Profile For DrumMum

Allow me to help you set some proper expectations. Your trainer is going to be more interested in you getting things done than they are in actually taking the time to give you hands on instruction. They are going to want to sleep while you drive and drive while you sleep. That doesn't sound like a very educational environment does it?

Almost every new driver thinks they are going to be having all this stuff spoon fed to them, while most of the trainers are just wanting you to drive the truck and turn some miles. There's something to be said for this approach. For one thing most good truck drivers are very independent self starters. They like to get things done, and they don't waste a lot of time about it. By putting you right into the thick of things, they figure if you've got the right temperament, you'll adjust and make things happen. They figure you'll learn by doing. They want to expose you to the realities of tough schedules, and demanding circumstances.

Do you think you can handle that type of training? My guess is that it will be very much close to what I'm sharing with you. I'm not trying to disturb you or frighten you into turning back. I want you to succeed, but I've watched so many people give up after just a few weeks with their trainer solely because they had completely opposite ideas of how it would be done.

You're going to be delivering actual loads with actual scheduled delivery appointments. There will be pressure on you to get it done. Your trainer will want to be getting as much done as the two of you possibly can. The company knows you are going to be under pressure. They would like to see how you handle it. If you can hold up and be productive, it bodes well for your future career. If you bust into tears wanting to go home they will be glad they found out early on how the pressure affects you.

There are reasons for this brutal training period. Being a rookie truck driver can and will be brutal. You need to get a grasp on what it's like. Oh, it gets better, but those first few months are critically important and you've got to muscle through them as best you can if you really want to make a go of this.

Here's two resources I highly recommend for any new driver just getting started with a trainer. The first one is an article you should read. The second is a podcast you should listen to.

What Should I Expect To Learn From My Trainer?

The Boot Camp Approach To Truck Driver Training

Hi, Old School.

I was hoping to hear from you!! That's kind of what I thought it would be like! I am used to driving bigger trucks, but no real experience with trailers. All I'm worried about is being able to get that sucker parked in the dock! If a trainer can get me to do that, I'll be happy!!!

I appreciate your insight! I figured it will be like boot camp. I will go back and reread the articles you referenced.

Thanks, again.

Christi

Hey, all.

I haven't been around lately. I am at orientation now. Just waiting in motel room for the company to call and get all the paperwork stuff ready. And then I guess they set me up with a trainer on the road. Just waiting for the drug screen and work history, then they'll call.

I am going with Western Express. A few companies wouldn't take me because I need more experience in backing. I even just paid for yet another course on backing. And it really helped me!!

So far, everyone here at Western has been super nice. All people in the office, instructors are really nice. My recruiter was really nice, she kept in contact with me regularly. I can not say that about the other recruiters i've spoken to.

Just wanted to touch base again. A little nervous about being on the road with a stranger/trainer. But if they can teach me, I'm in!!!

Thanks!

I'm hoping to also start my orientation in December. At first, I thought, ugh, learning to drive in winter! And then I thought, that would be perfect! I'd rather be learning to drive in the winter when I'm with a trainer!!

If it we're me, I'd start as soon as possible. Get winter experience while you have the luxury of a trainer with you!

I agree. Better to drive in winter with a trainer than alone.

Hello, and Happy Thanksgiving! I can't believe it, but I just sat here for a couple hours, reading through this whole topic!

I didn't want to read all 38 pages, but I'm glad I did. So much informative stuff, and watching you grow from not being sure to getting your own truck soon!

Anyways, I didn't know where exactly to reply, but I have started this same journey!! I just put in my 2 week's notice at my company Wednesday. I decided to accept the "conditional" job offer with Schneider. I got my Class A last week. I originally set out to upgrade my Class B. I work part time for my husband's company. The company seems to be growing, and there is talk of getting bigger trucks. (Long story) But instead, I decided to take care of me and my family, and pursue this opportunity!

I've been trying to reach my recruiter, but nothing so far (maybe because of the holiday?)

This is a great group! There is only one other group of people I know, who have such camaraderie and support as you guys!

Thanks

Hey. Thanks for the quick reply....and exactly what I was thinking!!!!

I just got another off from Roehl this morning!!!

Decisions, decisions!

Hi and welcome! basically, they are inviting you to orientation. they call it conditional because the entire orientation and training process, and you will go through training, is considered an interview. A more thorough background check, DOT physical and work history check will be done. If you just graduated from CDL school, then they expect you to need a ton of training ;)

Schneider is a great comoany, but they have a short training period. Other companies have longer training if that is what would make you more comfortable. Living near a terminal is not necessary, as most companies allow you to take the truck home. Im from NJ and although we have a termianl 150 miles away, im dispatched out of MO.

and im sure you are thinking "but i have a DOT card and had a drug test". that doesnt matter. all companies wikl do new ones, and many have stricter medical and prescription requirements than DOT.

of course you are nervous! you will be for months going solo too. its normal, and companies know it.

Hi, all.

Well, I have been online the past couple days, filling out job applications. I got a "conditional" job offer from Schneider. They were on my short list, mainly because they have so many facilities and so many different opportunities. And one terminal is an hour from where I live.

I'm just curious how "conditional" the job offer will be. I feel like i didn't get a whole lot of skills training or behind the wheel training in school. I'm a little nervous about the skill qualification testing at the end!

I've had my Class B license for years, and I currently drive bigger straight trucks at my current job.

Anyone have any helpful suggestions? What to expect next? I haven't put in my "notice" at my current job yet.

TIA

Well, I finally passed the skills part!! It took me 3 tries. And then I failed the road test once....and the road part I was actually confident in!! Now, my whole plan has changed. I was just going to get my Class A for my current company. Now, I am seriously considering going over the road.

Anyone have any helpful suggestions on good companies?

Thanks!!

I got my cdl license last year. The skills were the hardest part of the course and test for me. What worked was just going over it and over it in my head. I would do every skill in tears in the beginning saying I cant do this. Then I took a break as the school was on vacation for 3 weeks. It allowed me to get my head back in the game. The first day out, it clicked and I just practiced and practiced. Two of my teachers were horrible and taught thru humiliation and screaming. The other two were absolutely fantastic. They knew what worked ; telling me I can do this. I also chewed gum while practicing. I failed the skills part of the test on the first go and got it on the second. The first time, I had a panic attack because one of the screaming teachers brought me to the test sight. The second time ; the teacher that came with me was an ex marine, apologized for the way I was taught, and had total belief in me. He gave me the confidence and I did all three skills perfectly ; scored one point between all three. You can do this. It is a challenge, but you can do it.

Oh my Gosh....I am having this experience right now! I've had a Class B for years. I work part-time at my husband's company. I decided to upgrade my CDL. Even though i already have my Air Brake restriction lifted, and already have taken the pre-trip and passed many years ago, I still had to do them. I actually "passed" that part the first time around. My instructor was a lot like you describe.....Yelling at me. That DOES NOT work for me. I am 50 years old! Felt like my mother yelling at me. The On The Road practice I feel like i'm doing well at (I mean, I pre-trip work trucks and drive big trucks at work). But i am having so much trouble with the skills! This is part of the reason I went to this CDL school, to improve maneuvering a trailer. I failed that part of the test twice now! I'm exactly like the original poster.....my brain turns to mush and I get nervous! I have a 2nd training scheduled with the instructor who really explained things well to me. I just hope I can remember what he says when I test for the 3rd time!!!!

I got my cdl license last year. The skills were the hardest part of the course and test for me. What worked was just going over it and over it in my head. I would do every skill in tears in the beginning saying I cant do this. Then I took a break as the school was on vacation for 3 weeks. It allowed me to get my head back in the game. The first day out, it clicked and I just practiced and practiced. Two of my teachers were horrible and taught thru humiliation and screaming. The other two were absolutely fantastic. They knew what worked ; telling me I can do this. I also chewed gum while practicing. I failed the skills part of the test on the first go and got it on the second. The first time, I had a panic attack because one of the screaming teachers brought me to the test sight. The second time ; the teacher that came with me was an ex marine, apologized for the way I was taught, and had total belief in me. He gave me the confidence and I did all three skills perfectly ; scored one point between all three. You can do this. It is a challenge, but you can do it.

Oh my Gosh....I am having this experience right now! I've had a Class B for years. I work part-time at my husband's company. I decided to upgrade my CDL. Even though i already have my Air Brake restriction lifted, and already have taken the pre-trip and passed many years ago, I still had to do them. I actually "passed" that part the first time around. My instructor was a lot like you describe.....Yelling at me. That DOES NOT work for me. I am 50 years old! Felt like my mother yelling at me. The On The Road practice I feel like i'm doing well at (I mean, I pre-trip work trucks and drive big trucks at work). But i am having so much trouble with the skills! This is part of the reason I went to this CDL school, to improve maneuvering a trailer. I failed that part of the test twice now! I'm exactly like the original poster.....my brain turns to mush and I get nervous! I have a 2nd training scheduled with the instructor who really explained things well to me. I just hope I can remember what he says when I test for the 3rd time!!!!