Comments By Kolibri

Day Nine

Morning Session was backing review, Smith System, driver fatigue, and pretrip. Lunch was fried chicken, potato salad, and dinner roll. Afternoon session was driving in the world. The truck we got needed fuel, so our trainer drove us to a local truck stop and showed us how things worked. It seems drivers are given a debit card which accesses two accounts - our individual payroll account, and a company account for fuel and other expenses. Tip of the day: Shutting off the driver-side pump shuts off the passenger side as well, so make sure to fill the passenger side first.

Learning to properly shift is a challenge for me. All the rest is coming very easily. • Pre-trip - Memorize 4 “parrot phrases”. Identify component, and recite the appropriate phrase. • Air brake (part of pre-trip inspection) - Memorize 6 steps. Recite the step, perform the action. • Smith System - Memorize 5 key concepts and two captions for each. I am internalizing this as well. It is a very good thing, my potential employer likes it, and so I embrace it. • Backing - I have a good handle on this • Road test - My weaknesses include: coordination of clutch and shift lever, keeping track of what gear I am in at any given time, and downshifting.

Day Eight

Morning session classroom lessons were backing, smith system, driving in adverse conditions, and trance busters.

Lunch was the same as Thursday’s mammoth sub sandwich and choice of chips.

Afternoon session was either on the road or on the range. My group of four was on the range. First we reviewed pre-trip inspection, and then each of us performed all three backing maneuvers with liberal instruction and coaching from the instructor. I went first this round. Straight line backing was a breeze. Then blind-side offset. I did it easily by following the instructor’s directions, but had little real understanding of how my actions were affecting the vehicle’s position. I just did exactly as I was told, and paid attention to how the vehicle responded to my control inputs. Similarly for the 90° alley dock. After completing my turn, we three remaining observed from the tarmac, discussing what the current driver was doing/not doing/should be doing to complete each task. Surprisingly, this was equally as educational as doing the task myself. In order that everyone get another turn, we selected one of the three maneuvers to perform with instruction only to help us out of a tough spot. I selected the 90, and I am very pleased with my performance. I wasn’t perfectly straight, but I was inside the lines, and the DOT bumper was in the box. I would have passed if it were test day. I think we four would all pass were we to be tested right now. It would not be the prettiest to watch, and we would certainly accrue a few points along the way (this test is like golf - lowest score wins), but I believe we could pass, even if by a somewhat narrow margin. We are improving with every session behind the wheel (our own as well as our fellows) and should have this thing licked by test day.

Class begins at 0800 all week, and it’s time for me to put in some study time.

Day Seven

Class convened at 1245, but met with a classmate at 0900 to study with. We studied, had chicken and potato salad for lunch, and convened for class.

We were divided into three groups to rotate through each of three learning stations: pre-trip, driving, and classroom. My group started on the range first. We were 3 students in the truck with one instructor. Straight-line backing is so easy it hardly deserves to be considered a ‘skill’. Shifting: I am new to double-clutching, but sure to pick this up with a bit of practice. Downshifting will take more practice, especially when going from 6th to 5th. I’ll get it.

Before the pre-trip lesson, we did the (one time only) agility test. The proper methods were demonstrated, and we each boarded and exited the tractor cab, “duck-walked” beneath the trailer, then entered and exited the trailer. Our instructor for pre-trip is also a DMV examiner, and so he is telling us what he is looking for.

Next, it was back to the classroom for Smith System lesson. Smith System is a defensive driving course, and I am finding it quite good. Class at 0800 tomorrow. I can hardly wait to get to drive on the road :)

Day Six

Began at 0745 with more administrative paperwork and spent the rest of the day lectures on pre-trip, safety, three-point entry/exit, shifting, and backing. We get behind the wheel tomorrow  Lunch was hot dogs and choice of chips.

Day Five Lunch was fried filet of chicken sandwich and choice of chips. Class started with about 60-65 people. After medical exams, there were over 50. Now, with the combined effects of: 1. Failed drug screens, and 2. People to attend next week’s permit class again for another try at the test, we are 35. We convened today at 1400 to enroll at NADTA. We were assigned and had no choice in the matter. We were given a welcome/what to expect/encouragement lecture and will meet next tomorrow at 0700 at the school building/range about ½ mile up the road for classroom work. My recruiter told me to expect a 70% pass rate, and this was re-iterated during today’s lecture, with the note that very few of the 30% leave for academic reasons, but rather of their own volition for any of a number of reasons. We were encouraged not to give up and to stick it out to completion. They really are committed to passing everyone, to wit: -My roomie is being given extra truck time in the evenings to practice for his backing test -One of my classmates was given an advance for prescription eyewear to pass the vision requirements -Instructors stay late after hours, off-the-clock to assist students Barring disaster or the Second Coming, I am virtually guaranteed to pass.

Day Four - Continued

Lunch today was a slice of a mammoth submarine sandwich. It was that heavy bread, and had at least a third of a pound of cold cuts. With usual choice of chips, this was the most satisfying meal yet, even if it wasn't a "hot" meal, it was very good. That they have different things every day is a very good thing.

Day Four - A Little Break

Since I passed yesterday, all I had to do today was sign in at 0900 and take the day off while others sat for their second attempts at the exam. I report tomorrow at 1400 to enroll in driver training school. As far as NADTA vs.Waterloo, I'd as soon stay as go. Here, I'm in a first floor room, and settled in, there I will have to pack, chance of an upstairs room to haul my junk, but there will likely be wi-fi in a hotel room as opposed to a dorm room with wi-fi only in the common area. For me, it's a toss-up. I think I'll try for Waterloo, but wont be disappointed if not selected to go.

The BANANAS!!! I almost forgot the BANANAS!!!

Day Three - Iowa State CDL “A” Learner’s Permit Test

Hat trick - passed all three on the first attempt. I signed up for the first testing session, so I’m now free until 0900 tomorrow - WOOT!

Nachos for lunch today consisted of round corn chips with beef, liquid yellow cheese, and choice of other toppings - jalapeños, lettuce, pico de gallo, salsa, and sour cream.

Impressions so far:

Accommodations - very adequate, 3 to a room, much like a college dormitory. It’s not the Waldorf Astoria, but it’s not tents and campfires, either.

Food - As described in the website, 2 meals provided each Monday through Friday, adequate and varied enough to not be too monotonous. Food and coffee are provided, but you buy your own beverages otherwise. Industrial refrigerators and freezers are provided in the common area. Refrigerators and freezers are cleaned out weekly. No eating in the rooms, but storage of non-perishables in the rooms is permitted. My solution is simply to not buy perishable food. There are restaurants nearby, and as well, we may order delivery to be eaten in the common area.

Academics - also very adequate - I could have passed the test even if I had not studied the ‘High Road’ program. As well, having studied the ‘High Road’, I could have passed the test even without the classroom time.

Overall - Everything is exactly as described on the website or as my recruiter said it would be.

The weather here has been beautiful since I arrived. Roomie in his third week said it has rained since he arrived, but only at night. Fingers crossed for three more weeks of the same. I think I picked the perfect time of year to attend. I would hate to have to be here for a wintertime class, or during spring rains!

Day Two

Convened at 0800, and spent the morning session with lectures on the Combination Vehicles and Air Brakes test modules. Lunch was a hot dog, potato salad, chips/fritos/cheetos. Afternoon session was spent with more General Knowledge lecture and we signed up for exam slots. Mine is the 0900 session. Class convenes at 0730. Tomorrow’s test is the CDL “A” Learner’s Permit Written Exam, and consists of three parts: General Knowledge, Air Brakes, and Combination Vehicles. This works much like the ones for automobiles - permitting me to operate a vehicle but only with a fully licensed trainer in the front passenger seat. I am ready.