Headed For Squire Training.

Well the road to being a driver starts on Monday bright and early.

Setting in the hotel in Phoenix,ready for training to start at 6am tomorrow. During this process I have found several differences between what is listed on trucking truth knight info pages. 1. You are responsible for providing transportation to Phoenix. 2. They no longer offer to cover the hotel.

Neither of these were issues for me but could be for some.

Good luck to you. I hope you can keep this up. We can really use updated info on Squire.

Days 1 and 2

Day 1 started at 6am with some paperwork, verifying that we had our cdp's and medical paperwork with us. Then we watched a video on doing the pre-trip inspection , and headed for the training pad. The instructor did a pre-trip to show us how we were suppose to do it making sure to point out items that the DOT examiner would be specifically looking for. We then did pre-trip inspections for most of the day. The last thing we did was straight line backing. The instructor did it for us one time then we each did one with him in the truck observing. I had time to do about 10 practice backups. (There are only 2 of us in the class and the class that is one week ahead of use only has 3 so there is plenty of time to practice.)

Day 2 started with a couple of safe driving videos on inclement weather and backing. Then we headed out to the pad to do pre-trip inspections we each did 2 or 3 then the instructor grabbed us and we drove around the lot practicing shifting, we each made several trips around the yard. We then went back to the pad where the instructor demonstrated offset backing. Then we practiced offset backing until noon, I think I was able to do 3 or 4 practice runs.

After lunch we headed out on the road with the instructor driving until we reached an area with less traffic. We had one of the students from the other class with us since he was having issues shifting. We each drove twice for about 30 minute each time. When we got back to the yard I had time to do 4 offset backing practices before heading for the hotel for the night.

I need to update this a little, if you are going to DQP they will provide transportation and a hotel room. Once you are accepted to CDL school you are responsable for your own transportation and housing. At this point you are considered an Knight employee and are being paid.

Setting in the hotel in Phoenix,ready for training to start at 6am tomorrow. During this process I have found several differences between what is listed on trucking truth knight info pages. 1. You are responsible for providing transportation to Phoenix. 2. They no longer offer to cover the hotel.

Neither of these were issues for me but could be for some.

Day 3 The morning started with pre-trips. Then on to off-set backing practice then parallel parking practice. Knight has you rotate back and forth every 3 times. The students that started last week are getting ready to test out tomorrow so we have to fit in the rotation with them. Any time we are not in a truck we are either helping out if someone is having issues or doing another pre-trip inspection. In the afternoon we went out on the road with the instructor. I drove leaving the yard and we headed straight to the I-10. Not going to BS the pucker factor was a little high putting the truck on interstate for the first time. After several miles of interstate we exited and drove around town in traffic.

Day 4 Same starting routine as usual pre-trips. I then did my pre-trip test for the instructors and passed. Then it was back to the rotation or straight back backing 3 times, offset backing 3 times, parallel parking 3 times. Last weeks class is going over the final details for their driving tests so they are jumping in the rotation to polish off any last issues they may be having. All 3 of them passed their CDL test. One really nice thing about Knight driving school is that they are recognized by multiple states (23 I think they said) so you take your cdl test here and then just take the paperwork back to your home state and turn it in. After lunch we headed back out on the road, again I drove leaving the yard and we headed for I-10, we went about 20 minutes down the interstate. It was much more relaxed today but still just a little unnerving. I'm starting to think rush hour in Phoenix is really rush 24 hours. We then got off and hit the city streets. When we got back to the yard we were done for the day.

So far my overall impression of Knights driver training is excellent. The instructors are very knowledgeable and enjoy sharing their knowledge of driving. As long as you want to learn they are willing to help you.

Day 5 Friday Started the day with a pre-trip then out on the road we went. We each drove about 45 minutes to and hour (2 students). Then back to the pad to practice our off-set and parallel parking. Fridays end at noon.

Day 6 Monday Everyday starts with a pre-trip on the squire trucks. Then we continue practicing our skills. With only 2 students we have all the practice we want. After lunch we each went out on the road for just a little over an hour with the head instructor. We will be taking our CDL test on Thursday.

Day 7 Tuesday You guessed it start with a pre-trip. The other student went out on the road with the lead instructor, I'll be going out after lunch. So my morning is skills practice. Lunch and then out on the road for about hour and a half. When we got back the class that started this week went in to watch some of the videos we watched last week.

One important thing to note on Knights training program. When you are at squire training it is only to teach you the skills needed for passing your CDL exam. All other subject are expected to be thought to you by your trainer when you are out on the road. So the trainers role in the process maybe a little more important than some other companies.

So the trainers role in the process maybe a little more important than some other companies.

Jeff, that is consistent with every company. Road training is vitally important to learning how-to operate as a truck driver.

Day 8 - Wednesday Started the day taking the skills test for the Knight instructors. Nailed them all with no issues. The afternoon was road test with the lead instructor. Phoenix traffic sucks, but I passed.

Day 9 - Thursday Exam day with the ADOT examiner, I'm was up first everything went very well. PASSED Once everyone testing was done we got our paperwork to take back to our home state.

I had not planned on leaving for home until Friday morning but we were done early enough I decided to head for OK.

I can't say enough about the instructors, they do a great job preparing you to take the DOT test. Just remember if you go to squire training you are a paid employee at that point so treat it as such. If you show up on time, don't grabass and waste time, you will pass. The instructors will make sure of that and will go that extra mile for you to make sure you are ready.