Central Tech Drumright OK

I've been asked by a couple of people for information on Central Tech so I thought I would put it in one place so that it could be found if someone has a question in the future. I don't have time to commit to a training diary so I'm just putting it here in General Discussion.

From what I can tell, the school is top-notch. A couple of the recruiters said they come here specifically because they know the students come out of the school extremely well-prepared. Another one (I think TMC) said it's one of the top 5 in the country. Take that with a grain of salt though since he was trying to get us to work for his company. It's a state school, so you know they're not just trying to get your money like some private schools. The in-state tuition is $4,000 or $4,500 if you want to attend the permit prep class. The tuition includes your housing in Drumright. Because of advice I read here on TT, I applied for a WIA grant for my tuition and was approved quickly.

For the first few days, you will be learning in a classroom and have homework. There are lots of tests, which you need to make at least an 80 on or you will be given a written warning. The first time you see your truck is the first day you do a pre-trip. You will do a pre-trip every day. You will have a partner in class, who changes every day.

There are 2 students per truck. When we are about to learn a new skill, first our instructor will demonstrate it. Then we all go to our trucks to attempt the skill. While we are doing this, there are about 4 or 5 other instructors driving around the range in golf carts. They will stop and help you if they see you need it. They all have cb's so if we need someone, we can just call them over. They keep a close eye on you. You'll never just be stuck not knowing what to do.

The equipment is very new. 2013-2015 Freightliner Cascadias. All 10 speed manual transmissions.

After you start being on the range all day, you will still have homework every night. It's a lot to keep up with. After class is over for the day, you will basically have time to eat dinner for an hour, then you will spend most of the remaining evening reading and doing homework, studying the pre-trip and for tests.

The housing for men is mostly 4 or 5 bedroom houses that you will share with other male students. You'll have your own room and a housekeeper. The women are housed separately in different areas. I'm at a motel called the Drumright Inn with a couple of other female students. From what I've heard from the guys in my class, their housing is pretty good. This motel is ok, but the showers and beds are pretty awful.

The town is TINY. There's not even a Wal-mart or McDonald's here, so that tells you something about the size. There's a little grocery store and basically about 5 places to get lunch. You'll get to know these places well! if you need something that the grocery store doesn't carry, there is a Wal-mart in Cushing, which is about 10 miles away. I know most people outside of OK probably think of us as mostly rural, but I'm definitely a city girl. I could never live in this town. But it almost works to your advantage for school because there are few distractions.

Overall, I feel lucky to be at this school. Out of like 8 or so instructors, there's not one jerk. Every instructor has been kind and helpful. They don't tolerate screwing around though, so keep that in mind. I forgot to mention their experience. I think the least experienced one has 10 years. One man drove for 34 years. My instructor drove for 21.

Besides the obvious advice of keeping up with reading and homework, I would advise to start memorizing your pre-trip as soon as you get the book. I wish I had done this sooner. Also, you will be given a schedule of the entire training. Always glance ahead a few days because my instructor didn't always remind us when we had a skill test the following day. It sneaked up on some people. And if you're fair-skinned like me, wear a hat and suncreen. These are blacktop roads in 95 degree heat right now, and it's only going to get worse in the next couple of months.

Another good thing about the school is that if you fail your first 2 CDL test attempts, they will allow you to stay on for further practice at no additional cost. And if you fail the third try, after you wait the 30 days, they will let you come back and practice for a few days before you re-test. Oh, and I forgot to mention the examiners come here to our range to do the backing tests. I heard this may change because DPS has said it gives us an unfair advantage over other students (which I have to agree with) but hey, they are doing it now so take advantage.

I posted a pic of our range too.

I hope this is enough info. If anyone has questions, I'll be happy to answer. It may just take a few days; this school keeps me busy.

Wow that course looks awesome. Wish the school I went to had that to learn on.

I'll be attending there in August. I like it that you have to have your CDL permit and DOT physical before going to class. Their about half the price of another school in Oklahoma City. I wasnt impressed with them at all. They had a little gravel parking area they did their training on. It was nothing compared to Central Tech.

It was easy to figure the only girl in the new backing class! You will be long gone before I get back. I didn't get out and look (GOAL) . First test I got 68 needed 70, second, I got the gal from Enid, third after passing skills twice, can't believe I pointed out on driver side parallel. My local tag office employee couldn't believe I still didn't get my CDL-A. She thinks thay may be being harder on me because of my age. I know that wasn't the case for not getting the driver side parallel right. That's on me for not getting out and looking! But I'll be back and Friday the 13th comes on Wednesday next month! LOL :) GOOD LUCK WEDNESDAY!! I think you got this.

Thank you toonces :) I will be at the Driller's Inn Tuesday afternoon, and Wednesday through Friday, i will be in the permit prep class, if you happen to see me, like around lunch time or something, I am 6'2" blonde man with very blue eyes and I generally wear a long sleeved button up shirt and black jeans.... Just say hi, I might not look approachable when i am concentrating but I don't bite