After landing at MDW and told by ATC to exit at the Taxiway D only; the confused crew stopped prior to Taxiway Y and remained there until ATC gave further clearance along with an admonishment about not clearing the runway.
Synopsis
After landing at MDW and told by ATC to exit at the Taxiway D only; the confused crew stopped prior to Taxiway Y and remained there until ATC gave further clearance along with an admonishment about not clearing the runway.
Narrative
Flight to MDW was normal other than being late. Upon contact with MDW Tower; we were told to keep our approach tight and plan minimal time on the runway for departures. Upon landing; we were told to exit at 13R; and if we could not make that runway; exit at the forward high speed (D) and taxi on the forward high speed only. We understood this to mean we were not cleared onto Taxiway Y for some reason. We cleared onto D; but could not actually get completely clear of the runway because we thought we had to hold short of D. Tower did clear a plane to take off behind us; and we were not actually on the runway. We just weren't past the hold short markings. Upon switching to Ground; we could not contact them due to congestion. When we were finally able to talk to Ground; they told us to clear the runway and join Y. We then taxied to the gate without any further problems. They reminded us that we were allowed to join Y upon clearing the runway per the AIM; but we thought Tower restricted us from joining Y. Looking back; perhaps Tower wanted us to join the forward high speed only as opposed to the reverse; but the wording led to confusion on our part if that is what was intended.
Second reporter narrative
We contacted Ground Control who gave us taxi instructions; and then stated we should have gotten further from the runway onto the taxiway. I told him; 'We were cleared to exit the forward high speed exit only.' He said; 'The AIM states you can turn onto a taxiway to clear the runway;' which we knew. I just wasn't sure the way the clearance was given whether we should or not.
Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.