99CDLClassAskillstest

Yes, everything is the same. The shorter trailer reacts quicker and you can correct a wrong move easier and the starting point won’t be as far forward. Good luck!

@mikelogan99CDLClassAskillstest thank you sir God bless

I actually use it and got thro

Best of luck!

You’re very welcome!

I would strive to use the mirrors as much as possible. I don’t think you’ll gain much by looking out the drivers window. If you feel like there’s something out there you need to see that take advantage of getting out of truck. Remember you’re allowed two get out and look opportunities.

Yes, include it and Inspect it for its proper placement and condition. You won’t be penalized for inspecting too many things.

Congratulations 🎉

It makes me proud when I see a post that someone passed the test. Hopefully we played a small part with the video series. Congratulations!

Congratulations a pass is a pass 🎉🎉

It's been really hard for me the skills I think I'm gonna fail but there's always another try

Watch your right side, when the trailer tires approach the checked line you want to steer back to your left to straighten it out. You need to do it a little in advance because it won’t react immediately.

Yes, but watch where your trailer tires are as they approach the line and watch your tractor tires as they approach the line at the entrance of the space. Good luck on your test

The back of the vehicle is the trailer and it’s required that all of those lights work. During your test check the back of the tractor also because in a real life scenario, you would want them to work if you bobtail.

@@mikelogan99CDLClassAskillstest Thank you.

Reverse light is not required . Back of the tractor lights are not required when you’re coupled to a trailer. In the real world senerio if you’re stopped by DOT and given a level 1 inspection and the tractor lights don’t work you’ll be given a repair order and you’re required to send back the document when you get the tractor lights fixed. You can continue to drive. If the lights don’t work on the back of the trailer you’re required to fix them immediately or be placed out of service. You can’t drive the truck with lights not functioning on the trailer.

Glad it was helpful!

This is the 48’ trailer. It doesn’t matter how long the trailer is, the length of the lane is 100’ for everyone.

Ok thanks again I appreciate the support and content

Try to learn this in little steps. Break it down into several small parts and don’t go past any section until you do it correctly. While you’re practicing, take as many looks and pull ups as you need.

Hang in there, it’s like anything new that you try to understand. It takes time but soon you’ll look back at this and you’ll have a sense of pride that you accomplished it.

It’s my understanding that all states had one year to implement the new test and that time is about to expire. I searched for the new version of NC CDL manual and couldn’t find anything newer than 2017. The way you can tell by the manual is chapter 11,12,13 are following by letter M, stands for modernized. The manual will also include the old version of testing.

@@mikelogan99CDLClassAskillstest Thank you! Your videos are by far the best training videos I've seen. And I am coming from a Learning & Development world. I appreciate your work! Very helpful and easy to follow.

@@thereformedrant9592 I appreciate your kind words. I did this project to help those who want to become a part of the industry that I worked in for many years. Although there have been many changes over the years I still think that the independence and freedom this career offers is a big part of what makes it desirable. Thank you!

That’s correct.

@@mikelogan99CDLClassAskillstest The Texas DPS at Grand Prairie failed a student for air brakes test when he got to the EMERGENCY BRAKES TEST. He called the valves trailer brake valves and tractor brakes valve respectively, the lady examiner said for emergency 🚨 brake test they should be called service line and emergency brake. Checklist inspection descriptions did not call it so.

@@temitopegbolagade5864 I hope people read this because this is very unfortunate. It's called the "Tractor protection valve" in the CDL handbook. That's the correct name. This CDL test is based on the content of the material in your states CDL Drivers manual and it is a requirement that you name parts and components by the correct name. On the checklist That you're allowed to carry with you on the test it refers to "Parking and Trailer brake test". I would dispute this because he's correct and she's wrong. With that being said, you're not allowed to use slang words to describe a part or component. The valve itself say's "Trailer Air supply" It doesn't say service line. You test it the same as the emergency brake. It's design is to apply the trailer brakes in an emergency if the trailer breaks away from the tractor. Good luck with this and thanks for sharing!

We are advised to just say (Emergency brake valves) will pop out for this emergency brake test which is the 4th. Guys who said emergency brake valves passed and those who said tractor protection valves and service brakes failed.

We are advised to just say (Emergency brake valves) will pop out for this emergency brake test which is the 4th. Guys who said emergency brake valves passed and those who said tractor protection valves and service brakes failed.

Not correct, on this exercise you’re going to back up parallel to the exercise lane. It’s not required to back between the lines. That requirement is on the Forward offset as you exit the exercise lane going forward, exercise #3.

Did you pass?