Changes to the commercial drivers’ license test could make the roads safer for everyone. Most of the new changes occur during the second phase, the pre-trip test.
Even though the new test allows a redo it isn’t any easier or harder, said state Highway patrol Captain Tim Hull.
"It’s being done to make the test more realistic and for the test to be performed in the intended manner and to make sure we’ve got the best drivers out there on the road," he said.
The do overs apply to backing up and to the left or right. Applicants can also park the vehicle and get out and look before backing up, which should make vehicles owners happy.
"The owners of these vehicles are going to probably be happy about it too because you’ve got to be pretty careful in backing these vehicles in there because if you bump one of the barricades or cross over the lines the barriers that’s deducted from you score so you get better drivers out of it you get less bumps and scratches on your trailers and your vehicles so I think it’s going to be a benefit for everybody."
The written test will only be given in English and translators are not allowed for applicants taking the test. It includes two new automatic fails: not wearing a seat belt and driving the vehicle over a sidewalk or curb. The other changes include test that mimic job requirements, Hull said.
"It’s those things that they need to know when they’re operating a truck to be able to operate it safely," he said. "There are specific tests that they’ll be giving and the scoring standards are a little bit different and have changed."
There stricter requirements went into effect October 1.
download or listen to Aurora Meyer’s story here.
