CDL Training Concern...

Hello. I am currently in a accredited state college CDL School (both training and state testing provided in the same building). The class consists of two instructors (one full time and one part time) and 5 students. 3 of which are experienced semi truck drivers who have driven sticks. Me (who has never driven sticks or semis) and another gentleman whose in the same shoes. The course is 4 weeks long. We covered pre-trip the first week, passed the pre-trip state test. The rest of the 3 weeks we focus on basic skills and road skills. My concern is this...

The main instructor only works with the experienced drivers. They're the ones getting the teacher attention and are taken on the road. We are on the last week of school this Monday. 5 days to prepare for testing. Me and the other inexperienced driver haven't gotten any road time or teacher time. I basically been practicing the basic skills by myself or from help by the experienced students who give me advice that contradicts one another. The part time instructor took me and the other guy out on the road yesterday for the first time. The part time instructor told me on the downlow that the main instructor isn't planning on training me or the other guy because he doesn't want to train people who can't shift or drive semis. I'm confused because I am partially deaf and I thought I was joining the school to learn this stuff? I was told before I paid my 5 grand that I would be taught. The part time teacher is going to help me as much as he can, but I've got 5 days to learn how to shift and get practice before I'm scheduled for state road testing... I don't know what to do. I am extremely frustrated and I've sacrificed so much to get on board. I feel if I confront the instructor it'll make things worse, but if I let it slide I'll fail my test. I can't pass without his help and me and the other guy are no where near ready.

I need advice...

I am not one to give advice because I haven't been in the same boat yet. I do say if you are not okay with just tossing away 5 grand I would be saying something, it may just show him your serious about getting your CDL and he will start working with you more. I personally would say something, if it gets worse hes already not teaching you anything so you will not be risking anything and after you say something and nothing changes go above his head! 5 grand however is not easy to come by when you are actually looking to go into a new field.

Hello. I am currently in a accredited state college CDL School (both training and state testing provided in the same building). The class consists of two instructors (one full time and one part time) and 5 students. 3 of which are experienced semi truck drivers who have driven sticks. Me (who has never driven sticks or semis) and another gentleman whose in the same shoes. The course is 4 weeks long. We covered pre-trip the first week, passed the pre-trip state test. The rest of the 3 weeks we focus on basic skills and road skills. My concern is this...

The main instructor only works with the experienced drivers. They're the ones getting the teacher attention and are taken on the road. We are on the last week of school this Monday. 5 days to prepare for testing. Me and the other inexperienced driver haven't gotten any road time or teacher time. I basically been practicing the basic skills by myself or from help by the experienced students who give me advice that contradicts one another. The part time instructor took me and the other guy out on the road yesterday for the first time. The part time instructor told me on the downlow that the main instructor isn't planning on training me or the other guy because he doesn't want to train people who can't shift or drive semis. I'm confused because I am partially deaf and I thought I was joining the school to learn this stuff? I was told before I paid my 5 grand that I would be taught. The part time teacher is going to help me as much as he can, but I've got 5 days to learn how to shift and get practice before I'm scheduled for state road testing... I don't know what to do. I am extremely frustrated and I've sacrificed so much to get on board. I feel if I confront the instructor it'll make things worse, but if I let it slide I'll fail my test. I can't pass without his help and me and the other guy are no where near ready.

I need advice...

Hello. I am currently in a accredited state college CDL School (both training and state testing provided in the same building). The class consists of two instructors (one full time and one part time) and 5 students. 3 of which are experienced semi truck drivers who have driven sticks. Me (who has never driven sticks or semis) and another gentleman whose in the same shoes. The course is 4 weeks long. We covered pre-trip the first week, passed the pre-trip state test. The rest of the 3 weeks we focus on basic skills and road skills. My concern is this...

The main instructor only works with the experienced drivers. They're the ones getting the teacher attention and are taken on the road. We are on the last week of school this Monday. 5 days to prepare for testing. Me and the other inexperienced driver haven't gotten any road time or teacher time. I basically been practicing the basic skills by myself or from help by the experienced students who give me advice that contradicts one another. The part time instructor took me and the other guy out on the road yesterday for the first time. The part time instructor told me on the downlow that the main instructor isn't planning on training me or the other guy because he doesn't want to train people who can't shift or drive semis. I'm confused because I am partially deaf and I thought I was joining the school to learn this stuff? I was told before I paid my 5 grand that I would be taught. The part time teacher is going to help me as much as he can, but I've got 5 days to learn how to shift and get practice before I'm scheduled for state road testing... I don't know what to do. I am extremely frustrated and I've sacrificed so much to get on board. I feel if I confront the instructor it'll make things worse, but if I let it slide I'll fail my test. I can't pass without his help and me and the other guy are no where near ready.

I need advice...

I have been lurking on here for over a year as this IS the best truck driving forum.And once again a big thank you to those that spend time out of their busy days to respond.

As soon as I seen that you are at a college(community college??) and are having an issue with the class I wanted to say something more like advice since I was in your shoes last year while attending school for automotive. You NEED to talk to a counselor any counselor and tell him/her the issues you are having NOW and not after the fact as the counselor that contacts you back will say it is too late if you wait too long.I had an issue with supplies that the school provided as well with some of the teachings.I complained right away and was given extra time to complete classes and had all other issues resolved.

This was three weeks into a fall semester and the counselor stated that if I waited another week,a month,that my complaints would be hearsay.And no matter how you are paying for this class you need to get your monies worth.I know colleges differ here and there but are pretty close in how they handle issues.And all I have seen so far do not accept the Pell Grants for CDL unless you apply for them at a one stop or pay cash.I was told the credits/units are too low to qualify.

Go in and talk to someone ASAP.Do NOT confront the instructor.Best of luck.

P.S. I ended up getting into automotive and have been accepted into a diesel program that works on tractors(Big Rigs).I was looking at becoming a truck driver and that is how I found this forum.

Another great example of why we highly recommend Paid CDL Training Programs. If you had gone that route you would still have $5000.00 in your pocket and the company would be working with you, their investment. You need to speak up for yourself and make sure you get the help you need before you test. Remember you paid them, they work for you. Good luck.