Comments By Retha M.

Well I finished school and got my CDL yesterday. Before going into this I did a lot of research and yes still chose Swift. It has been hard. For the record I am 56 yrs old came from the corporate world and just got tired of people. This school is fast paced. If you are not truly wanting it or think it's going to be easy don't go. We were on the range everyday in 115 degrees, some days it was pouring down rain. The instructors were great. But if you expect them to stand there and hold your hand not happening. I asked one why they stand and watch so much. His answer made sense he said when you get on the road you will have to figure things out at times so we should be able to figure out the backing after being shown. And they show you as many times as you need them to. Of the 34 that started my class 14 made it to testing 12 of us got our CDL. I enjoyed every minute of it and even the bad days. My trainers were great. My road trainer was new and awful but that has been handled. So I would recomend swift to anyone for training. But if you think all truck drivers do is drive you are wrong. So now I am going on to my mentor phase. And see how that goes. Good luck to everyone considering truck driving.

Thanks everyone for all the help. Passed my CDL today!! Jason thanks for the phone call.

Makes sense. How hard will that be to actually try it for the first time on my 3 rd test? I scored 32 points they are aware of the problem with the new instructor but that doesn't help me when I am in the actual testing part. So you think I can get some rhythm in my head to help me pass?

I have a serious problem. I'm at swift in Memphis. Have tested twice and failed the road. They are aware I had a new road instructor who told us to float. I take my 3rd test Monday at 1. They tried to get me in a truck Friday but we're short instructors, and they are aware what happened. Downshifting is my problem. Any suggestions. Thinking of stealing a truck tomorrow to practice tomorrow!! Anyone in the area feel like doing any charity work!??

I started only my first few days and was planning on posting everyday. But it is very fast paced so class, shower study, and sleep! Overall it has been very intense! But am enjoying myself. Swift has changed where they house us. We are in a brand new motel in Horn Lake. First few days were paperwork drug test. We lost 7 those first days. Then straight line back. If you do not pass you go home. We lost 3. Then the in cab pre trip. All this in one week! Week two offset parking and alley dock. We just completed those today. We started with 34 we are down to 19. Next week rode test. Errol would you like to park your truck in our huge parking lot at the hotel this weekend and let us use it to study pre- trip? We have truck parking here and are hoping someone will let us walk around it and study it. So if anyone is in this area this weekend feel free to park here. Thanks to all of you for this great sight it has helped me get this far.

So another day of paperwork weeding people out. Signed contracts learned log books. Tomorrow we go to the range to learn straight backing, or should I say this morning! Days are long but so far so good. Nervous but have learned a lot from you guys. Thanks again.

So the first day at Swift training in Memphis was long. Paperwork, drug testing, some book work to keep us busy. It's very important to check your paperwork before coming. Only 1 guy got sent home for paperwork issues. Four others for refusing the drug test! Figure that out! Even if during your physical at home drug tested you I promise everyone will take a drug test that first day. Not sure why anyone would be that dumb but at least they won't be on the roads. And they came from far away. We are suppose to be signing contracts in the morning and start the map and HOS part. Wednesday we go on the range. I was surprised there are four women including myself. Will keep y'all posted. Thank all of you for this site. I have shared it with my classmates.

So I start training Monday and a little confused on a few things. Background checks, from reading here they have their info within the first few days. Every job I have had has this process and it took a few weeks. Next how much money do you need to bring? For school and with your mentor? The school gave an amount for school. But when you are on a the road are you paying for things other then food that I need to know about? And since I'm female will I be waiting a long time for a trainer? I don't care who it is male or female as long as they teach me what I need to know. And anything questionable I have you guys to help. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

I just got my permit last week and am starting school Monday. The general knowledge was 50 questions. It wasn't hard for me. I used the training material here and my states manual. And yes you study the sections it says. Once I could answer all the practice questions correctly on here and in the book I tested. You also have to do air brake and combination test for your class A. I never read the book on those and only used this sight. 20 questions each. Not hard. During testing if you get stuck on a question you can skip it and may answer enough correct you never make it back to that one. Hope this helped and good luck.

Since I am reading a lot trying to get prepared for my new career I wanted to say this. I appreciate everyone's comments. I start swift training on the 25th. I was raised by a truck driver and I remember hearing about what a great brotherhood it was. Everyone looking out for each other. It doesn't appear to be that way anymore. I read drivers bashing drivers not here but everywhere else. And I wonder why instead of bashing them some of the others don't try to help them. I come to this sight everyday because I feel that positive breeds positive and everyone here is trying to help. I am scared to death of the training but feel I won't be going through it alone. I have you guys. So what happened over the years to cause such a mess?