Question:
I will begin my new job January 5th. That is I have been prehired and still need to prove myself with the company's road test.
Would it be wise to perform a pretrip before the road test? I will need to do an air brake check before I begin, right?
Just some questions on what the right thing to do when going through the hiring process.
Thanks!

Answer:
Yes it would be wise. Because just like the state the company wants to be sure you know what your doing. Also I personally want to make sure the vehicle I am driving is MY standard of safe,only way to do that..inspect it yourself. I always do my brake test last. To allow the air pressure build up, and because its the way I have done it for 12 years.
Good luck I am sure you will be fine.

Answer:
At some companies the road tst includes:
1.
pretrip the truck completely (unless they stop you and say "that's enough")
2.
start it up and drive it to the trailers.
3.
find the trailer by driving around the parking lot looking for the number.
4.
hook the trailer -get out and check 5th wheel height before 'clicking'.
5.
pretripping the trailer completely (unless they stop you and say "that's enough")
6.
drive the complete semi out of the yard following the testers verbal dirctions.
7.
continue to follow the tester's directions as you encounter a variety of driving conditons on an apx 20 minute drive that returns to the yard.
8.
back the trailer into the spot the tester wants it - get out and look no matter what, two times is good (some will flunk you for not geting out to look during ANY back-up with a trailer)
9.
drop the trailer, disconnect and separate.
10.
return the tractor to it's original parking space.
If you're a newbie truck school graduate, they're not particularly worried about the pretrip and may stop you as soon as they've determined you know it well by the way you're proceeding. But really KNOW it and describe it as you do it, and be prepared to finish it - everything, including an air-pressure test, in the proper order, as described in your textbook.

Answer:
Basically do what you are TOLD. Yes, you should do a walk-around to make sure the lights work, the tires have air, the connections are secure, etc. And if you don't know what they want, say you would do a pre-trip to get started, and start on a full pre-trip. Better to start off with a pre-trip then to just get in and start the truck and have them "remind" you to do a pre-trip.
They might tell you to get a tractor and a pick an empty trailer. Get the one in the easiest spot because you will probably have to back it in there for a backing test. So make it easy on yourself.
If they watch you connect to the trailer, make sure you get out and check the position of the trailer as it touches the fifth wheel. You should do this anyway. They watch to make sure you won't just sit back and wait for a trailer to hit the sleeper. And make sure you do a stress test on your trailer. You should always do this, but forget during a test, and they may not want you out in a truck of theirs.
During the backing part, turn on your flashers, GET OUT AND LOOK, and blow the horn lightly. Some companies will fail you if you do not get out and look.
When driving, use the clutch. Period. Also, do your downshifts as much as possible. Wait for intersections to clear and make a wide turn to avoid running over a curb. Watch the road signs. I guarantee that they will ask you what the last sign said.

Answer:
Here's a unique concept; ask the tester if he wants you to do a pre-trip.
As for the rest of the advice offered, it really depends on the company/tester. If you're going to a company which specializes in hiring inexperienced drivers (Werner, Roehl & the like), the tester may want you to demonstrate your ability to downshift, double-clutch, G.O.A.L., etc., etc.. If, on the other hand, it's a real trucking company, just drive the truck the way you would normally. Frankly, most companies are more interested in your ability to drive safely (situational awareness) than in your ability to master their test truck's tranny in less than 30 seconds.
[This message was edited by John C. on December 28, 2003 at 6:27.]

Answer:
but do not be suprised if you do not have to do one or told to stop if you start one. Depending on the company you are going with, how large an orientation group you have and a few other things the examiner may not have time to watch you do a pre-trip or may just ask you a few simple questions and worry more about your ability to handle the tractor/trailer safely.
As John C. said it wouldnt hurt to ask before the road test begins. Maybe ask at the start of orientation before ever going out to the trucks. If you have any doubts what-so-ever about doing or not doing one go ahead and begin and let the examiner stop you if he/she chooses to.
I will always be a mutter trucker at heart.
Answer:
You'll know what you have to do when it comes test time. If your not first you'll see what is expected as the other trainees do their road test. Most big companies do not rerquire it but there are some that do. I would either ask or watch what is expected.
As far as prehire and road test goes. You will usually do the road test after you have been approved for hire. A prehire is not a job offer. It simply means you application met requirements to bring you in for the real approval. It is also used by companies to lock you into them and keep yopu from looking around. It actually means very little. During orientation your driving record, criminal background, employment and medical will be checked. If all that passes you will be eligible for hire.
Unfortunatly the road test at most companies for newbies is so basic it means little. After your training period a more realistic road test should take place and you'll be hired as a driver if you pass.
Good luck to you.
It might help to know what company your going with for a little more insight and answers.
'Carpe Diem' does not mean 'fish of the day'.
"If people concentrated on the really important things in life, there'd be a shortage of fishing poles."

Answer:
Thank you everyone for all of the replies. It has been very helpful. Thank you Shuffler for the break down list.
It just makes sense now, to do what I would normally do, before driving one of the company's trucks. As in doing a pretrip and an air brakes test.
I will keep this forum posted! Thanks!!!!


Answer:
My road test consisted of an actual shuttle run.
Left the terminal with an empty flatbed. Drove about 20 miles to a paper plant. Dropped the flatbed and picked up a loaded van. Drove it back to a warehouse near the terminal. Backed it up to the dock dropped it and picked up an empty van and returned it to the terminal.
The tester said that they were basically had a good foundation for them to build on.
BTW, he was impressed by my backing. Said he has tested guys with 15 years experience who didn't back as well as I did. I think I just got lucky.
Glenn