Passed CDL Test...on To Orientation On Monday.
Topic 3380 | Page 1
Hey congrats Steve!
Yeah, it really doesn't matter where you get CDL training, the entire industry is setup to push everyone through as quickly as possible when it comes to getting your CDL initially. Then the training you'll get on the road will vary considerably from company to company. Some companies give you a week or two and then turn you loose. But most companies will give you a couple of months to get the hang of life on the road with a mentor before you go solo.
You should have plenty of time with Swift to learn quite a bit. The question is how good will your trainer be? Just ask a ton of questions. That's one of the most important things. Ask a ton of questions and learn from everything you do. Continuously ask yourself, "What would I have to do next if I was out here by myself?" That will really help clue you into the things you don't really understand very well.
CDL:
Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles:
- Any combination of vehicles with a gross combined weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 or more pounds, providing the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of the vehicle being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds.
- Any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds, or any such vehicle towing another not in excess of 10,000 pounds.
- Any vehicle, regardless of size, designed to transport 16 or more persons, including the driver.
- Any vehicle required by federal regulations to be placarded while transporting hazardous materials.
OOS:
When a violation by either a driver or company is confirmed, an out-of-service order removes either the driver or the vehicle from the roadway until the violation is corrected.
Thanks Brett, he will be sick of answering questions when I am done. I met an awesome mentor today but he picked up a student before I was going to be ready. In fact, the one he got switched because he couldn't get along with his current mentor. I have heard the horror stories out there. Swift allows me to get 50 hours in the 1st seat before we begin running as a team for the next 190 hours. Should take 4-6 weeks according to them.
Awesome! Now the easy hard part starts....
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Then the fun begins. Some may remember that I started Swift Driving Academy on 3/24. It has been the longest 3 1/2 weeks I can recall. They only teach you the backing maneuvers you need to know to pass the state test so being in Virginia, I learned very little as we have not gone to the standardized test yet. My poor Mentor will have his hands full. Hope he has plenty of patience. At least my shifting has vastly improved since you guys gave me good suggestions.
Thanks to all for your help and encouragement during this stressful time. I expect to have many more trying times over the upcoming months and I will turn to you professionals for advice.