DCTC Truck Driver School MN
Topic 33773 | Page 1
This course is a major disgrace
Says the man who just got his CDL from these folks.
I just can't understand how so many newly licensed CDL holders are instant experts on how training schools should run. I don't even know why they want to be drivers. It seems they would all see a huge opportunity to start driving schools that operate the way they think is better.
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.
Scott crosses the stage:
So I graduated but DCTC did not fulfill the requirement of getting me endorsed.
I suppose the graduation meant your 30 days passed, you got graduated, then what? What part did you play in getting ready for the CDL road test? Why did you need to rent a truck, the school should have supplied the qualified truck and trailer for the test.
BTW, I looked up that C7500. The GVWR for that is 25,950. A Class A-rated vehicle is at least 26,001. Close, but no cigar there. And probably the transmission has synchromesh if it's a stick - no double clutching needed.
And I'm 72 and have taught CDLA for four years. Want to go out back and discuss old instructors? (just kidding.)
I went back to your post on your CDL test two months ago (Faribault) and your very detailed description of how well you tested. The comment by the examiner is very telling - "The examiner also stated my turns are sloppy." Did you take that to heart?
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.
GVWR:
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
GVWR is the maximum operating weight of a vehicle as specified by the manufacturer, minus any trailers.
Double Clutch:
To engage and then disengage the clutch twice for every gear change.
When double clutching you will push in the clutch, take the gearshift out of gear, release the clutch, press the clutch in again, shift the gearshift into the next gear, then release the clutch.
This is done on standard transmissions which do not have synchronizers in them, like those found in almost all Class A trucks.
Double Clutching:
To engage and then disengage the clutch twice for every gear change.
When double clutching you will push in the clutch, take the gearshift out of gear, release the clutch, press the clutch in again, shift the gearshift into the next gear, then release the clutch.
This is done on standard transmissions which do not have synchronizers in them, like those found in almost all Class A trucks.
My apologies. I did a Google search on the C7500 and found the GVWR of 28,950 (Texas Truck Center). On Chevrolet.om (They oughtta know) lists the Low Cab Forward version has a GVWR of 33,000.
GVWR:
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
GVWR is the maximum operating weight of a vehicle as specified by the manufacturer, minus any trailers.
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So Dakota County Technical College has a CDL Class A school. This course is a major disgrace and here is why. The recruiter requires $6000 tuition cost. Then the class runs no more than 30 days, regardless if you get endorsed or not. The driving instructor is 78 years old and from Arkansas. Total disorganization there. So I graduated but DCTC did not fulfill the requirement of getting me endorsed. So I rented a semi, manual transmission as well in Bemidji MN. $250 to rent truck. Practice for two hours. Truck is a C7500 Chevrolet with 5 speed manual pulling a 30 foot lowboy. Super super simple rig. Anyone guaranteed to pass as long as they are able to clutch a manual. People save the headaches of trucking academies,they are just in it for the money
CDL:
Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles:
DAC:
Drive-A-Check Report
A truck drivers DAC report will contain detailed information about their job history of the last 10 years as a CDL driver (as required by the DOT).
It may also contain your criminal history, drug test results, DOT infractions and accident history. The program is strictly voluntary from a company standpoint, but most of the medium-to-large carriers will participate.
Most trucking companies use DAC reports as part of their hiring and background check process. It is extremely important that drivers verify that the information contained in it is correct, and have it fixed if it's not.