For me CDL exam was a frustration nightmare.
Written test went fine. I studied the manual. The test is really a word for word test of the language in the manual. They are not testing your skill, or understanding of law. They want word for word exactly what the manual says. A correct answer that doesn't exactly quote the manual is an incorrect answer.
Made my appointment for the road test that day. I would not need a medical card if I didn't drive out of state.
For my road test I needed a truck & trailer worthy of a fine tooth comb inspection, a trailer likewise. I had to be accompanied by a CDL driver. I made a deal with my son's boss. Arriving for the road test, they asked for my medical card. "You said I wouldn't need one." Well, the law is changing in July, we're enforcing it early.
I made my appointment with my doctor. I arrived for the exam, he informed me he no longer does CDL exams. Doctor had a little argument with his office staff, he thought I couldn't hear. Finally he did give the exam. He explained, "There is a week long course for MDs to be certified to give the test. I'm qualified to teach it, but without wasting a week, I'm not qualified to examine you."
Next road test, I failed the pre trip inspection. "You didn't inspect the headboard, or running gear on the trailer."
I answered "It doesn't have either of those features!"
He says, "You should have mentioned that." "Also, you didn't inspect the windshield, or mirrors"
I drove to Rutland, I'd have noticed a problem.
Next appointment, I made by phone. When I showed up they had no record of me having an appointment.
By the last appointment my CDL driver backed out on me days before the test. I scrambled, spent $2000 on my truck, found a different CDL driver, a retired trucker who kept his CDL. That time I spent two hours on the pre trip inspection. I pointed out the trailer had no landing gear, or headboard. I inspected the windshield, and mirrors, even wiped a smudge on the passenger side. I'm sure he HATED me! He finally called it off, said he had other tests to do same day. The road test went fine. I was a little cock eyed backing into the loading dock, but legal.