Today was a pretty good day. We had nice weather but we didn't get in a lot of practice. Today we did our pre-trip inspection , took our air brake tests, and went over our trip logs and how to pre-plan a trip. We spent about four hours in the classroom going over commerical vehicle maps. We also had to plot a route including how much fuel we will use, how long it will take, the route, weigh stations, any toll roads, low bridges and any restrictions. We needed to take into account the amount of time we would want to drive to be legal and to get the load in on-time. We then watched a movie on pre-trip inspections and finished off by going out to the range.
Once we got out on the range we were shown a pre-trip inspection. At that time we had two CDL instructors, which was fine for the most part, but we had a large class. The instructors did a great job and I did learn a little. It was just hard to see and hear. We also did the air brake tests inside the cab.
The next day we had three CDL instructors. We started doing backups for a few hours. Then we went to lunch. I backed up the truck three times and did fine. All the cones stood in place. At that time we had 5 trucks going so it was pretty good. The instructors didn't really bother anyone after the first backup was done unless we had a problem. When you heard the whistle blow you knew someone was a little off. It was kinda nice because we had students keeping an eye out for each other and we'd get a CDL instuctor if needed.
After lunch, the students that did a few backups and didn't kill any cones were off to do offset parking. That was ok. We had a good instuctor that showed us a few tricks and walked with the truck the first time we did it. The best trick when backing up was to watch the convex mirror and when you see the landing gear on the trailer, stop and turn the other way until you see the other landing gear on the opposite side of the trailer, and then straighten it out in the hole.
At that point, the first attempt I did didn't need any pull ups, so it was good. But the second time I had to do a pull up. I guess I missed my mark on that one. I asked the instuctor what happened, and he said that if you are off on the landing gear by an inch or so the back of the trailer is off like 5 feet. So now I know how important hitting the marks is. You are allowed two pullups on the test, so I am glad I only needed one. Again, no dead cones.
The course is fast paced and I am very glad I pulled a boat on a trailer for a few years. It is the same kind of technique, just a larger vehicle. So here's a tip for all new students - if you can, try using a riding lawnmower with a trailer or a truck and a boat trailer and try to backup a trailer in tight areas. I think it may help. If possible, use your mirrors only and don't use the back window of your truck. There are no back windows in tractor trailers with sleepers on them.
Well, I'm outta here for now. Need to do some studying on my pre-trip inspection and post trip inspection.
Have a great day!
A pre-trip inspection is a thorough inspection of the truck completed before driving for the first time each day.
Federal and state laws require that drivers inspect their vehicles. Federal and state inspectors also may inspect your vehicles. If they judge a vehicle to be unsafe, they will put it “out of service” until it is repaired.
A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles:
by Peter Jr
Well I finally did it! After a whole year of thinking about it, I decided it was time for me to dive head-first into over-the-road truck driving!
by Adrian Nunenkamp
So finally I got into truck driving school and started the classroom phase. Some was fun, some was boring, but then we started the yard phase.
by rbradyjohnsen
Well, I spoke to Randy for nearly an hour last night about his first full day at truck driving school, and it was a 12-hour marathon starting at 7 am.
by rbradyjohnsen
The pace of CDL training at trucking school has started out very fast and it's been a tough adjustment in lifestyle for both my husband and myself.
by rbradyjohnsen
The fast pace of CDL training at truck driving school continues as students continue to drop out of the program due to health and background issues.
by rbradyjohnsen
Well, it's been one week since Randy left for CDL training, and what a week it's been. It went by fast for him, it felt more like a month to me.
by Rick Huffman
The beginning of my truck driving adventures started here with cdl school where I met an incredible variety of people looking to become truck drivers
by Brian Laine
We covered the operation of a big rig and took a drive, now I'll cover taking the CDL exam and share thoughts about the process of getting your CDL.
by Driver Solutions
CDL training is certainly not easy. Here's four main reasons why people tend to fail their training at truck driving school and how to prevent them.
by BlueHillsTrucker
Getting started with CDL training meant a ton of bookwork in the beginning, working outside in temps below zero, and busting up some drivetrains.
Click Anywhere To Close
Did you know you can fill out one quick form here on TruckingTruth and apply to several companies at once for paid CDL training? Seriously! The application only takes one minute. You will speak with recruiters today. There is no obligation whatsoever. Learn more and apply here:
TruckingTruth was founded by Brett Aquila (that's me!), a 15 year truck driving veteran, in January 2007. After 15 years on the road I wanted to help people understand the trucking industry and everything that came with the career and lifestyle of an over the road trucker. We'll help you make the right choices and prepare for a great start to your trucking career.
Becoming A Truck Driver is a dream we've all pondered at some point in our lives. We've all wondered if the adventure and challenges of life on the open road would suit us better than the ordinary day to day lives we've always known. At TruckingTruth we'll help you decide if trucking is right for you and help you get your career off to a great start.
TT On Facebook