Roehl Training For New Driver With CDL

So today was first day of orientation at the Marshfield terminal.

Class starts at 7am and when I walked into my classroom I saw to my surprise that I was the only student in the class.

Met my instructor had a brief introduction to the class, picked my item for lunch (choice of 9 items), and then met up with the new cdl students and experienced drivers for agility testing.

After that it was off to do our drug test and DOT physical. I had to redo my physical but it was fast and smooth process.

Spent the rest of the first day watching videos and power points.

Let us go at 5pm.

** Side note** Big storm rolled in and they offered me a hotel room if I didn't want to drive the hour home in the storm.

Day 2 of 8 in the books.

This morning we had safety training which lasted about 2 hours.

Then was learning everything about the atlas.

Got a surprise notice to go take a second **** test. I guess the clinic used the wrong form. No biggie.

After lunch was simulator time. It is nothing like a real truck but don't tell the instructor that, they get a little upset.

On a side note.

Roehl policy is you can use the phone in the truck if using a hands free device. We watched a video today that went on for ever telling you to note use the phone in the truck. It is my guess this policy could change in the future.

Day 2 of 8 in the books.

This morning we had safety training which lasted about 2 hours.

Then was learning everything about the atlas.

Got a surprise notice to go take a second **** test. I guess the clinic used the wrong form. No biggie.

After lunch was simulator time. It is nothing like a real truck but don't tell the instructor that, they get a little upset.

On a side note.

Roehl policy is you can use the phone in the truck if using a hands free device. We watched a video today that went on for ever telling you to note use the phone in the truck. It is my guess this policy could change in the future.

I think a simulator would still be fun though, lol. A lot of trucks, that are equipped with bluetooth, just connect your phone, and you can usually talk to whomever, hearing them from the truck speakers, and you just talk back, and the mic, wherever it is installed, picks up your voice, pretty well. They can't really say much, since both hands are on the wheel, still. Also your various headsets should be fine, too, you would think,

My impression based on the 40 minute "Stay off the phone" video is that Roehl don't want you on the phone. :)

I won't be surprised when it bees policy.

The simulator could be fun in a different environment. But yesterday was anything but fun. To be fair, it could of just had to do with my mood at the time also. I was in a pretty crabby mood yesterday.

Day 3 of 8.

Started the day with pre trip inspection. Roehl pretrip is much more thorough than what we did in school.

We then drove around the yard just running through gears. We did this for about an hour and then headed back inside for some route planning.

Did route planning and learning how to plan stops.

After lunch we did more trip planning and then back to the simulator for some more scenarios. Enjoyed the simulator much more today.

Day 4 of 8 down.

This morning I started my day with 2 trip plan exercises.

Then it was back to the simulator for the rest of the morning. Did some winter driving scenarios and some road construction scenarios.

After lunch we headed out to the truck and finally hit the road. Honestly it was pretty horrible. I have been out of a truck too long and it started pretty rough. Being the only student I had 3 hours behind the wheel and really needed it all.

After driving we headed back to the yard for some backing drills. It was some drills I never did before and nailed them perfectly. Made up for my mediocre driving.

Hoping tomorrow is a better day behind the wheel right off since I won't have as much time to drive tomorrow.

Day 5 of 8 in the books.

Spent all day driving. Did some new routes and instructor tried to mix it up with some tricky turns.

Was overall a good day on the road and really feel like I am back in my groove.

Instructor said tomorrow will be another drive day. Sunday will be all classroom, and Monday will be a lot of paperwork and tour of the drivers lounge and other buildings. They call Monday "hire day".

Then Tuesday I leave with my trainer for 9-14 days.

6 of 8 complete.

Spent pretty much the whole day driving. I think I logged 102 miles today.

I also had a introduction to the truck computer system. Wish I had more to report but things are going great and looking forward to finishing orientation on Monday.

Just wanted to let ya know people are reading your entries & I appreciate the time you're putting into recording your experiences. Roehl is currently in my Top 3 list, so thanks :)

Glad they are helping.

I know the entries are short but I prefer cutting to the point and avoiding fluff. Besides I drive about an hour and half to orientation and when I get home I just wanna spend time with mama and the dogs.

Will be done tomorrow and should have a little extra time to do a recap of the 8 day orientation.