Can You Get Kicked Out Of Swift's Academy?

Steve_B sent me a PM, but it's a topic worth its own post, so here it is. Steve's question, first, edited a tiny bit:

I am recently retired (December 31, 2015), but I've been on the fence about Swift since November 2015. The reason for sitting on the fence for so long is that I've been wondering: If I fail at Swift's Driving Academy in Richmond, Virginia, I'll be indebted to Swift with no recourse, save the second and third chances it provides at a cost to its students. Even though I pulled flatbed and reefers in the 1980s, I've been out of trucking so long that I now believe I need to learn all over again. That time will come, soon.

Maybe I'll see you out on the road someday...

Until then and always, stay safe!

First, Steve, have you ridden a bicycle? The saying is "you never forget". For the driving part, after a bit of refresher, you just might test out quickly.

Yes, the rules have changed, but you can update yourself with the High Road Training Program.

I went through the Academy a year ago. They do give you the three chances:
#1. The first try.
#2. A week additional time to practice, then another shot. No extra charge for instruction or the hotel.
#3. If you're so sure, you pay $750, take another week, and test a third time. BTW, that $750 isn't lost, it goes toward your tuition anyway!

This goes for the backing portion, as well as the road eval. Since you had road experience, only it's old and dusty, you'll be up to speed in no time, and you'll get into orientation right away.

First, Steve, have you ridden a bicycle? The saying is "you never forget". For the driving part, after a bit of refresher, you just might test out quickly.

It's a coincidence that you mention riding a bicycle. A friend of mine who still drives has been giving me the same advice: Once I've done it, I won't forget how I did it :-) I don't know if I'll test out quickly, but I do hope I am good enough for my Trainer to keep comfortable enough to recommend that I do test out early.

Yes, the rules have changed, but you can update yourself with the High Road Training Program.

That's an excellent recommendation, and I appreciate it! I started the program a few months ago, and I'm up to 93 percent with nearly an equivalent score and four halts (I got stuck on question number 835, I think...) The High Road Program was enlightening, educational, and beneficial in all respects. So, for anyone reading this who may be "considering" the High Road Program, don't hesitate to take it.

This goes for the backing portion, as well as the road eval. Since you had road experience, only it's old and dusty, you'll be up to speed in no time, and you'll get into orientation right away.

I sure hope so, Errol. And, thanks for the information about the three tries at the Academy and for the encouragement.

Steve, I drive a school bus maybe 30 years ago for maybe less than a school year. Yes, manual 93 passenger big one. Learned double clutch then. Then there's a 30 year gap.

When I got into my training truck the trainer started taking me through the slooooww and steady way. But I tapped on the clutch and shifted up to 4th in no time. The instructor dropped his jaw. I was surprised, too, since it had been so long. You'll do the same.

Steve, I drive a school bus maybe 30 years ago for maybe less than a school year. Yes, manual 93 passenger big one. Learned double clutch then. Then there's a 30 year gap.

When I got into my training truck the trainer started taking me through the slooooww and steady way. But I tapped on the clutch and shifted up to 4th in no time. The instructor dropped his jaw. I was surprised, too, since it had been so long. You'll do the same.

I sure hope so. Thanks so much, Errol.

The second part that concerns me is remembering how much pressure to use on the brake pedal... I know it's not as much pressure as I would use on a vehicle with standard brakes, but I vaguely remember it being a bit more than I would use on a vehicle with power-assisted brakes. What I am confident about, though, is that it will all come back to me, soon.