Category Archives: Truck Driving School Day-By-Day

The Completion Of CDL Training (After A Lot Of Stress!)

I completed my truck driver training last week and got my CDL. I also got hired by the two best companies that were recruiting from my school. Overall it went well but there were some really tough teachers to deal with and not everyone made it through. Continue reading

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More Boot Camp Stories From My Time In A Company-Sponsored CDL Training Program

Going through a company-sponsored CDL training program is no bed of roses. Here are some of my experiences and some challenges you can expect to face. Continue reading

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The Boot Camp Known As Company-Sponsored Training

Company-Sponsored CDL training is a lot like boot camp. Be prepared to have your self worth, your dignity, your brains, your ability and your patience tested. Once you sign those papers you are at their mercy. Boy could I have begged for mercy more times than I care to admit. Continue reading

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An Intro To Big Trucks And Truck Driving School Part III – The CDL Exam

After exploring the operation of a big rig and taking a drive, it’s time to take the CDL exam and wrap up this series with some thoughts about the process of getting your CDL. Continue reading

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Truck Driving School Part IV – Taking The CDL Exam

Finally, the time to take the road test arrived. We would go, in small groups, to the testing facility in Hartselle, Alabama over the next five days. I would test on the second day, and Alan would test on the fourth. Everyone was nervous, and most of us failed the first attempt. Continue reading

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Trucking School Part III – Boot Camp

Almost everyone is abysmal at 45° angle backing to start with, and I was no exception. However, I was not the only one having difficulty. Alan even resorted to mathematical solutions to crack this puzzle, but it didn’t seem to help either of us. But a couple of great instructors stepped in and helped get us going in the right direction. Continue reading

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Attending Truck Driving School Part II – First Day On The Yard

Alan and I were both nervous, yet excited about the new challenge before us. We’d be spending the first couple of days in the yard, learning straight-line backing and 45° angle backing. Here we go – my first attempt at backing up a truck. Continue reading

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Attending Truck Driving School Part I

Priceville, Alabama was where my trucking adventure began. A Super 8 motel room would be my home for the next three weeks while I attended CDL school. I did not know what to expect on the first day, but I met a wide range of personalities in the other students. It was incredible to see the diversity. Continue reading

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Randy’s Truck Driving School – Days 18 & 19

I have to admit there have been times, during the first 3 weeks of this experience, where I began to feel that the entire trucking industry might be orchestrated by a bunch of mad scientists conducting some kind of evil psychological experiment. And we (the students, drivers and their families) are their human guinea pigs. ;) Seriously though, it’s been a wild little ride so far, and I’m sure that will continue. Here’s more…… Continue reading

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Randy’s Truck Driving School – Days 16 & 17

Truck driver training usually involves a lot of pressure. The intensity of the experience is part of what made it so special for him. He quickly formed a very close bond with many of his fellow students, and they are a diverse bunch of characters whom he never would have come to know so well under other circumstances. Continue reading

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Randy’s Truck Driving School – Days 13, 14 & 15

Randy sounded a bit odd when I talked to him today. For the past several days, he has mentioned feeling trapped and restless, and anxious to begin training. I suspected it was just a reaction to all that he had been through, combined with elation from his success, which can be just as overwhelming as the constant anxiety and tension. Continue reading

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Randy’s Truck Driving School – Day 12

Wow, what a day. I stayed up all night to email some last-minute requested unemployment records and Randy called me from school today with the results of his driving test…. Continue reading

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Randy’s Truck Driving School – Day 11

I felt a little tense today, wondering if Randy passed his pre-trip test. He’s been doing so well up to this point that I hardly even feel nervous about his road test tomorrow, but students have been dropping out of school like crazy, so I’m still rather concerned. Continue reading

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Randy’s Truck Driving School – Day 10

A week and a half into training and the fast pace continues. They are out driving more, which is great, but the quizzes and the pressure of their CDL training remains a constant. Continue reading

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Randy’s Truck Driving School – Day 9

As hard as you think becoming a truck driver will be, it’s even harder. All the stress has made me lose 10 lbs since we started packing for school a few weeks ago. Continue reading

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