CFI CDL Training

Backing is what most people have trouble with. It's good that they are giving you lots of time.

Jmart, I look forward everyday to reading your remarks about your school progress.

I think your class started with 10 students, and one failed a drug screen, making 9 students. With 9 students, and I guess new classes starting, how many instructors are there? And how many trucks are available? Do you feel you are getting the instructor face time and truck availability to maximize your skills?

I saw that SW Missouri has been getting some cold, icy weather, stay warm out on the range!!

I think your class started with 10 students, and one failed a drug screen, making 9 students. With 9 students, and I guess new classes starting, how many instructors are there? And how many trucks are available? Do you feel you are getting the instructor face time and truck availability to maximize your skills?

The riot, We started with 10 and are down to six. One couldn't understand or speak English, one flunked drug screen, one had a home emergency, and one didn't get along with one of our instructors. So, she went to a different class. We have 2 instructors. From what I see, most classes have 2 instructors. The instructor/student ratio is probably 1:6 at the most and in our case 1:3. I believe most fall into this range. Each class has 2 trucks. There is ample time to talk to your instructors and ask questions. Yes, I feel we have ample truck time as well. The 4th week of the course, they will start CDL testing the stronger students early in the week and keep helping those that need it. Those students will test later in the 4th week. I have seen some students held over into the 5th week if they don't initially pass their CDL so they can get more practice and test again.

2-7-18 school day 13. Today we did a road trip test in the morning and learned 90 degree alley dock backing maneuver in the afternoon. We are tested on several road tests throughout the program to ensure we stay sharp on our skills and improve others. They seem to get gradually more difficult. For example, our road trip today involved narrow two lane highways with some tight curves. Tomorrow, we will be tested on our lane change backing as well as another road test.

That's a great ratio!

2-8-18 School day 14 Today we spent the morning being tested on our lane change backing. We also practiced parallel and 90 degree alley dock. In the afternoon, we had another tested road drive. This drive involved going through the busy part of Joplin,MO. This definitely puts your skills to the test because there's so much going on that you need to pay attention to. The hardest backing maneuver for me is the alley dock. I need some more practice. Tomorrow, we will practice our backing and have our third tested road drive of the week.

I had the most problems with my ally dock. I failed the test one time on that. I practiced and practiced and when I retested, I got that again and nailed it. You can do it.

I had the most problems with my ally dock. I failed the test one time on that. I practiced and practiced and when I retested, I got that again and nailed it. You can do it.

Thanks! I just think I need some more practice.

2-9-18 Day 15 of school Today some of us spent the whole day working on our backing skills primarily on the 90 degree alley dock. I finally caught on how to do it after many tries. Half of our group went on a tested road drive in the afternoon. Next week is a BIG week as we will all be testing for our CDL's. I am scheduled for Tuesday. School is not over until next Friday. However, most of the time will be spent preparing for the CDL test and testing. The nice thing is we will be testing right here at Crowder College.

The information you have provided has been very helpful. Thank you. Hope you are doing well on your journey. I to am looking to start my training through CFI and currently reviewing the study guides on this site. As soon as i receive my exemption from the FMCSA I can start orientation. Driving otr has been something I have wanted to do for awhile. Good luck with your ventures.

What exemption do you need? Have you spoken with CFI yet?

The exemption i am looking for is the diabetic exemption. Currently waiting on approval from upper management. Have been told by another FMCSA associate in their program that my application is straight forward, no vision or blood sugar issues, and shouldnt have a problem. As far as CFI goes have already been accepted into their training program pending my exemption.