Training On Gravel Vs. Paved Lot
Topic 31618 | Page 1
I don’t have time to give this a thoughtful reply...
Regardless you are going about this the wrong way. Anne gave you the correct reply in the diaries forum.
You should be able to drift the tractor a little easier on gravel 🤣
It will take full time attention. Overtime if you want to succeed. My course was 50 a week, 3 weeks plus test week and I studied nightly.
Plus you need 160 hours now.
I work and just do not have the time to go to a full CDL school course, I don't have 4 or more weeks off so I find myself limited to the smaller mom/pop training places that charge by the hour, some of which are on Gravel lots. In preparing for the CDL State range/road test, is there any difference practicing backing on a gravel lot as opposed to a paved lot? When weighing the pros & cons of training in my area, I find myself worried that a better instructor on a pot-holey gravel lot may not be any better than an average instructor on a paved lot, or how does it even matter?
Any thoughts?
Some community colleges (at least here in Ohio) still (or again?) have night and weekend classes for people that just 'can't' quit their day job.
You may want to look into that option. It will take a few months to reach that 160 hours, but ... it's worth a shot, if you simply cannot go company sponsored, as we recommend.
Best wishes!
~ Anne ~
ps: The ones around here have paved training pads. I'd stay away from the gravel, personally.
CDL:
Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles:
- Any combination of vehicles with a gross combined weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 or more pounds, providing the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of the vehicle being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds.
- Any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds, or any such vehicle towing another not in excess of 10,000 pounds.
- Any vehicle, regardless of size, designed to transport 16 or more persons, including the driver.
- Any vehicle required by federal regulations to be placarded while transporting hazardous materials.
Humor.
You should be able to drift the tractor a little easier on gravel 🤣
I suggest not going the way of Mom & Pop training companies. Gravel, paved, doesn’t matter. Minimal FMCSA training requirement is 160 hours.
I think Community College is likely your best option considering your full time job.
CSA:
Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA)
The CSA is a Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) initiative to improve large truck and bus safety and ultimately reduce crashes, injuries, and fatalities that are related to commercial motor vehicle
FMCSA:
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
The FMCSA was established within the Department of Transportation on January 1, 2000. Their primary mission is to prevent commercial motor vehicle-related fatalities and injuries.
What Does The FMCSA Do?
- Commercial Drivers' Licenses
- Data and Analysis
- Regulatory Compliance and Enforcement
- Research and Technology
- Safety Assistance
- Support and Information Sharing
Fm:
Dispatcher, Fleet Manager, Driver Manager
The primary person a driver communicates with at his/her company. A dispatcher can play many roles, depending on the company's structure. Dispatchers may assign freight, file requests for home time, relay messages between the driver and management, inform customer service of any delays, change appointment times, and report information to the load planners.
Every time I get on a gravel lot with the bobtail I have a strong desire to turn off the traction control and spin donuts. I think the smart drive would probably go off though and my safety manager would have a fit.
Bobtail:
"Bobtailing" means you are driving a tractor without a trailer attached.
That totally appeals to the 12 yo boy in me.
Every time I get on a gravel lot with the bobtail I have a strong desire to turn off the traction control and spin donuts. I think the smart drive would probably go off though and my safety manager would have a fit.
Bobtail:
"Bobtailing" means you are driving a tractor without a trailer attached.
The yard folk might get PO’d for tearing up their turf 
Every time I get on a gravel lot with the bobtail I have a strong desire to turn off the traction control and spin donuts. I think the smart drive would probably go off though and my safety manager would have a fit.
Bobtail:
"Bobtailing" means you are driving a tractor without a trailer attached.
New Reply:
New! Check out our help videos for a better understanding of our forum features
Preview:
This topic has the following tags:
Attending Truck Driving School CDL Training Choosing A Truck Driving School
Why Join Trucking Truth?
- The High Road Training Program
- The High Road Article Series
- The Friendliest Trucker's Forum Ever!
- Email Updates When New Articles Are Posted
Apply For Paid CDL Training Through TruckingTruth
Did you know you can fill out one quick form here on TruckingTruth and apply to several companies at once for paid CDL training? Seriously! The application only takes one minute. You will speak with recruiters today. There is no obligation whatsoever. Learn more and apply here:
TT On Facebook
I work and just do not have the time to go to a full CDL school course, I don't have 4 or more weeks off so I find myself limited to the smaller mom/pop training places that charge by the hour, some of which are on Gravel lots. In preparing for the CDL State range/road test, is there any difference practicing backing on a gravel lot as opposed to a paved lot? When weighing the pros & cons of training in my area, I find myself worried that a better instructor on a pot-holey gravel lot may not be any better than an average instructor on a paved lot, or how does it even matter?
Any thoughts?
CDL:
Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles: