Prime Orientation

Hello again. Yesterday I posted some questions about working for Prime in general, but after reading through some threads, I have some questions specific to primes orientation process. 1. As I said in my last post, I already have my CDL and my DOT medical card. Will that make a difference in orientation? Will I still need to take a physical? I get nervous sometimes, and I'm concerned that my blood pressure will be high. When I took my DOT, i was at 132/86, which is cutting it close. Orientation will be in an unfamiliar city, and I'll be anxious about starting a new career, so I'm worried that my nerves will get the better of me and increase my BP. 2. What is the truck simulator like? I have experience driving through the trucking school I attended, and i feel confident in my abilities to handle the vehicle. However, I still have difficulty backing, and downshifting going up or down a hill gives me trouble. Is the simulator just designed to asses basic skills, or is it going to put me through some tough situations? Being a 22 year old starting a career can be nerve wracking, especially in this field, so this forum is very helpful and informative. Thanks in advance to any and all replies

Yes you will have to do another physical. Most any company will always require their own physical by their own doctor. It is what it is. However, don't sweat it too much. If your BP is high, they'll give you several chances to try again. No sodium, no stress, drinking water, lots of rest, all will help you lower your BP.

I failed the BP twice. On my third attempt, they let me lie down for several minutes prior to the test in order to get myself calm and relaxed. That was the trick.

The simulator (SIM) it is not a big deal at all. It's mainly designed to get you accustomed to the shifting patterns of an Eaton Fuller 10 speed, as well as test your situational awareness while driving. While on the Sim, they'll throw in a clearance sign or a weight restriction sign once in awhile to see if you're paying attention. Cars and animals may run out in front of you. The trick is to just take it super slow, it's not a race. It's literally so easy a dummy could do it. DO NOT call it a video game, or treat it as such. That will get you a ticket home. It's a cakewalk, but you must take it very seriously. There's a tiny little camera watching you the whole time.

I should add that the Sim feels nothing at all like a real truck. Nothing whatsoever. Again, it's about situational awareness.

Also, the basic SIM class is...well...basic. they put you in very basic situations, easy to handle. However, if you desire (and you should), you can go to the Sim lab during your free time in orientation week and practice other driving situations as long as they don't have a class going on at the moment. They'll pretty much give you free reign to practice whatever you want. It's a great way to kill some time, while also developing muscle memory before going out on the real road. Looks good on you too.

The sims have a driver facing camera. they are lookong to see that you check your mirrors often and take it seriously. constantly scan for hazards.

one guy wrecked on purpose and called it a cool video.game...he got sent home this week.

Ouch, the poster child for what NOT to do huh....that's to bad they didn't take it seriously.

The sims exam I had to pass in PSD was just a lap around a test course to see how well you up shift, down shift & skip shift. Nothing major. To learn the course, I did what Turtle said & went when I had any free time. Helped me a ton since I didn’t have any shifting experience.