Profile For The Professor

I graduated from CDL school with my Class-A this past Monday! (8/24)

I completed my 160 hours last Thursday which left me with Friday and Saturday to practice and fine tune my skills. Why? Previous classes had a large failure rate and the number of students left from those classes clogged the testing queue. As a result, I had to wait until Monday to test. By the end of Saturday was I sinking the 90-degree Alley Dock every time. I am glad I had the opportunity to practice more.

I did well on my practical test considering that I had learned my father had suffered a heart attack on Friday afternoon and was still in ICU on Monday. I had had several opportunities to speak with him over the weekend to know that he was doing fairly well and was forbidding me from delaying my test to come home. Accordingly, it was on my mind Monday while I tested.

I did very well on my Pre-Trip. I forgot a few items, but nothing major. The one that sticks in my craw was the oil dipstick. Why did I forget it? Because as soon as I went to mention it, the examiner took a 5 minute phone call...in the middle of my engine inspection. I let it throw me off unfortunately. After that test, the examiner inquired as to my previous occupation. I explained that I had been a teacher of special education and gifted students for 4 years. He laughed and commented that my pre-trip was enjoyable to listen too because I evidenced that I knew how the truck worked and explained why I would be looking for certain issues rather than just repeating a memorized list of verbiage.

The skills part was odd. We were taken to a different pad than when had been practicing on and I am almost certain the lines on the test pad were narrower than the practice pad. I say this, because the 90-Degree proved challenging. I had been using the 4 white lines (outside of the alley box in which the trailer actually sits) as a guide of where my tandems were tracking. However, on test day, this method did not work. I did eventually get the trailer in the box, but I narrowly missed failing the skill. Having thought about it since then, I think I simply pulled up too far and started bending my trailer too early. Nevertheless, I passed.

The road drive was great fun. By then the instructor was a little more conversational. My goal ahead of the test was to narrate my drive, listing every potential hazard, every pertinent road sign, pointing out every bridge and underpass, explaining how I was executing turns, etc. As a result, I beat him to every potential question he was going to ask (i.e., what was the marked height on that underpass back there?) Overall it was a smooth drive, though the clutch started acting up the last 15 minutes of the test. (The last turn of the drive, I went to go from 5th to 4th gear...had proper road speed and RPMs, but it didn't grab in time for the turn. Rather than coast through the turn, I quickly put it in third which resulted in a one handed turn. A no-no for sure, but I deemed it more important to maintain control than coast through the turn)

After the test, the examiner and I discussed all three aspects and pinpointed areas I could improve on. After that came two hours of waiting for paperwork, a visit to get my CDL from the DMV, and my 7hr trip back home. First stop was naturally my father. He has since returned home with little damage to the heart.

If I had to do it again, I think I would choose a school closer to home. I considered one here in Kansas City with cheaper tuition, but they didn't return my calls or inquiries until two days before I was to leave for West Memphis. I think my biggest critique for Road Master is their class size. 50 people is simply too many to effectively manage the amount of time students get behind the wheel for their skills practice.

I start orientation with Werner on Monday. I am thrilled and am ready to get underway.

Perhaps you will encounter me on the road.

Sincerely, Professor (or my nickname in driving school: Blue)

@Professor - based on your time so far with ROADMASTERS, Can you recommend them and are you happy with your decision to go there?? Just curious, as I am contemplating on attending there Salt Lake City location.

I am on the fence about a recommendation for the following reasons: 1) The pace. This is a program that really fits those for whom this will come naturally. Some of us finished our 160hrs and tested out. Others had been there for 4-6 weeks trying to test out. 2) Cost. Looking back on the program, I would judge that what I was charged was high for what I received. Taking into consideration the equipment, personal instruction, facilities, and accommodations, I would say the tuition should be around $3500, not $7000.

There were many positives: I had some really great instructors. The job placement department is very helpful and will even help me if/when I move to a different company. Once the trouble makers in our class washed out, we were left with a really solid group; generally we all got along and look forward to seeing each other on the road. (Several of us may even see each other at orientation next week)

I would recommend going to RoadMaster under the following conditions: 1) If I lived within daily driving distance of the school, 2) Was not in a pinch to get a job quick (i.e. I could afford to be unemployed for at least 1 month), 3) Had a penchant for fast learning and picking up new skills quickly.

Week 3 Update!

It is hard to believe that I have already been here nearly three weeks. I should be testing out sometime this weekend or early next week.

Overall the last week has been fantastic. We have been refining our skills from traffic navigation to backing. This week has consisted of city driving and what signs to look for in the collage of city streets. After my post last week, we were able to get 5 trucks running on the pad, thus making smaller group rotations and we were able to get much more practice in on our backing maneuvers. Some are still struggling due to the pace of the course and often short amount of time for consistent practice. However, most are fairing well.

One consistent issue that has come up among students is the lack of consistency between instructors. It seems that nearly every day an instructor will counteract the teaching of the previous instructor. One example is as follows: pad instructor taught that we were to straight line back with both hands on the wheel. Later that week another instructor got onto us for using both hands, citing it was impossible to control a backing vehicle with both hands, lest they get crossed when executing a turn. (Indeed, there is tremendous benefit and management of micro movements when backing with one hand) Minor in the long run, but the occasions of discrepancies are various. No doubt, ego may be at play; "I have done it this way for 35 years..."

If you attend, prepare to be frustrated with the skills pad time. With so many students, congestion is to be expected. Make the most of your opportunity behind the wheel and sincerely listen to the instructors. With the pace of the course, your success hinges on how quickly you can learn and adjust. Further, it is vital that you maintain a positive and eager attitude. It is easy to get discouraged after a drive or a back maneuver on the pad. If you do not greet each task with willingness and enthusiasm, you will wash out. Don't let one bad day throw you in the gutter and derail your aspirations for this industry. It is not healthy for course completion nor is it effective for long term employment in this field.

The instructors have been very encouraging. I have experienced this first hand as well as hearing numerous stories to the same effect. I owe many thanks to the instructors for their patience as I ground gears at the beginning, misunderstood their instructions, or grew overwhelmed with situations in an 18 wheeler. All of them have done their uttermost to clearly instruct us and maintain professional composer and humor. It seems that all of my peers have been able to hone in on an instructor who fits their style of learning. Those that have helped me most are those who tell it like it is and give me honest feedback. Tell me where I was wrong and help me understand why I should do it differently. I have grown by leaps and bounds since being here.

Another issue I would bring before Road Master is our accommodation. The "hotel" we have been set up in is rife with problems along with an overall state of neglect. A few peers have been dealing with bed bugs, all of us are dealing with an abundance of mosquitoes in the rooms (killed 24 one morning), and one room even awoke to an invasion of frogs. Further, contrary to what the recruiter from St. Petersburg, FL, will say, laundry is not on site; reports are that the designated laundromat is "ghetto and scary." (I highly recommend "Wash Time," a coin laundry, on the outskirts of Memphis...a mere 15-20 minutes from the hotel. $2 for the washer and $0.25 for every 8 minutes of dry time.) For having such a large and consistent account through Road Master (a new class every week), one would think that the hotel could step up their game. Although not the worst place I have ever been, it is not ideal for an extended stay. Our class and several others have sent petitions and requests to Road Master to change the accommodations for future classes.

Enjoy your day off too! (Sundays) I recommend checking out the Civil Rights Museum, located at the famous Lorraine Motel where Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated ($15 admission...well worth the four hours it took me to work through it). And be sure to check out Memphis BBQ while here (I recommend Payne's as well as Tops).

I will complete my 10th drive tomorrow; which sets me up to test soon. (No word on the day yet.) I look forward to completing my time here and getting those wheels turning. Oh and if I didn't already mention it, I have received a pre-hire letter from Werner and am set to begin orientation on August 31!

The Professor

Time for an update!

Here I am in the midst of week 2 of training and the time has just flown! Our class started with 48 and we are now down to 21 students (attrition is attributed to: failed drug tests, license suspensions, failure to pass permit test). We have a strong and serious group left; this is a lot of fun since we are all on the same page and take every opportunity to pump each other up and encourage each other when we didn't hold that line as long as we should have.

Our Saturday class was nothing but Pre-Trip practice. The way the instructor handled this was odd because 20 people crammed around a truck can't really see what she is pointing to in the engine compartment. Eventually we were able to split into groups and practice, but there was a lot of confusion over some parts that couldn't be seen during the demo. I am not really sure what other option would have been available to my instructor, but I wonder if engine diagrams in the classroom would be more helpful. Toward the end of the week, there was a lot of down time in the classroom as we were finishing tasks and others were out taking the permit test. Surely those gaps could be used to study engine parts so that when you get the pad you can readily move through the PTI.

Our first time behind the wheel was this past Monday and since I had never driven a manual prior to this week, I was not entirely sure what to expect. I had a tremendous driving instructor and he knew just how to explain the process to me. (I am one who needs to mentally understand what is going on to know why I am doing a certain action). Consequently, the instructor was dubious that it was indeed my first day behind the wheel. I am so relieved that this has come natural to me. (Although the incline start is proving a challenge to me...perfect practice makes perfect)

The way the school has set up the second and third week is as follows: Start the morning on the skills pad practicing different backing techniques and after lunch, spend the afternoon driving out on the roads. (Or vice-versa depending on how you start the day) There are 4 students and one instructor in each tractor while on the road.

This is where I would tweak the program. As it stands, you get 10 drives (30-90 minutes each) prior to your test. Further, since there are so many students on the skills pad, you can spend 5 hours on the pad, yet only spend 10 minutes behind the wheel for a maneuver. To me, this does not really fill the 160+ hrs required. I would rather have those hours consist of the classroom/manual time and the rest dedicated to behind-the-wheel time. This is also why having this process come quickly/naturally to me has been key to success.

The first week was a challenge simply because you are chomping at the bit to get in that truck. "Get me out of the classroom and onto the road already!" However, knowing that CDL manual is absolutely VITAL. If you jump in that truck with minimum knowledge, you will have knowledge gaps in the operation of that vehicle. Get your head in the manual and really set about learning it. It will save you a lot of time once behind the wheel.

My complaints are minor in the grand scheme of things, but if you are going to attend RoadMaster, I want you to have realistic expectations. 3 out of 4 instructors I have had up to this point have been incredibly helpful as well as kind and generous with their instruction and encouragement. I am having a wonderful time and am soaking up everything I can.

Until the next update,

The Professor

I just want to say, "Excellent commentary, Prof!". You say 30% passed on the first round. That leaves 70%. Not all of them think West Memphis is Vacationland - I bet maybe half of the non-passers did their best. They just may not have come as prepared as you did. But 30% were rudely awakened, and somewhere in there is they guy who will post here how Road Masters screwed them, took their money and kicked them out.

Well, you're over that first hump. Focus on your future, and if you are close to being a real professor, help out the people who missed a question or two. I want to read more here!

That is very true! Not everyone who failed was in LaLa land; that number is probably 50/50 of those who failed. (We have had a few sleeping in class, not doing homework, etc.) It was not very generous of me to not clarify that. Thanks for bringing it out!

One of the top issues I heard in discussion was the mental game...simply reading too much into the question. We encouraged them that now was the time to keep their head held high and review that book. If they go into that test defeated from today, they will do no better.

One of the Pros I forgot to mention, since my mind has been taxed today, was that the group gels pretty well together. We try to help and encourage where we can. We don't want to see people leave our number. Over all we are positive and focus on the task at hand.

What a fast paced four days it has been since arriving here in West Memphis, AR. On day one, our instructor repeated the following advice at least 10 times: "Eat, Drink, and Sleep the CDL manual until you take that test. Discipline yourself. Your first week is all about passing that test." I can honestly say that without the prior work done through the High Road CDL training, my permit test today would have been far harder. Why?

Monday-Wednesday was dedicated to the three main sections of permit testing: General Knowledge (Chapters 1-3), Air Brakes (5), and Combination Vehicles (6). We had a total of 30 class hours between the three days, but those hours also contained financing meetings, application meetings, a DOT physical, and drug test. Even though 30 hours seems like a great deal of time, the classes were packed with information. If you have looked at how long and extensive Chapter 2 is, you know that one day devoted to Chapters 1-3 is going to be the cliche drinking from a fire hose. Had I not started in the weeks prior to arriving, my brain would have been on information overload three days in a row. Most of the information would not have stuck in that scenario.

However, the High Road was a huge burden relief! Having arrived with a good chunk of information already under my belt from repetition, I was able to really hone in on the new information. This made evening study less tedious and exhausting. Last night, I simply re-read certain sections I wanted to solidify and went to bed early. Accordingly, I successfully passed my CDL permit test on the first try.

My peers were not so ready. The test today quickly revealed just who took the manual seriously and who views their time down here as vacation. Out of a class of 50 students, about 30% of us passed. We were all given the same instruction and the same access to information, but few of us seem to have capitalized on it. (I will say, that success rate has me thinking about the instruction here. I will see how the results look once we take the practical test before I conclude on whether to recommend Roadmaster.)

Word to the wise: Do not memorize the quiz questions; memorize the information. The test will ask you for the same information 4-5 different ways. If you rely on the quiz questions, you will not succeed.

With that said, there is an error in the High Road test. Beware, when it comes to the discussion of TSD, the CDL manual gives the following figures:

1. Perception Distance: The average perception time for an alert driver is 1 3/4 seconds. At 55 mph this accounts for 142 feet traveled. (HR has only 3/4 second)

2. Reaction Distance: The average driver has a reaction time of 3/4 to 1 second. At 55 mph this accounts for 61 feet traveled.

3. Braking Distance: At 55 mph on dry pavement with good brakes, it can take about 216 feet.

All of this adds up to a TSD of 419 ft, not 350.

My time here has been interesting in the sense that I don't really know why some people are here. It is not difficult to determine who in our group is here to work and earn access to a good job and those who think this job is going to be given to them.

Finally, I want to conclude with some pros and cons of week 1 thus far.

Pros: 1. The instructor is incredibly gifted. Since he is lively and clearly knows his stuff, he keeps most attention. 2. The instructor is not afraid to tell it like it is. He knows that this class is a gateway to a very work-proud industry. On day one, we had a few students arrive 15 minutes late. He stated that they owed him 1,000 pushups for every minute late prior to the end of the day. (Obviously, joking; but he let it run to get to the real point of his lesson) After the panic set in for the students, he launched into explaining the nature of this industry. Being on time is vital to your reputation, the reputation of your company, and your paycheck. Being faithful and disciplined in the smallest things now will help you in the long run. 3. Job placement. Their department is dedicated to helping you find a job prior to leaving campus. Today, after I earned my permit, they sent my application to two different companies (one other I have to apply to). The staff seems to genuinely care for our success, as long as that means we are qualified and safe drivers. I should have several pre-hire letters by the end of the week.

Cons: 1. Arkansas. Arkansas is a greedy state. Even though RoadMaster's premier training facility is in West Memphis, the out of pocket here has been rough for many students. $25 to change your DL to an Arkansas License; $50 for the CDL testing packet (you get three tries before having to buy another packet); $35-$55 for your actual CDL once you pass testing...that amount is based on your birth month. Also, mosquitoes are continually in our hotel rooms... 2. The RoadMaster recruiter stretched the truth. SHOCK! Stop the Presses!...I know. It's common for recruiters, but gullible students have been really hamstrung by taking them at their word. I am glad, after having read the forums and several articles about that problem, I took the recruiter's words with a grain of salt and came prepared for many things.

Good Afternoon,

I have been contemplating a career change since April 2015 and pulled the trigger last week. Since that time, this process has moved at lightning speed. I started working through the CDL manual via High Road Online CDL Program last Thursday and began scoping out the pros/cons of company subsidized training verses private training. The deciding factor for me was the slower pace of a private training situation given that I have not driven a manual transmission before. Accordingly, I start training through Road Masters in West Memphis, Arkansas at 0700 Monday morning (August 3).

I am absolutely thrilled and ready to get under way!

So perhaps a bit of introduction would be useful for future students and career changers. Perhaps my account will help someone pull the trigger and jump in to this exciting field.

1) Born and raised 26 year old Kansas Citian. (The Missouri side....the Kansas side doesn't exist. :-P)

2) I have spent the last 8 years preparing for and working as a teacher. I could write a whole book on my last year of work alone but suffice it to say that I have had enough of academic politics. (There is only so much "throwing under the bus" a guy can handle.) Further, the salary I was making was not conducive to starting a family in the future.

3) I decided upon this change because I desired a field that would permit the following two things: A) Independent management, for the most part I will be responsible for the quality of my work, B) Travel, I love the open road.

4) Telling family and friends went very well considering this is such a stark contrast to being a teacher. Every one has been incredibly supportive (though initially I thought I might receive some speech about "throwing it all away") and are excited to see how my training and subsequent career unfold.

I hope to update this thread periodically throughout training to give insight into my experience.

See you on the road! The Professor