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3 Tips To Help Calm Your Nerves And Pass Your CDL Road Test

So you've studied hard and you've gotten in a lot of practice hours behind the wheel with your CDL instructor. Now, it's time to put everything you've learned into action with the CDL Road Test. Pass this test and you'll be able to live your dream of being a licensed CDL driver. It's understandable if you are a bit nervous ahead of your CDL testing, but follow along with these tips and you should be able to put your mind at ease.

Free Your Mind and the Rest Will Follow

As long as you've put in the time in the weeks before the test, you should have nothing to worry about. This means the night before the test is not the time to start obsessing over every little detail. Trust your intuition and training and try not to think about the test too much. Spend some time with family or friends to take your mind off the test. Then, be sure to get a good night's sleep so you are well rested for the big day.

Avoid the Sugar High (and Other Substances)

It's understandable if you wake up with a start on the morning of the test. You likely will be nervous but eager to get to the test center. While it's OK to treat yourself to a decent breakfast, try to avoid ingesting anything that's going to put your nerves on edge. For example, you probably don't need to go crazy on the coffee or cigarettes. Caffeine, sugar and nicotine are three things your body can probably do without if you are already feeling tense.

Practice If Allowed

Laws vary by state but there might be an opportunity in your state to practice a bit with your vehicle before you officially start the test. If you are given this opportunity, get to the test site early, get in the truck and focus on whichever maneuver you are least confident about. If you are not allowed to actually drive a truck before the test, simply try to visualize the movements you will make once it's go time.

It's Not a Race

Once the test starts, just relax. Remember to breathe normally and trust your training. There may be some time limits imposed during the test, but you don't have to drive like a maniac to hit the targets. Stay on an even keel and you'll be done before you know it.

It's understandable if you are nervous before taking your CDL Road Test, but you should be confident in yourself for already making it this far. Get a good night's sleep the night before, skip the coffee with sugar the morning of, and just remember to breathe and stay focused during the test itself and you'll have your CDL in short order. Contact a testing center, such as Center For Transportation Safety, for more help.