Celadon Driving Academy

Week 1

The first day was paperwork and learning about the upcoming program. Second day was learning pre-trip and what to look for. You will also take a drug screen and they'll run your background. (ADVICE: Don't lie and don't show up with dirty urine. THEY WILL FIND OUT. )

We spent the remaining time learning straight line backing and off set backing. You get to use the simulator to work on shifting and driving. They really cover the pre-trip. The video is played daily in clas and constantly on television.

Celadon provides housing and three meals a day. The food is ok and the housing is fine. The only issue is that not everyone has the same hygiene habits. The gym is very nice. They take you to Wal-Mart twice a week, Tuesday and Thursday, if you need supplies. You will have your own room if you stay at the Academy.

So far so good. The instructors are helpful and every question I had has been answered. There can be down time on the range, but you can use it to study and watch others.

Note: They do reimburse for DOT physicals and permits. You must have your receipts. If you pay your way here they will reimburse up to their cost of getting you here via Greyhound.

Hey hello, I start there this Monday. I am really looking forward to it. Good luck with your studies!

Abe

More. I need more.

Week 2

This is the week you get in the truck. You will learn straight line backing, off-set backing and parallel parking on the ranges. You'll also get time on the road driving. LISTEN TO THE INSTRUCTORS.

You'll drive in the morning and do the range in the afternoon or vice-versa. Also, keep studying the pre-trip and air brake check.

There are some positive students here and some negative ones too. Stay focused and remember why you're here. Some people were sent home for urinalysis and background results.

Week 3

This is the week when people stary to really separate themselves feom the others. More driving and range skills. They score you on a scale of 1-5. By this point you should be improving. If not, ASK QUESTIONS.

You'll should get to drive with each driving trainer. If not, thats fine. Just keep improving. They all have different styles, but the goal is the same.

The food is getting lame, but its free so eat it up. There are food establishments and churches in walking distance.

Recommendation 1) bring some spending money for laundry supplies, toiletries, and snacks 2) brings books and/or music w/headphones for down time 3) bring warm clothes. its getting cold 4) come ready to work

Hey hello, I start there this Monday. I am really looking forward to it. Good luck with your studies!

Abe

Good luck!!!

More. I need more.

Sorry. Just updated........

Its exciting to hear from you. You sound exhausted. You can do this. Im rooting for you. Hows your clutch leg? I know you can still smile. One day at a time.

Week 4

This week is spent doing more skills training and driving. The staff is gauging who is ready to test. Some are and some aren't. I've met some people that have been here for almost 8 weeks.

If you're ready for testing they'll move you to a separate range to practice. You'll also drive on the routes used by the test site. You'll have 72 hours to prepare for your test. Now is the time to focus.

Also, there is greater focus on pre-trip. You've also have to preform In-Cab inspection and tug test. Those are fairly easy to learn. I'll post when I pass my exam.

Thoughts / Insight :

CDA is really trying to get people to pass the exam. The problem is a lot of people don't take it serious. There area many that make me wondwer why they are here. This course should be taken seriously.

The living arrangements are OK, but I'm tired of being here. If you come be prepared to deal with people from many backgrounds, diversity, and living habits. Some just forgot their home training. The maintenance staff does the best they can to keep the facility clean.

Unfortunately people here need extra money. Many have resorted to donating plasma at a donation center down the street. You WILL need at least $200 while you're here. If possible, save some money before you come.

Good luck to anyone who decides to attend CDA. Take advantage of the instructors and ask questions. All seem eager to help students.

Its exciting to hear from you. You sound exhausted. You can do this. Im rooting for you. Hows your clutch leg? I know you can still smile. One day at a time.

Taking things one day at a time. My leg is fine. Just anxious to take my exam. There are some good people here. We keep each other encouraged and entertained.

Get out here and get your CDL!!!!