MDX91
Active Member
1. Know the basics of driving stick.
The 5 speed in the package cars is pretty forgiving, more forgiving than most manual cars, but you have to know the basics. Also, the throw distance is probably going to be a lot farther than you're used to, but like I said, very forgiving.
2. You're driving a behemoth of a truck for the first time. Be aware of your size, but don't overcompensate. They'll mark you for lane observance for driving too close to the right, which to me seemed as though I was centered. Basically, hug the left lane line and you'll be centered well.
3. The turn signals won't shut themselves off after a turn.
4. Make sure you're shifting before rpm gets too high.
5. Honk a lot when driving inside the center's lot. I honked twice at every bay door and every blind corner and plenty while backing and they still marked me for it.
6. Ask HR to schedule your driver observation before your road test. It'll help you get familiar with the feel of the truck a little and your driver will probably have some good info for you if you ask. And if you're lucky and already scheduled for integrad, maybe just maybe the tester will feel a little bit of pressure to pass you assuming you don't blatantly blow the test.
7. Never had to park or start up on a hill, but if you do, the parking brake is how you do it.
8. If you're just starting out at UPS, and want to drive, sell your automatic and buy a stick. Just do it. Once you're scheduled for the road test, it's too late to learn adequately.
9. Oh. Make sure if you're stopped at a light to keep it in gear, clutch in, and parking brake on. Have to be in gear for red lights, railroad tracks, and turns. Don't change gears through railroad tracks, turns, or through intersections.
10. My tester wrote down 8 miles for the road test, but it was probably 1 or 2. Literally just out of the center and up the main road to the first light that took us back.
11. Idk. Anyone else have any tips?
A good thread on the topic is here: Road Test Question
The 5 speed in the package cars is pretty forgiving, more forgiving than most manual cars, but you have to know the basics. Also, the throw distance is probably going to be a lot farther than you're used to, but like I said, very forgiving.
2. You're driving a behemoth of a truck for the first time. Be aware of your size, but don't overcompensate. They'll mark you for lane observance for driving too close to the right, which to me seemed as though I was centered. Basically, hug the left lane line and you'll be centered well.
3. The turn signals won't shut themselves off after a turn.
4. Make sure you're shifting before rpm gets too high.
5. Honk a lot when driving inside the center's lot. I honked twice at every bay door and every blind corner and plenty while backing and they still marked me for it.
6. Ask HR to schedule your driver observation before your road test. It'll help you get familiar with the feel of the truck a little and your driver will probably have some good info for you if you ask. And if you're lucky and already scheduled for integrad, maybe just maybe the tester will feel a little bit of pressure to pass you assuming you don't blatantly blow the test.
7. Never had to park or start up on a hill, but if you do, the parking brake is how you do it.
8. If you're just starting out at UPS, and want to drive, sell your automatic and buy a stick. Just do it. Once you're scheduled for the road test, it's too late to learn adequately.
9. Oh. Make sure if you're stopped at a light to keep it in gear, clutch in, and parking brake on. Have to be in gear for red lights, railroad tracks, and turns. Don't change gears through railroad tracks, turns, or through intersections.
10. My tester wrote down 8 miles for the road test, but it was probably 1 or 2. Literally just out of the center and up the main road to the first light that took us back.
11. Idk. Anyone else have any tips?
A good thread on the topic is here: Road Test Question
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