Comments By Matt S.

I found that placing one hand at 12 o'clock and only using small 1/4 turns to make your corrections makes for the easiest straight-line backs.

Thank you for the tip. I think you helped me realize I was maybe over steering.

Larry B.,

You're the same guy who told me that I have no integrity a few days ago. All about a situation that you've never been in but somehow you know all about what to do even though you haven't turned a single mile.

I'm going to post in this thread once and then I'm out, nothing good can come of it and I can't believe it takes three experienced drivers to tell you something without you blowing it off. Go ahead and rule Brett out, after all, he hasn't been in a driving school in many years right?

Alright, so maybe I can shed some light on this considering I went through what the poster went through. I went to a school, I drove on an ancient 1992 Freightliner with about 1.4 million miles on it. I also did my training in the winter time. That trucks transmission was worn, the heater didn't work, and there was 4" of mud on the ground. And guess what? This was a multi-million dollar company running this school. If they can't afford to put us in a brand new truck then how do you expect an independent private school to?

And why do you even deserve the best of the best? You're just someone coming in trying out for trucking. Just because you can fork over 5 grand doesn't mean you'll survive this job. Fact, my class started with 10 and ended with only 2 graduating. So why have great trucks for students when the typical student doesn't even graduate? Your 5 grand means nothing compared to the cost of a decent truck, not to mention the fuel costs that the student racks up driving it as well as all the damage to the transmission that each student causes with their grinding.

If people would stop being customers to these "low budget trucking schools" then they would close down. The last thing they'll do is buy new equipment for their students to destroy within a week.

So lets get back to my experiences.

I never complained about having to drive that 1992 Freightliner. In fact, I fell in love with it. I complained only about one instructor and that was to my wife because this particular instructor just wasn't a good teacher (not all of them are). The transmission sucked but I dealt with it and I bought myself boots for the mud. A successful future driver doesn't complain, they make it happen.

In that school I learned on three different trucks. When I went to take my test I did it in a completely different transmission and truck. I still passed. Why? Because I got to studying instead of going online complaining.

You're right about being a paying customer, but you're forgetting that there's a million grey areas in trucking.

We can't really explain it to you any better. You just have to figure it out on your own when you get out here. But judging from your previous posts, I think you have it figured out better than anyone of us do.

As for OS, respectively, get off his ass. The man makes one "bad" post in 2,000 posts and you raise your pitchforks like you did with me.

Anyways, good luck out there.

Daniel thanks for still talking to me even though you are still mad. I don't have anything figured out. You guys are the experts out there on the road not me. If you re read this thread maybe you will see I was just standing up for someone I felt was unjustly attacked because he gave an honest review of his experience. Just facts. He probably felt the same way you did when you thought I questioned your integrity. Think about that for a second. And it looks like we ran him off so all this is a mute point anyway. He came here trying to help and look what we did. Oh well, he never would have made it out there anyway right?

We don't really know if Jason's review of his experience is accurate or objective. Larry, it's good of you to give him the benefit of the doubt but people who get upset tend to lash out in hyperbole and exaggeration. Sometimes in the heat of the moment, we forget the role that we play in our own upset. I know, I've been there myself. But sometimes even if you feel you've been mistreated, it still helps to be polite, conciliatory, and respectful. You never know, this Mrs. T might actually be a decent person having a bad day or going through a rough time.

While in company paid school, I got yelled at but rather than getting my hackles up, I simply listened. We have the power to control our own reactions to a situation. Sure, I still failed out but they worked with me as much as they could, above and beyond. The instructors even suggested going to a private school because they felt I was close to getting the straight line backup, I just needed a slower paced learning environment. Attitude is key! So, since I was able to maintain composure and professionalism, I got positive support and am now going to attend the school that one instructor recommended.

Today I was unable to pass the straight line backing exam so I will be headed home tomorrow morning. I came very, very close so I'm anything but upset. In fact, I feel positive and motivated. I've learned that I am academically very strong but need a little more hand holding when it comes to the range. In light of this and at the advice of the very competent instructors, I will be seeking private schooling. One of the instructors even mentioned that C.R. England's schooling environment may be better suited for folks like me that need extra help. This much said, I had one helluva fun time sitting up in that big rig and I have so much respect for truck drivers: you are the consumate professionals! On Monday, I will be going for private schooling as soon as is possible.

Today started out tough! Never in my life had I imagined the difficulty of straight line backing. I'll get some more time to train this afternoon and then two attempts to pass. It's difficult for me to know which way and how much to turn the wheel. I was either under or over steering.

I'm still hopeful that this will click in time to pass on either the first or second attempt. I want to slow down, adjust my mirrors, and relax. Also I want to hold the steering wheel at 9 and 3 as my instructor suggested.

No matter how this afternoon plays out, I won't quit. If I have to buy an additional week of training, I'm prepared to do so. I'm discouraged but not down and out!

Thanks Matt. I will. One thing I've finally learned in life is "If it's worth doing, it's worth doing right."

I don't look forward to a 20 hour bus ride to Springfield, but I'm looking forward to a new career.

:)

Yeah, the grey dawg ain't no fun nohow! But, like you said, it's a beginning to a new chapter! :-)

Happy Thanksgiving from Richmond, VA. May everyone be happy and healthy! May all truckers and students have many future successes

Tomorrow is going to be a rather critical day at the Swift Academy at Richmond: one of these make or break days that could be the great eliminator. It will be day 1 on the range with a straightline backing exam. I'm a bit nervous about this as the largest thing I really ever drove was a 24 ft. box truck and let's just say I didn't even drive it long enough to get any experience that matters. It will be just time to be a sponge and soak in as much information as possible and ask questions when unclear. According to our classroom instructor, we will be broken up into three groups according to our driving experience. I think I'll just go with the absolute beginner group as I want to make no assumptions about my ability. I'd rather the training be a little bit elementary than be completely out of my league. The old adage applies that you can learn something from anyone applies. Please wish me luck ... I want this very badly!

Russ, sorry I had forgotten about this old thread. Started a new one for Nov. 24th.

Hi Mark! All the best man!

Well, I've passed my Colorado State CDL permit test and added a few endorsements. I've been accepted on at Prime and start my schooling/training Dec. 1st. The process to get through all the background checks etc. wasn't too tedious and the recruiter I've been working with was helpful, thorough and professional.

Hopefully I'll get a good trainer and our personalities mesh. I'll keep an update date going thru the smart phone.

Wish me luck!

Excellent man! Dec. 1st is right around the corner and you should be good to go. Keep positive and keep working hard! The only easy day was yesterday ;-)