Started Training With Prime

OK so we got here Sunday night and checked into the hotel. I had a file waiting for me I needed to do a hard copy in my application which I did Sunday night. We started orientation bright and early Monday morning. We reviewed our documentation which they asked us to bring with us, remember have your birth certificate Social Security card and whatever else they want. Since they broke us up into groups there was 25 of us. We started our day doing our computer based training. As it was recommended here, try to finish that as soon as possible. I had mine finished by Tuesday night. On Monday, they also introduced us to the simulator. I unfortunately get Motion sickness for the way the screen is. I did manage to muddle through.

Also in your packet is print out to show you how to do your pre-trip inspection. Start drilling this into your head ASAP. It is now Wednesday night I pretty much have my pre-trip down pat. Also we did our assessment Wednesday on the simulator. You need at least a 60 to pass. I passed. At this point if all of your documentation your medical your drug test are all set you’ll be ready for your trainer you’ll be cleared for your trainer. Unfortunately, When I arrived here on Monday, I was informed that my drug test was diluted. I had to do another test. So as of Wednesday evening I am still waiting to be cleared for my trainer.

Once I have my trainer assigned we will spend four hours out on the pad getting familiar with the truck. Once I am familiar with the truck and the trainer is comfortable we will head out on the road for 2 to 4 weeks. When the trainer is confident that I am ready for my road test, we will head back for more practice on the pad.

So that’s what I have for you right now from when I arrived on Sunday through Wednesday evening I will try to update you more as I get a little more experience out on the road. Also I did meet Matt who is also on the forum here. It was awesome meeting him he’s already cleared and hopefully he’s going with his trainer soon. I was asked if I would like to train on a manual or an automatic. I did up for the automatic but I’m kind of thinking maybe I may want to do manual if the will get me a trainer faster. I’ll sleep on that one.

Great update, Liz! Exciting times for you for awhile.

Great update, Liz! Exciting times for you for awhile.

Thank you PackRat. I can’t wait to get on a truck with a trainer. Time to get this show on the road!

Best of luck to ya, Liz. We're all pulling for you here.

Try to keep us updated when you can, and please come to us with any frustrations or questions you have. Have fun!

Best of luck to ya, Liz. We're all pulling for you here.

Try to keep us updated when you can, and please come to us with any frustrations or questions you have. Have fun!

Thank you Turtle

So here is my Thursday update.

So it’s Thursday morning and I’m still waiting for my clearance from personnel. Everyone else in my class has their clearance. So I spent the morning hoping there wouldn’t be an issue. What happened was when I did my original drug test before going to Pittston PA, the clinic had me drink a bottle of water to make sure there was enough pee for the drug test. Well I was informed Monday morning when I arrived at Pittston that my drug test result was bad because it was diluted. So I did another test Monday morning at prime. So while everyone was getting clearance on Wednesday and Thursday morning I was in patiently waiting. I’d like to say that before going up I had all my ducks in a row and as it turned out one of them was kind of special.

So just after lunch on Thursday today, I was given the greenlight and got my clearance. So now I’m waiting for my psd road training to get me prepared for my CDL road test and a phone call from my trainer to see when we start. Has anyone mentioned that there is a lot of hurry up and wait in this process at the beginning of the week and at the end of the week.

Pretty much for Thursday everyone was for their phone calls I was waiting for my clearance. So to fill the time we went into the Sim lab to do a little more driving with the simulators. Also everyone was continuing to review their pre-trip. Drill this into your heads. Someone I met; went to do their CDL road test and they blew the pre-trip. From having a had a chance to speak with them, I know they will get it there next shot it’s just that until you can get through the pre-trip you can’t do the rest of the Road test. So, just remember get your pre-trip down!

Needless to say I’m still very excited I can’t wait to get started. I’m also very nervous because I’ve never driven something so long. I’d also like to say that everyone here really really wants you to pass and do well. Listen to them and get your stuff done and make sure you bring all the paperwork you were asked to.

So now I wait for my trainer. We’ve heard the horror stories because everyone likes to share the bad and difficult times. The one thing that they told us at the terminal was to remember that when you’re going with the trainer you were basically going into their home so keep that in mind. That is their space their refrigerator their everything. Think about someone coming into you home. Basically, I am going to do what they recommend in class, ask your trainer their rules for their truck are, their expectations are and I will let them know expectations are. Hey, I’m not going into this with a big head or ****y or a know it all. I am here to learn how to become a professional truck driver and I would like to know what my trainer is like, what they expect from me what I expect from them. These are things that we should be able to discuss. Heck we’re professionals.

Again thanks for reading my ramblings. It’s already a little bit after 8 PM and I am tired. I get up early every day so that I can catch the first van to the terminal. So I’m gonna take a nap and maybe review this again later but I’m gonna post it now anyway.

Thanks for the update. Keep em coming. Are you in Springfield?

Great update, Liz. I'm glad to hear you got the clearance. That's always a stressful time.

If you have time to kill I'd suggest walking down to the training pad/facility. There you can get an up close view of the backing maneuvers, and it'll make the wait time go a little faster.

Just take a right out of the terminal , and it's down the road not even a half mile on the left, can't miss it. Don't forget your ID card, you'll need it to get back in the gate lol.

Thanks for the update. Keep em coming. Are you in Springfield?

Pittston

Welcome to prime..... but all of trucking is hurry up and wait. get ised to.it hahaha

good luck and yes they do want you to succeed. Richard who heads the training there really helped me after i failed the backing. he was at sprimo then but he is cool.... has an adorable little boy too.