Swift Academy, Memphis TN

Yeah fifth gear is a good gear to turn with. Remember this: 4th gear is the most forgiving gear for shifting into. (There is not so much grinding there). Just remember to take the selector down!

Shifting is mostly a muscle memory kind of thing. Just make sure your right elbow memorizes where it needs to be for 4th gear.

The instructors know and expect all the usual screw-ups. Nothing new there. Just aim for the other end of the test, and you'll do fine.

Thanks for the encouraging words, Errol. I'm probably putting too much pressure on myself, but I have a lot riding on this. My instructor is also a bit animated I'll say and it makes me a bit gunshy. I'm normally not bothered by things like that but I get butterflies in my stomach every time I'm told it's my turn to drive. I love the driving I just wish I could do it without all the added pressure. I know this is a serious profession though, and I also know my instructor loves driving and wants us all to succeed. Maybe I should just stop being a wuss and drive. Lol

Lemmy, you could take the test thinking

Gee! My whole Trucking career rides on this test! If I roll over this curb, I might as well start picking up empty bottles to make a living!

Your best bet:

I have to watch that damn curb! I'll make this turn a work of art!

Quick update: I passed my road test! It took me two tries and it wasn't pretty but good enough to pass. Next step: CDL test on Tuesday!

Really gotta work on not grinding those gears...

Wow, the CDL diaries forum really dies down on weekends...lol

I've spent the weekend studying my pre-trip and getting tips from other students. I feel a bit better about my driving skill...not where I'd really like to be, but good enough for someone who's driven maybe 5 hours in the last week.

I spoke to Flatie C the other day about her AP for backing skills. I told her not to worry about it...in a week's time, she'll be better at backing than most of the people who advanced. I think she'll be all right.

Lemmy, you (or anybody) wants to come out for a night/early morning practice, text me to let me know. I can come by at 4:30am Monday to get you. (hint: you can get away with practicing on nearly any unoccupied tractor or trailer on the lot.)

Lemmy, you (or anybody) wants to come out for a night/early morning practice, text me to let me know. I can come by at 4:30am Monday to get you. (hint: you can get away with practicing on nearly any unoccupied tractor or trailer on the lot.)

Thanks Errol. I saw this too late.

However, I did more driving and apparently the weekend break helped a lot. My shifting (both up and down) was on point...only a couple of missed gears but I recovered them quickly.

Test day tomorrow. Wish me luck!

I just got off the phone with swift today about joining, but im wanting to get my permit before i go. is that the only training place? is there any advice you can give me?

Hi Stoney, welcome to Trucking Truth!

I believe Swift has schools in Memphis, Richmond VA, Phoenix AZ, and Fontana CA. Some people here say they went to a private school in Utah paid for by Swift.

I'm a Swiftie, so this opinion is biased. I did the school over the holidays in 2015, and have driven with Swift for over a year. I have absolutely no complaints. The dispatchers keep you busy, the equipment is great, and after my first month or so of solo driving, I get all the miles I can handle.

Strike one...

Failed my CDL test today due to something I've done a million times....the air brakes test. I know it inside and out and completely messed it up. Nerves I guess.

They said they're going to retest me tomorrow.

Strike one...

Failed my CDL test today due to something I've done a million times....the air brakes test. I know it inside and out and completely messed it up. Nerves I guess.

They said they're going to retest me tomorrow.

If you're talking about the in-cab part, I've heard it needs to be ver-batim from the script you have.

Get off this forum, keep going over it to you start saying it in your sleep. LOL.