DO: Snap out one copy of the Record of Road Test form from Part IV of this workbook. This form is very similar to Figure 4-6 in your Trucking Handbook. Like that form, it is used to check a driver's competence during the road test all drivers must pass before being licensed.
In this assignment, you will be working with one or more other students, in pairs or small groups. You will need a vehicle. If possible, use either the vehicle on which you have received your training or a vehicle similar to the one you will be driving as a professional driver.
Select one student driver within your group to get into the vehicle and go through the road test specified by the MCSR 391.31. (See your copy of the MCSR or Chapter Four of your Trucking Handbook.) Your instructor may wish to personally guide each student driver through the road test or assign someone else to do so. Watch the student driver in your group go through the road test. As you watch, complete the Record of Road Test as if you were the student's examiner.
NOTE: Notice that the form in the Handbook says to check every item that the driver performed satisfactorily and to put an ex in the blank if the driver performed unsatisfactorily. The form in Part IV of this workbook says to check only items on which the driver's performance is unsatisfactory. Be sure to follow the instructions on the form you are using. The same goes for any forms you use. Instructions vary. Check the instructions on the form before you begin filling it out.
Completing the Form
Begin by completing the top of the form with the student driver's name and address. Fill in the truck license number and the abbreviation for the state in which it is licensed. After "Equipment Driven," write a brief description of the truck or tractor and the trailer. For example, circle "Tractor" and write "3 axle" in the space next to it; then write "40' van" in the space after "Trailer." After "Checked From" put the time (a.m. or p.m.) when you began the test, and after "To" put the time (a.m. or p.m.) when the test ended. Finally, write in the month, day, and year of the test.
Skip down to the bottom (back side) of the form. If you are working with any special equipment (such as a converter gear, a pole trailer, a reefer unit, or a forklift loaded onto a flat-bed) write the name of that equipment in the space under "Use of Special Equipment (Specify)." The student should get credit for correctly operating special equipment as well as regular equipment, and deficiencies with that equipment should also be noted.
Acting as a Road Test Examiner
Now you're ready to begin the actual test. Make a check mark in the blank opposite the appropriate step of the road test each time the student driver makes a mistake. For example, if the student driver forgets to test the fifth wheel hookup by making a forward gear tug against the pin, place a check mark opposite the statement "Tests hookup with power" under Part 3. Be sure to fill out both sides of the two-sided form.
The driver may make a number of different types of mistakes. She or he may make an error in judgment. He may misuse a piece of equipment. She may put the truck in gear too soon, rev the engine or do any number of things. Look especially for signs of any of the three leading causes of driver-related accidents. They are lack of attention, making an assumption, and too much speed.
When you have finished watching the first driver in your group go through the road test, look over your check marks. Write a short summary in the space for "Remarks." For example, if you gave the driver check marks under Part 3 and under Part 6 B and C, you might write the following summary: "Basically a good driver, but needs reminder about testing hookup. Approaches intersections a little fast to be able to avoid trouble."
Now, what do you think? Did the driver perform satisfactorily? Does the driver need additional training? Was the performance unsatisfactory? Make a mark in the appropriate blank after "General Performance." If you gave the driver a satisfactory rating, place a check mark beside the type of vehicle on which she or he took the test, and sign the form with your signature. After all, you were the examiner.
The process you just went through is precisely the process your examiner will one day go through testing your road skills.
When the first driver in your group has completed the road test, check to see that all the students in your group have completed the form, including the top and bottom. Then, help the group select a new driver. Follow the same system you used with the first driver, having each student in your group (including the one who took the road test first) complete a Record of Road Test form on the second driver.
Continuing with the Exercise
Continue in this manner until all the students in your small group have taken the road test and had at least one turn acting as examiner.
When all the students in your group have taken the road test, discuss how each student performed. During the discussion, give suggestions as to how each student might improve his or her driving.
Remember, at this point in your training, you are expected to make mistakes. Try to take your fellow students' comments as helpful suggestions on how to improve your driving technique. Now is the time to practice and improve your skills so that you may (1) pass your real road test, and (2) perform well as a professional driver.
MODIFIED PURPOSE: The purpose of this study project is to test your STUDY awareness of good driving techniques. You should do this exercise instead of the above exercise if you have not yet had in-truck driver's training. It is not meant to be done in addition to the above exercise.
DO: Snap out one copy of the Record of Road Test form which appears in Part IV of this workbook. This form is very similar to Figure 4-6 of the Trucking Handbook, and like that form, it is used to check a driver's competence during the road test all drivers must pass before being licensed.
Your instructor will select a trainee or professional driver to be taken through a typical road test. As a group, watch the driver's technique very carefully. As you watch, complete the Record of Road Test on that driver, as if you were the driver's examiner for an actual road test. Read the instructions for the STUDY PROJECT which open this chapter of the workbook. Read all of the instructions listed under the subheadings, "Completing the Form" and "Acting as a Road Test Examiner." These directions are the same for the MODIFIED STUDY PROJECT which you are doing. Don't bother with the instructions under the subheading, "Continuing with the Exercise," as they don't apply to you.
When the driver has been taken through the entire road test, check your Record of Road Test form to be sure that you have completed all parts of the form, including the top and bottom. Then, get into a group discussion with other students who have completed the same form on the driver. Compare your evaluation of the driver's techniques with the evaluation made by other students. Ask yourself: Did you miss some mistakes that other students noticed? Why did you miss the error? How can the driver improve his or her driving?
NOTE: In the event you don't have a rig available, using your personal auto or pickup truck with a small rental trailer is excellent for backing or maneuvering practice.