Buffalo, NY For Newbie Outta Cdl School

Oh yea and willyis40 i am pretty sure buffalo cdl is a different place i remember googling them and seeing something about lawsuites and BBB having lots of complaints about money taken and no school given.

Love your pick there to nothin like a land train.

Actually, that is the same school. If you look at their google reviews, there is not a single good one. But, I have seen good drivers come out of there. I just didn't like the focus on money right from the start, and his trying to brush off my questions. But it is good to see that there are happy people at the school, too.

My situation, and preference, is company sponsored training , simply because I cannot afford to take huge penalties for drawing from my retirement, to support my family, should something unforseen happen, between graduation, and heading to orientation at "Drive ForUs Transportation"

Dan S-

Thanks, heard about those land trains from a podcast and just had to throw it up as my pic when I signed up!

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Danielsahn-

Yeah. I just looked them up on BBB and you are right. I guess I'll have to weigh my options. It seems like Dan S is happy with them, who knows maybe they woke up and changed? NTTS looks like a great place well after scrolling through their website. I have some time to think since I'm going to finish up my 2 year degree in welding and look at my options before potentially jumping into this world. I think those are the only two schools in the area right?

I think those are the only two schools in the area right?

There is also this place - Stevens Driving School - But I had never heard of them, until I decided to take a 6 hour class to lower my car insurance premium, a few days ago. I haven't looked into their class A classes, other than to glance at the video they have.

Danielsahn <--- I gotta say i have an older buddy and his family that all call me this every time i see them just thought id throw it out there.

But Stevens i have heard of also, dont have a clue what there cdl program is like but they do offer one. I have known of a few people that have used them for their kids to get their first license an 5 hour training. I think they also do alot with dui/dwi folks trying to earn their privileges back.

im afraid backing training at least i found wasnt so great. they basically give you a worn out truck in an open parking lot and tell you to have fun. they dont teach you the right way to back up.

Ad356, Have you EVER had a positive thought or thing to say in your life? C'mon MAN. GET OUT of the negative mind set!!!!!

Danielsahn <--- I gotta say i have an older buddy and his family that all call me this every time i see them just thought id throw it out there.

But Stevens i have heard of also, dont have a clue what there cdl program is like but they do offer one. I have known of a few people that have used them for their kids to get their first license an 5 hour training. I think they also do alot with dui/dwi folks trying to earn their privileges back.

Back when I was younger and much more agile, I used to practice Fighting Dove Martial Arts, which is a marriage of Shorin ryu, and kempo, on a regular basis. Now, I doubt I could break a piece of paper. Needless to say, a certain movie ruined any chance of just being called by my given name. Waxing a car now brings back terrible memories of harassment from friends, and family.

im afraid backing training at least i found wasnt so great. they basically give you a worn out truck in an open parking lot and tell you to have fun. they dont teach you the right way to back up

Let me clarify something. He's saying this because as a new driver he's struggling with backing so he thinks the school didn't teach it properly. Truth is, everyone is horrible at backing when they get out of school. Everyone. Schools aren't going to teach you how to do anything at a high level. They're going to teach you to do everything at an acceptable entry level so you can land a job and then go out on the road and hone your skills.

There is no "right way" to back up a truck. You do whatever works, and every situation is a little different. That's where the experience comes in. And in fact, your setup is more important than your backing. I don't care how good you are at backing, if you don't know how to set up for it properly it's going to be difficult or impossible to get backed into the spot.

It takes a solid six months out there before you'll start feeling more confident in your backing. But that first six months you're in a minor panic every time you're faced with a tough situation. It's that way for everyone.

I am definitely on the same page with you bret pure experience is the only way with alot of driving maneuvers. Every situation (dock, yard, fuel stop, ect.) Is going to be different and challenging. The set up is crucial and you have to take ot one at a time.

Correct me if I am wrong guys but there becomes a mucle memory to it, in a way, where ya almost dont even think about it after time. And then you get into a different truck and have learn again. I only say this from my tow truck experience (i know its no big rig) but every situation is different. i show up at the scene and evaluate the location of said vehicle and start laying everythin out in my head. (Ok where can i pull up to, how can i keep out of traffic, where do i need to hook on the vehicle, how am i gonna get that 4 ton truck up 6 feet of steep highway median without sucking my rig in there with it) ect ect. But seriously i have pulled up GOALed for 5 minutes or more had a plan and found it wasn't going to work and had to GOAL again. I expect i will be doing the same thing with tractor trailor all the time.