Comments By Rocket III Rider

Day 18

Today we did the driving pre-test. Having no problems watching traffic, mirrors up shifting or downshifting. The only thing the instructor said is that I am taking my turns to wide. So, I just need to dial that in; CDL test tomorrow.

Wed (Day 15)

Oooops missed a few days.

Today I did a “pre-test” test. The test consisted of the pre-trip, straight line backing, off-set backing and 90’ alley dock backing. I was assessed a totoal of 1 point for taking an extra pull-up on the 90. I’ll take it, things are coming together!! Test on Friday.

Sat (Day 12)

Saturdays are a short day. I conducted a pre-trip with one of the students in the class one week behind me.

After the pre-trip, we spent the remainder of the time working on alley docking. This is still my weak point but grtting better.

Fri (Day 11)

After the pre-trip inspection we went out for a drive. We came back just before lunch and then spent the remainder of the day working on our backing skills. Feel much more confident with the alley dock.

Thu (Day 10)

Today was a pretty simple day. We completed the pre-trip and spent the day working on our alley dock backing. I am now able to complete the entire pre-trip inspection to include the in-cab and brake test from memory.

The alley dock is coming along, still unsure of the proper decision to make when I the critical point in the maneuver to get the trailer in the hole. It will come though.

Will be testing for CDL on a week from tomorrow.

Wed (Day 9)

So, as usual the day started at 6:30 am at the terminal. Once the sun rose we pre-tripped the truck and spent the rest of the driving. The day ended at 5:30 pm.

Back at it tomorrow.

Day 8 (Tue) Arrived at the terminal at 6:30 am and studied my pre-trip. We watched a video on off-set backing, once that was complete we went and conducted a pre-trip on the truck and trailer.

After we finished the pre-trip went did a couple of straight line backs and then learned the off-set. That training took us to lunch, after lunch we learned the alley dock and practiced that the remainder of the day.

Tomorrow we will be on the road in the am and practice more backing in the afternoon.

Congratulations!

Day7 (Mon)

Today we arrived at the terminal and conducted our pre-trip inspections. When we completed those we learned straight line backing and practiced that until lunch. When we finished lunch we were back out on the road. The instructor took us to intersections where the corners were pretty tight but we managed to navigate them successfully without hitting anything.

I am really enjoying this training and I'm looking forward to the day when I am out on my own. Until then, I am going to learn as much as I possibly can through my trainers.

Day 6 (Sat) Today was a short day, it was only 7 - 11:30am. We were originally schedule to do straight line backing however we ended up discussing the proper execution of turns and attending a safety meeting.

Tomorrow we are off, back at it at 6:30am on Monday.