A.B. CDL Driving School (CT)

Week Five went really well with double clutching exercises up and down a hill, pre-trip/drop-n-hook/air brake tests everyday, static course practice, etc. I was told I would be heading out on the road next week (Week Six), and interjecting the alley dock into the static course.

One of my instructors indicated that myself and two other students are expected to test out with the DMV next Friday, May 16th. That's great!! Except we still haven't hit the road or done any alley dock practice. I did however take it upon myself to do an alley dock at the end of the day before I put the truck away for the weekend, I nailed it, no instruction, no help! Let's see how it goes next week (#6).

Awesome.... the road driving is really the easy part man. Backing and pretrip is where most people stumble on the test. You will do fine.

Wine Taster:

Thanks. The driving, for one hour mind you, this past week, went "fine" according to my instructor; I on the other hand did not feel all that comfortable with my performance. First time out was a bit overwhelming, we are expected to know how to downshift even though NO training had been offered prior to.

I relate the training approach at this, 'ahem', school to be like tossed into a pool by your father and told to swim before you hit the water!

The past week, #6, went pretty well, test on Friday was postponed for my class until the 30th, we weren't ready... big surprise.

Side-note: I can't wait until I get my CDL and certificate and get to a company for training, I feel I am going to need that dramatically!!

Week Seven is complete. Lots of practice on the static course, all of the three maneuvers are coming pretty well for me I suppose. Not as much time on the road as I had hoped but that is coming along too. My official test day is Friday May 30th. Then I only have two weeks remaining, man how fast that went. I'll keep you posted as to my passing of the CDL practical/road exam.

A side-note for anyone that may read this:

Here is a sign that the trucking industry may have below-average workers in terms of initiative: Out of 6 students in my class, only two guys (me and my childhood friend) were the only ones to complete and turn in reading 36 chapters and answering a pre-test on the 23rd of May. One-third of the class!!! That is absolutely atrocious. How is it that folks can't put in the effort and still expect that they will shine, or even succeed?

This point has been brought up more than a few times on this site: you only get out of this what you put in, reap what you sow (if you will)! Sure they all have their reasons for not completing the "homework" and promise to have it done for Tuesday (off Monday for Memorial Day), why does anyone do that, if you are instructed to complete something why put it off and expect that the instructors will allow you another several days. Does this mentality show through from these same individuals who when asked by their DM's that a load must be delivered on X day at X time, they just can't do it, but can do it the following day?

Hard work, dedication, devotion, dependability, responsibility, a can-do, roll-up-your-sleeves, get-your-hands-dirty attitude. It's as if it doesn't exist anymore, or matter at all! Three of the four that did not turn in the assignments are former military, can you believe that?!! The two that did are also former military, at least those same qualities taught and encouraged by our armed forces aren't wasted on everyone!

I bring this up because of this result: we were all instructed to complete this work, and were further told that if the homework wasn't completed by that date you were not able to drive until the work was completed. The two people who were "punished", as it were, by not getting to drive on Friday (the 23rd), were the two people who actually di complete the homework!!! , me and my buddy! Does this crap make sense??

Anyway we both expressed our displeasure of this very thing to no avail, needless to say, I have an exam to pass, another 36 chapter test to do and a 50 question final exam to take, grab a certificate and head down the road to TMC Transportation (I'm pretty sure) and get some REAL Training!!! Only three weeks to go and this chapter will close.

Good afternoon Jim,

First of all, good luck in your endeavors into this field of work. I'm still new to it myself but it's a pretty great adventure every day. I've been a lurker for a while on this site and I saw your post on AB and just wanted to share some encouragement with you.

Training to drive a truck can be a very frustrating thing. No one is going to hold your hand and put baby powder on your bumm when you've been sitting in a truck seat for 7 hours straight. Like you I found myself at AB CDL to start my journey. I had never even been in a rig before I walked through those doors. It's an overwhelming sensation. And trust me, the first time I went out on the road, I soaked my shirt through with sweat with how nervous I was, and this was just this past February...it was about 15 degrees outside.

The only thing I can say is to just stick with it and listen to what they have to say. It may seem unfair or like your not getting enough attention but just pay attention. Actively think about all the things you have learned. How do I need to drive this trailer to get it into this spot. How wide do I need to take this turn so I don't run over a curb or hit a sign. More than that, take your time, don't rush. If your practicing backing and you're not quite sure how much room you have left, get out and look. Be an active driver, this is just the begin of a new professional career.

Me personally, I just started driving for Shaffer. Met a recruiter and got hired on right out of AB. You will not be a perfect driver coming out of any school but they provided a great foundation for me to base my career off of. Just stick in there and feel free to message me or just respond with any questions or help you may need. Whatever help I can give you I am more than happy to offer

Michael,

Thanks for the reply and most importantly the encouragement.

I was never looking for my hand to be held or for anyone to wipe my you know what, but all I can say is, I persevered!! I took the driving road/static test today and passed. So I am officially done with the class, I will go next week to get my certificate of completion. I am all set to start with TMC Transportation on Monday the 23rd of this month. As you indicated, it all worked out in the end because I kept my head down, my ears open my mind engaged and most importantly my mouth shut!!

For anyone who read along, albeit a short while, thank you for sharing this journey with me. I apologize if I haven't done so already to any and all of you for the negativity that was spilling from my fingertips with regards to the school I went to and the education I thought I was getting. Which as it turns out was precisely the reason I stopped recording in this journal because I felt the negativity was getting to me and rearing its ugly head on these pages. The only way I could prevent typing something disparaging mid-way through my training was to not type at all.

Be safe all,

Jim

That's great to hear Jim, congratulations!!

Good luck out on the road and roll on

Thank you Michael, and to you good sir!