Profile For David R.

Last Tuesday I took my CDL exam. Pre-trip was 100%, backing I lost 11 points (out of 13, whew!), and driving I lost 8 points (out of 45); 4 points for grinding gears, 2 points for not completing my traffic checks, and 2 points for wide turns. WIDE TURNS?! Yep. You have to be within so many feet (?) of the inside curb. Well, it's better than hitting a curb which is an automatic failure. The whole exam took about 1.5 hrs. with the 1) pre-trip, 2) three backing styles, and 3) the road trip/exam.

First I had to do a pre-trip on the coupling area, the trailer, and the in-cab. It's just luck of the draw which parts you'll be asked to explain. There was also the light checks and the air break checks. Two big things to remember with the air brake checks: 1) Make sure your ignition is ON before you do your warning light and buzzer test, and 2) Make sure the tractor and trailer breaks are pushed in and the tractor is in gear. You also need to do a tug test just before you pull out. Testing the trailer breaks with a slight tug (with the tractor breaks pushed in), then the tractor breaks the same way (with the trailer breaks pushed in). Last thing is the service break test which is just letting out the clutch (tractor and trailer breaks released) then after you start to roll, push in the clutch and gently apply the service brakes (foot pedel). Anyway, I passed! I give a lot of thanks to the instructors at Fox Valley Tech College for their instruction and sharing their experience with us. I also give much credit to Trucking Truth and how this site prepared me for much of my training and the CDL exam itself.

I've just got tomorrow to finish then I'm off to Schneider for about 3 weeks of getting "Schneiderized". Actually, my instructor is getting me there now, he was an instructor for Schneider before going to Fox Valley so I'm getting some "pre Schneiderization".

I'm excited, pleased, and a CDL holder! I'll start a new blog with the training at Schneider.

Well it's hump day of week 2 and it just keeps getting better. Today we spent all day on Fox Valley's skid pad learning defensive driving and the benefits of ABS (Anti-lock Brake System) on the truck and cars. We took our freightliners and internationals, with and without trailers, through snow/ice covered areas, slamming on our breaks without and with ABS on. Wow, what an eye opener. Just seeing how far the tractor/trailer traveled after applying the breaks at just 25 mph was almost scary.

Many of us have a couple of bad thoughts in our heads; 1) "I'm a good driver and can handle any emergency situation", and 2) "That won't happen to me". But we need to think about the other drivers who are not good drivers and there's a lot we really don't know. We also need to consider the unexpected. This class taught me that no matter how good I think I am, there's always something that can go wrong. So I need to give myself the biggest edge possible when driving and that's to be as safe as I can. Speed, fatigue, distractions, and vehicle inspections are just a few things I need to be VERY aware of and not allow myself to say, "It can't happen to me."

I hope to have the whole day tomorrow to practice backing. It's almost a new world for me because I've never backed up anything with a trailer before. I'm doing okay, but I want to be comfortable, not just okay with it.

Anyone who's getting ready to go to school, don't get discouraged. The first day is terrible (or so you'll think), but the second day will be a bit better. After the first week, you won't believe how far you've come. Our instructors are great and I can ask them anything without them saying (or looking) it was a stupid question. They take the time to explain and help us in every way. Hats off to the staff at Fox Valley Tech!

Days 4 and 5 were much the same. In the morning I did a pre-inspection with a Training Engineer like they would ask for the CDL. They tell me there are three inspections that you must do and then a few they will choose to give you (read that from here on TT from one of you vet drivers before). I believe you must do the In Cab, Coupling, and Lights, then the examiner will give you others to do. Got to know them all no matter what, cause I'll be driving one of these one day and it's my hiney in that seat. I don't want to break down on the road, loosing time. Nor do I want to cause damage or injury to anyone, so I'll do all the checks each morning. In "real life" we will do what we practice, so we should practice what we need to do.

I ran over my first curb on Thursday (day 4). Actually I nicked it, but that's the same thing when it comes to your CDL exam. My instructor is taking me through some tough areas (at my request) and talking me through the truns. It's really building up my confidence, but when I'm done I let out a hugh sigh of relief. Got real close (about 6 inches) to a stop sign once too. Each time going real slow.

Next week we're going to concentrate on backing and then going into some more tough areas in the city. Oh, on Friday we pulled a 48' instead of the 53'. Can't tell if it's much easier or not, I'm too new at this, but I'm thinking it was to boost our confidence when making our turns with that 5 extra feet of room. When I say we, there are two students in the cab with an instructor and for the last 2 days a Training Engineer who is like a student trainer.

Loving it even more today than yesterday and can't wait to get back on Monday. Got a tip from a vet driver about backing and using mirrors. He reminded me that when I can't see out of my right mirror to power adjust it so I can, then power it back in place as you (slowly) straighten out. Also, I'm having a difficult time with my visual check during a turn in the direction opposite of the turn. I do my intersection checks, begin my turn then as the tractor begins the turn I'm suppose to check to the opposite side of the turn for traffic again. I'm blocking the entire intersection and don't believe I can do anything about someone coming down the road anyway. I might be able to stop for example during a left turn for someone turning right into the same lane I'm turning into to. Guess I just have to keep doing it and reminding myself to make that check. If any of you vets out there have any tips, I'm more than happy to hear about em.

Thanks drivers for being as safe as you are!

Thanks Family Man, I'll check it out. And you're right Errol, as long as you can pass the medical you can drive.

Day 3 at Fox Valley Tech College was another great day. We went through a complete pre-inspection then I did one while the instructor watched and listened. After I was done, he said I would have passed the CDL exam, so I guess I'm on track. Also got on the freeway today for the first time and drove through a bunch of small towns where the speed limit drops from 55 to 35.

Some advice learned from experienced instructors: Keep your eye on EVERY intersection, look WAY ahead for stop signs, bridges, traffic circles, stop lights . . . I could go on and on about what to be aware of. Another big thing to remember; when you come to an intersection in a car it doesn't take much to slow down, but the big rigs are a different story. You need a lot more time to slow down. Also, don't be in a hurry to get out of the other motorist's way. What I mean is, don't hurry yourself though a turn, take your time and watch your trailer.

When I got done with my hour plus drive, I needed to back the trailer into a slot and got it done with two pull ups. After I finished everything, my mouth was as dry as my throat and had to down a half a bottle of water. Nervous, but loving it.

It's awesome driving the big truck. While I'm in the driver's seat there is SO MUCH to do I never get bored; check mirrows, gauges, looking ahead for possible trouble. As I drove home in my car (a Chev Cruze) today, I felt as though I was in a go-cart. Tomorrow shall bring new adventures and learning! WooHoo!

Family Man - Day 2 is done and what a great day I had. Got out on the road with traffic. I was excited to be there, but I'm still grinding gears and missing some downshifts, but my instructor said I was doing well (my mouth was as dry as the Sahara when I stopped). Shifting is better than yesterday, but there's still a lot of improvement to be had and more to learn. Got to back the trailer up today as well. Not bad for my first try. Just have to remember turn in the direction of the problem. Had only one pull up with three different types (90 degree, off set, and straight).

Pre-inspection started today as well. Oh my goodness! There is a ton of things to remember. I was a backyard mechanic when I was younger so many of the engine parts I already knew. Tried to do a complete pre-inspection on my own and it wasn't too bad. Making flash cards now for the different areas to remember (in-cab, driver's side fuel area, engine comparment, coupling area, trailer, and lights).

It is so great to be in that big truck. Tomorrow's going to be even better!

Day one under my belt. It started off in a classroom at Fox Valley Tech College where about a dozen students had gathered for training. There was only one other new guy besides me, the others were at different weeks in their training. During the first part of the class, students were "dispatched" with instructors to different areas (straight truck, bus, and combos). Me and the other new guy stayed back and did some initital paperwork. The other guy did not have his CDL permit yet and he was from Tennessee. He now has to get residencey for Wisconsin, surrender his driver's license from TN, and then take the CDL test to get his permit. So, before you get to school get your CDL learners permit at the DMV. Until that time, we've got to stay in the yard and drive the course there. I'm pretty okay with that, I don't want to go on the road and run anyone over!

After the paperwork we got right into a 10 speed Freightliner. The instructor demo drove then asked who wanted to be first. I didn't hesitate and jumped right into the driver's seat (FINALLY! I'M GOING TO DRIVE A REAL TRUCK!) and off we went. Well, not quite like I thought it was going to happen. As I let out the clutch (in 3rd gear) we bucked and bounced about 10 feet. Tried again and we lurched forward and before I knew it the instructor was telling me to shift. Now I've always been a pretty good driver with a car, but what's with this double clutching stuff?! Wow what a difference from a car. And the RPMs, and letting out the clutch then gasing it to get the RPMs up to the "sweet spot", pushing in the clutch again and shifting into gear. Whatever you learned about a stick shift in a car (or civilian truck) forget most of it. If you've never driving a car with a stick shift, you're probably better off than those who have. I thought I'd never get it, but after about an hour it slowly started to come together. It's not perfect, but at least now I feel that I can do this. It's not impossible. It will just take practice.

Also have a hugh book to read (each night one chapter). Lots of info to get, but after studying with TT I feel relief knowing a lot of this info already. After lunch the instructor had us hook up a 53' trailer and we went through the course again (and again) with the trailer attached. I was more than just a little apprehensive about driving with a trailer so soon, but I tell you, with the trailer attached I wasn't "Bandy the Rodeo Clown". The bucking was all but gone and the shifting even seemed smoother.

At the end of the day the instructor let me back the trailer between two other trailers. I've never back any type of trailer up before, but with his instructions it went right into the slot like I knew what I was doing. Man! I can do this! Can't wait for tomorrow to practice more. I've got to get good at this, and I will.

Having fun in WI!

Hey all! My name's David and I've got a school date of 2/23/15 for the Fox Valley Technical College in Appleton, WI. That's tomorrow and I'm pretty excited. I got my syllabus and the first day is listed as orientation at the transportation center. I've been told that Fox Valley Tech has got the biggest Skid Pad in Wisconsin (which we get to use) and a pretty large range where we will be practicing. Can't wait to get going.

I hired on with Schneider who will be paying my full tuition for this program, nice. Don't receive any pay, but then again, I'm not paying for school either! I'll owe Schneider one year of driving after I graduate and get my CDL. I didn't get any endorsements when I took my written exam for my CDL driver's permit (gotta do this on your own prior to going to school) thinking I need to learn how to be a driver for the first year, then I can specialize. After four weeks with Fox Valley Tech and after getting my CDL, I'll go to Schneider where I'll get their training for an additional three weeks.

I'm 59 years old, retired from the U.S. Air Force after 24 years, been in law enforcement the entire time as a patrolman, flight sergeant, was on one of the first SWAT teams in the Air Force (our team was established before Lackland AFB put their's together), became a major crimes investigator with the Air Force Office of Special Investigations where I was a general crimes investigator, narcotics agent, and a counter-intelligence agent. Done many things that most people only see on TV, gone places that most people have only heard about, and all I can say is, I'm getting ready to live my boy-hood dream . . . to be a driver.

Been studying with the TT CDL preperation material (which I HIGHLY suggest for those of you who are thinking about getting your CDL) and am ready for school. On one hand, I can't wait to get there and begin driving, but on the other I've never back a tractor trailer, shifted with so many gears, or double clutched, just to name a few new things, that I'm a little apprehensive.

We're gonna do it and it all starts tomorrow. I'll let you know how it goes. If you have questions about the training just shout em out to me and I'll let you know how it happens with me and Fox Valley Tech.

Here I am. Starting the last leg of my life doing what I've dreamt about since being a child . . . becoming a driver. I used to watch all the trucks going down the highways and thought about the drivers getting to see America and being on their own. I specially love to drive, but now I'm going to do it in a semi tractor trailer. I'm 59, honorably retired from the U.S. Air Force (after 24 years) and am as excited as a young kid getting his first job.

I register with TT sometime in Oct 2014, to learn about driving. I've read many of the blogs and stories by many drivers and felt that calling once again that I did as a child to "hit the road". Was still debating about getting a "standard job" instead of driving, but just last week I made my decision.

TT has given me the knowledge to make the decision about this new career and because of the CDL training I got from TT, I passed my CDL written exam here in Wisconsin. Had an interview on Friday with Schneider and waiting now I'm waiting to see about school. Thanks to all of you here at TT and those of you who have provided needed information about trucking and given stories of how it is on the road. I have benefited from all of you and I hope to be able to give something back as I too go through training.

Can't say enough about the CDL training, the pre-inspection sheets, and the flash cards provided. It's the way to go if you're serious about driving. I feel very comfortable going to school with the knowledge I've already received. Again, thanks TT! I'll be posting again soon (I hope).

Got my physical and donated a cup of fluid and 1/3 of a leg of hair for tests so I could get my med card. The physical was quick and painless, but because I keep my head hair is so short, they removed some hair from my leg. I've never shaved my legs before ( like swim team members, football players, and some runners do) so it's strange to feel my pants touching that portion of my bare leg. After just 45 mins at the clinic (filling out forms, waiting and the exam all together) I left with my little white card and a copy of my (signed) medical exam which I was told was to be with me at all times in the truck. The physical itself was mostly questions and then the PA listened to my breathing, poked my stomach, sides, and back with his hands and fingers, "Does this hurt?". He made me bend over, squat down, close my eyes while standing without support, and then checked for a hernia. No blood taken, no x-rays, and best of all, there wasn't much waiting.

Went to the DMV, presented my card and paid my $30. Now I've got a learner's permit and once I'm in school I'll be dangerous! Can't wait. Steps at a time. If I get a call from my recruiter on Friday, it means I'll be going to school on the 19th of Feb. If not, then it'll be the 23rd. No matter. I'm going to be a driver (the good Lord willing)! I'll post once I know and let you know how school goes. So far, it's been 8 days since I submitted my application to be a driver.

To all my friends here at TT, thanks again and again!

Here I am. Starting the last leg of my life doing what I've dreamt about since being a child . . . becoming a driver. I used to watch all the trucks going down the highways and thought about the drivers getting to see America and being on their own. I specially love to drive, but now I'm going to do it in a semi tractor trailer. I'm 59, honorably retired from the U.S. Air Force (after 24 years) and am as excited as a young kid getting his first job.

I register with TT sometime in Oct 2014, to learn about driving. I've read many of the blogs and stories by many drivers and felt that calling once again that I did as a child to "hit the road". Was still debating about getting a "standard job" instead of driving, but just last week I made my decision.

TT has given me the knowledge to make the decision about this new career and because of the CDL training I got from TT, I passed my CDL written exam here in Wisconsin. Had an interview on Friday with Schneider and waiting now I'm waiting to see about school. Thanks to all of you here at TT and those of you who have provided needed information about trucking and given stories of how it is on the road. I have benefited from all of you and I hope to be able to give something back as I too go through training.

Can't say enough about the CDL training, the pre-inspection sheets, and the flash cards provided. It's the way to go if you're serious about driving. I feel very comfortable going to school with the knowledge I've already received. Again, thanks TT! I'll be posting again soon (I hope).