CDL Training Vs Reality

Let me preface this story with the fact that I have never been behind the wheel of a big truck before starting this training. I recently graduated from CCC&TI CDL training course here in North Carolina. I passed the CDL test first time through and felt like the training I had received properly prepared me for accomplishing this. I then applied for a driving job at MDI in Hickory, NC and was accepted. Hooray! However, when I took my road test I was rudely awakened. I quickly learned backing up a big truck between other trucks and trailers is A LOT different than backing up between cones! Needless to say the road test evaluator was not impressed. I then spent the next couple weeks working as a spotter moving trailers around the yard. This helped immensely. I am now out driving with a trainer and learning every day I am on the road. While CDL training gives you a foundation, I believe you continue learning as you progress along your driving career.

Welcome to the forum David.

CDL School accomplishes two things:

Teaches the bare minimum necessary to pass the CDL tests.

Satisfies a minimum insurance requirement providing a 160 hour training certificate.

That’s basically it. I think assigning you as a spotter so you can practice backing, gain confidence is a great idea.

Good luck and be safe.