My CDL Training Experience

Hello, my name is Chris, out you can call me CJ or Warlock. You can get details about me in my profile as I really don't like to have to type it all again on my phone and just don't have time.

I'm currently in school right now in Indianapolis, IN to obtain my Class A CDL. I'm almost done with my first week. Tomorrow is basically retaking any failed tests and starting to learn about Pre-Trip and I will get to that here in a few. As of right now I only have to retake my Log Book test because I only got 82.5% and padding score is 85%. It's OK, at least i know where I messed up on and can learn from the mistake and do it right the next time.

Basically week 1 is like this: Mon: Orientation, paperwork, drug test, DOT physical, paperwork, orientation and lot of hurry up and wait. However, for those who (like myself) took their drug test, and got their permit, are already a step ahead of the game and the only thing you have to worry about is a drug test, or what I like to call it, a **** in the cup test. Then if they were within schedule, class would have started with a few modules and take a few tests (General Knowledge, Air Brakes, and Combination) that us permit already holders have would or may skip out on, but also has the choice to stick around and learn but wouldn't need to take the tests. However, since we were falling a bit behind schedule on Monday, they were only able to get through the General Knowledge part.

Tues: Pretty much a rundown on what to expect to learn throughout the school program - General Knowledge, Air Brakes, Combination, Log Book, Map/Atlas reading, Entry-Level, On Range, On Road, etc. (Keep in mind different schools vary.) Started learning about Air Brakes, Combination, a hint of pretrip and a couple of other things. Had homework. So be prepared, it ain't too bad.

Wed: Bad weather hit, so our pretrip day was delayed to Friday. So basically it was a rundown on map/Atlas reading, pretrip video, DOT regulations, a hint of Logbook , and a few tests, no brainier.

Thurs: Studied the Logbook and took a couple of tests. Studied pretrip (pretrip here is the main focus), practiced on our own of pretrip out on the range with a truck that wasn't in use. Of course we weren't allowed to actually start the vehicle, so we just pretended to start it and kinda do a rundown on the checkpoints of what to look for.

Fri: Would be a retest in the morning for those who failed their test(s). ((Notice how I put an (s) there? There's people that have failed more than one test.)) After doing that, we would (weather permitting - please don't let it rain, please don't let it rain....) we would all go out to the range with our instructor and get on practicing for the pretrip.

Weeks 2&3 are out on the range and road, mainly focusing on pretrip, backing, shifting, parking, driving on the road, etc.

Well, today, of all the tests I took, I only failed one portion this week. Like I said earlier, it was Log Book. It was a little tricky at first, but I couldn't really focus as I had a couple of students pestering and asking questions about the logbook and here I am trying to mind my own damn business and get this test done.. well instead of flipping the bird out of the tree, I have the kind of mentality that likes to help people. So, when I did that, I screwed myself over and missed a few. No big deal, I'll be sure to pass it tomorrow!

The lesson is this.. Take your time with your testing. There is absolutely no reason to rush through it. Read the questions carefully and thoroughly and answer the best to your knowledge. Even though someone asks for help, sure go ahead n help if you want, but always double check, even triple check your answers to make sure you feel comfortable turning it in. Thats just my two cents, take it or leave it.

My next recommendation to those who are considering getting into the trucking industry and go to school. Before you do decide to jump the ship and climb on board to the next, study the manual on this website. Take the High Road on here and study, study, and study. When you take the practice tests and feel like you're ready to get your permit, go get it! When you take your permit test... Take your time! If you think you know the answer and not sure, go with your gut! If you're thinking of changing the answer, DON'T! Chances are you're more than likely to succeed than you are to fail. If you happen to fail, then you really weren't ready and you need to study some more.

When you get into class, just keep in mind it is a fast paced process and they want to graduate you and kick you out in 3 weeks if both parties can. But, if the student is having a hard time passing or getting pretrip or backing or road tests, they can give you more time, but depending on the school, they can allot up to 5 weeks, some may be less or more. But study hard and pay attention and listen to your instructor! Positive attitude is a key to success.

This is my favorite quote of all time and I will pass it on to you.

"Success doesn't come to find you. You have to go out and get it." - Unknown

Take it easy guys and gals. I'll update later on! Until then, I gotta get me some noodles, study, and listen to my recording of the pretrip items.

Goodnight

What company are you training with?

What company are you training with?

The school is C1.

I like that quote Warlock. It's just so true, right?

I like that quote Warlock. It's just so true, right?

Yes sir, Buckeye. I'm just now in my 3rd week. Its been pretty slow week for 2nd week. Finally passed my pretrip 2nd try, in-cab and 4-point brake check 1st try on week 2. We had a 3 day weekend - most went home to relax, but I had the pleasure being cooped up in my hotel alone since I took the bus. Really didn't have much of a choice as my minivan lost brakes and got molested by the front porch. Oh well lol.

Today I got the opportunity to get behind the wheel of the rig and took it out on the road to get the feel of how it handles and how to double clutch and up/downshift. I believe I did a pretty good job for first time driving a big rig. Since it was an older model rig, you know how the people love to torture the poor thing by messing with the shifter, so it felt a bit loose and it was kinda not so easy but not so difficult to find the gears. But all in all, I'm having a good experience here.

Heres my tip: Just remember, you and only you can control your motivation, actions, and attitude. If you go to school with no motivation and act like you don't care and you're disrespectful to the instructors, it ain't going to end too well. Most likely you will be shipped to wherever you came from and its over.

However, if you're the opposite (which I sure hope so, otherwise you're wasting your and their time) and you come to school all motivated and ready to learn, you study hard and pass your written tests and all going good, and you're respectful and upbeat with your instructors - hats off to you! The key to success is to work hard and great things can and will be achieved. Listen to your instructors. If you do that, they might not yell and freak out as much. Proven fact. Study hard, practice a lot. Getting through the school program and getting your license is only just the beginning. The true starting point is just on the other side of the fence of beginning your career as a truck driver.

You can not and will never claim that title of being a real truck driver if you can't jump over those obstacles in your schooling. Whatever you do, no matter how long its taking or how frustrating it gets, do not ever give up on yourself. Keep pushing forward and keep holding on and you will be able to cross that fence with a license in your hand and a truck you can drive to the bright future ahead of you with new memorable events to write in your book - best of all, you will have the title as a real truck driver.

Catch up later on, gonna catch some z's.

I apologize, I'm not sure if you are sir or madam, but I wanted to correct myself. Nevertheless, yes, that quote is very true.

In the past 3 days (since we had the 4th off), I have been behind the wheel of the rig and excelled on the road. Next up is backing maneuvers tomorrow.

I like that quote Warlock. It's just so true, right?

Yes sir, Buckeye. I'm just now in my 3rd week. Its been pretty slow week for 2nd week. Finally passed my pretrip 2nd try, in-cab and 4-point brake check 1st try on week 2. We had a 3 day weekend - most went home to relax, but I had the pleasure being cooped up in my hotel alone since I took the bus. Really didn't have much of a choice as my minivan lost brakes and got molested by the front porch. Oh well lol.

Today I got the opportunity to get behind the wheel of the rig and took it out on the road to get the feel of how it handles and how to double clutch and up/downshift. I believe I did a pretty good job for first time driving a big rig. Since it was an older model rig, you know how the people love to torture the poor thing by messing with the shifter, so it felt a bit loose and it was kinda not so easy but not so difficult to find the gears. But all in all, I'm having a good experience here.

Heres my tip: Just remember, you and only you can control your motivation, actions, and attitude. If you go to school with no motivation and act like you don't care and you're disrespectful to the instructors, it ain't going to end too well. Most likely you will be shipped to wherever you came from and its over.

However, if you're the opposite (which I sure hope so, otherwise you're wasting your and their time) and you come to school all motivated and ready to learn, you study hard and pass your written tests and all going good, and you're respectful and upbeat with your instructors - hats off to you! The key to success is to work hard and great things can and will be achieved. Listen to your instructors. If you do that, they might not yell and freak out as much. Proven fact. Study hard, practice a lot. Getting through the school program and getting your license is only just the beginning. The true starting point is just on the other side of the fence of beginning your career as a truck driver.

You can not and will never claim that title of being a real truck driver if you can't jump over those obstacles in your schooling. Whatever you do, no matter how long its taking or how frustrating it gets, do not ever give up on yourself. Keep pushing forward and keep holding on and you will be able to cross that fence with a license in your hand and a truck you can drive to the bright future ahead of you with new memorable events to write in your book - best of all, you will have the title as a real truck driver.

Catch up later on, gonna catch some z's.