Surviving hair-raising CDL road test stories: My near-death experience with a reckless driver
A CDL drive test is designed to ensure knowledge and skills necessary to safely operate a commercial motor vehicle. It can also be an adventure where moments of unexpected failure can attack at any time.
There are plenty of ways to fail a CDL drive test.
Hit a curb, forget to fasten a seat belt, or neglect to use turn signals properly, and expect to make plans for a return trip to the test site. Some people fail because they didn’t practice. Others were not prepared for the test’s challenges. Nerves rather than a lack of skill, play a big part in most test fails.
No matter how prepared drivers are, most everyone gets nervous at the thought of taking a driving test. Folks who are normally cool, calm and collected can sometimes make bad decisions.
Stress makes some folks do dumb things.
Our CDL test was going well. Candidate completed pre-trip and basic skills tests with outstanding results. As we prepared to begin the road test, I explained driver would not be asked to do anything against the law, or anything that is not a part of driving in today’s traffic.
I also asked if there were any questions about the test, and explained that during the test, I will make notes on the test score sheet. Points will be scored for driving actions observed. Drive safe is the number #1 Rule
With high expectations we begin the road test.
In the first mile of the road test, there is a left turn at a busy intersection. There will be several right and left turns during the road test. Studies have shown that left-turn accidents account for a significant percentage of car accidents because turning vehicle will essentially cross multiple lanes with oncoming traffic traveling at a moderate speed. It is essential for CDL drivers to understand that turning left is one of the most dangerous maneuvers on the road, and they must take all necessary precautions to ensure everyone’s safety.
For this test our vehicle will be traveling east on a four lane highway with two lanes in each direction. At the traffic light controlled intersection, a cross road offers a busy merge lane. Larger vehicles travel the area and there are clearly marked stop lines for all lanes painted on every corner.
We approached the intersection with traffic in our four lanes direction of travel stopped for a red light.
It is almost 10 AM and heavy traffic has reduced to a moderate flow.
Applicant signaled and moved our vehicle into the left dedicated turning lane and comes to a complete stop as we wait for light to change. With several vehicles already in the left turn lane, when the light does change, only the first vehicles were able to turn. The green arrow disappeared and straight through traffic begins to move.
Our vehicle is next to turn and driver correctly stops before stop line and watches oncoming and merging traffic. Viewing current traffic situation, my thoughts are to wait for next arrow and green light. Common knowledge is that red traffic lights will eventually change to green. To wait 90 seconds for a left turn arrow was an obvious choice. Especially to a driver on a road test.
Twenty seconds into our wait our vehicle drifts forward, past the stop line and into the intersection. There is still a line of traffic moving through the intersection and this was a completely unnecessary action on the part of the driver.
Not all drivers follow traffic rules and regulations, and some may be distracted or in a hurry. To rely on the judgment of other drivers to slow down can lead to a situation where you’re caught in the middle of a dangerous situation, with no means of escape.
We sit in the middle of the intersection for another couple of seconds before the green light in our direction turns yellow. At that point, the driver smashes the accelerator in an attempt to complete the turn and not get caught in the intersection with the light change.
The box truck driver coming in our direction at the same time also accelerated when the light changed.
The shock of the driver turning into oncoming traffic and having to cross two lanes, registered as an ‘oh crap” moment.
A large commercial vehicle needs time to accelerate from a stopped position. While opposing traffic is expected to stop and use caution at a yellow light, they still have right of way. To rely on the judgment of other drivers to slow down and avoid hitting us was a completely unnecessary action on the part of the driver.
It’s funny how the mind works in moments of terror. From my judgement the right side where I was sitting would take full impact.My first thought was if the airbags would hurt. My seat belt was attached but I expected my face and chest would take a blast when they activated. At least my glasses were not on.
A moment before expected impact, the box truck veered into opposing traffic lanes which had not yet started to move from their stopped positions. It came within inches of our vehicle before it was able to navigate back on to the roadway. As the traffic light turned a bright red, we proceeded to complete the left turn.
After several quick left turns put our test vehicle back in the transportation compound, our conversation started with “why”.
Driver knew mistake immediately and apologized profusely for the reckless behavior that ignored the safety of other drivers and pedestrians on the road. Instructor drilled throughout training to never get stuck in middle of intersection. Driver felt pressured to make the turn to avoid blocking traffic.
It’s always better to take a safer route, even if it takes a bit longer.
Safety must always be top priority when driving.
