From A Trainer: Take This Seriously!

I feel like my trainer did a very good and thorough job but definitely realized how much I still had to learn when I was solo. (Still lots more to learn in the future) I had done my research and studied but there is sooo much of a curve. Definitely not like any job I’ve ever had. Once solo the safety net was gone. Looking over in the empty passenger seat and realizing you are alone, and YOU need to make a decision. I talk to some guys on my account that were either not taught anything or didn’t bother to learn. Great trainers are needed but if you are a sh*^ty student you are just wasting time.

Kearsy, are you that “unicorn” trainer that lots of females have to wait for? (Nonsmoking female) lmbo

I'm to be at Joplin, Mo. on Monday for orientation with CFI. Then, as I understand it 29 days with a trainer which is good, it's what I want. I have no solo time behind the wheel...........none at all. Maybe 60/70 miles total driving with either an instructor or state examiner. No solo time.

I want a good trainer. I want the 29 days training and have sought it out.

Ok, seems to me though the sword is a double edge, maybe? I'm an eager student, medium smart, 75 years old and been around some. Been thru learning to fly back in the stone ages. If it begins or ends with "Boat" I've done it for a long-long-long time in more than one country.

I'm no genius and sure as heck no when to ask for help and training. I want that real bad.

Ok, here's my question: How do I know I'm getting a trainer who wants to teach me as bad as I want to learn? I've been thru this with airplanes and boats. I've seen extremely good instructors ( trainers per se) and less than good ones as well.

Luck of the draw?

CFI works hard to match students with trainers that will work for them. Remember, with CFI, you are doing all the driving and by the end all the work. Any time you are in the driver's seat it is your butt and CDL on the line. Never be afraid to GOAL.

Listen to your trainer and make sure you understand his instructions.

You will have the phone number for the training department. Feel free to call them if you have any serious problems.

Also, I think it's 25 days and not 29.

Good luck.

Just passed through Illinois today, on I-80. There was a white pick up on an overpass. No biggie.... I get there, and I see there driver put down a set of binoculars... sure as ****, 1 unit hidden on the on ramp waiting, and 4 others with cars pulled over.

I heard that they do that, but this is the first time I've seen it.

Put the phones down !!

Thanks to all Ive just arrived in Joplin Looking forward to this..........a whole lot And, I appreciate the input

Old School I have no idea why you would wonder about responding to me? I appreciate the info however it's your call. Your response is welcome

ya'll, people learn differently In my case I learn very-very-very (that's 3 very's) slow..........extremely slow. Today there's words that describe some learning disabilities but when I was a kid those words did not exist. Took me several schools before I graduated highschool. So, I appreciate your patience when I seem to repeat myself. If it bothers anyone I apologize for that and will limit my questions some.

I began my truck driving school with a group of which all passed (except two) within three weeks. Took me six weeks watching other groups come and go while I stumbled some. I try to have a sense of humor about it thus my "Klutz" remarks. Does' not embarress me at all just have learned over decades to adjust and handle it Anyone who misunderstand my very sincere efforts I sure offer my apologies

Ok, tomorrow I begin my CFI adventure and am very excited about it.

Thanks to all Ive just arrived in Joplin Looking forward to this..........a whole lot And, I appreciate the input

At 75 you are my hero. I hope to be doing this at 75.

Keep us posted on your progress

Big Scott Finished my first day of orientation and for the entire part, paperwork and such. What I realize is that CFI is a big company and extremely well organized.

Instructor at orientation made clear that he was going to move fast and alot of info, real fast. He said it was like unto filling a gallon bucket then trying to fit another gallon into the already filed gallon bucket in short time. So, I know what to expect.

What is obvious to me is that these guys are pros They know what they're doing. Everything is very organized and very professional. Building, all the surroundings, offices, and classrooms very clean and well organized. Very friendly atmosphere however I can clearly see it's going to be a very busy week.

I can see why your a big fan of CFI I'm an FNG when it begins with truck however I do have some wordly experiance and with some big companies. This is a very impressive company.

My only worry is as already previosly stated, I'm a slow learner. I hope I can keep pace.

I appreciate your input and hope you'll continue with it.

Old School I have no idea why you would wonder about responding to me?

I'm sorry Mike. My comment came across kind of rude sounding.

I'm just having a hard time feeling like I'm helping you. It's my problem. I just can't ever tell if you're grasping the concepts we teach here. Hopefully you are, and I certainly wish you great success at CFI.

Big Scott Finished my first day of orientation and for the entire part, paperwork and such. What I realize is that CFI is a big company and extremely well organized.

Instructor at orientation made clear that he was going to move fast and alot of info, real fast. He said it was like unto filling a gallon bucket then trying to fit another gallon into the already filed gallon bucket in short time. So, I know what to expect.

What is obvious to me is that these guys are pros They know what they're doing. Everything is very organized and very professional. Building, all the surroundings, offices, and classrooms very clean and well organized. Very friendly atmosphere however I can clearly see it's going to be a very busy week.

I can see why your a big fan of CFI I'm an FNG when it begins with truck however I do have some wordly experiance and with some big companies. This is a very impressive company.

My only worry is as already previosly stated, I'm a slow learner. I hope I can keep pace.

I appreciate your input and hope you'll continue with it.

Ask for help if you need it. Good luck.

OLD SCHOOL

Thanks for getting back to me.

It's all good.

Friends have poked fun at me for years because it takes me a long time to grasp something and it takes me forever to say it.

Most simple form today to fill out took me three tries before I understood the instructions and completed it correctly.

I wear hearing aids in both ears. A mask with straps that go around the ears. Headphones today to watch some videos over my ears. Glasses on so as to be able to watch the videos hanging on my ears. My ears are not big enough to hang all that stuff on so I had to make choices which excluded my hearing aids thus missed some instructions and didn't fill the form out correctly.

See what I mean when I say I'm a Klutz?

Sometimes it's best to just poke some fun at yourself.

I lucked out...........Big Time!

Strickly by luck I've landed with a first class company.

I see why Big Scott and others are proud to be a part of CFI.

Looks like I've almost completed orientation and now am awaiting my "Finisher" (AKA Trainer). I'm on the road with a finisher for 24 to 26 days beginning in a few days. Going on the premise the finisher signs me off, then I'm solo with a truck. By the time I get a truck and am solo I'll have passed three CFI seperate tests of hands on driving. That includes 24 to 26 days "Captain Of The Ship" as it's put by CFI. This is exactly what I've wanted of a company. A CDL driving school sure does' prepare you for passing the CDL exam but falls way short of putting the new graduate on the road safely. I'm very satisfied that when I am given my own truck I'll be a safe driver still with alot to learn yet to come with experiance.

I cant speak highly enough of CFI. Everything about the company is first class. Everyone there goes' out of their way to be helpful and very friendly. People smile at you and wish you a good day. People seem very happy there. It's a very warm and professional atmosphere.

So, I guess officially I'm employed but I dont think I'll be really employed until after my time with the finisher and my final driving test at Joplin.

These guys and ladies are intense. There's no room for anything substandard with this company and people.

I lucked out..........BIG TIME!