STARTING SCHOOL MONDAY NEED ADVICE!!
Topic 4551 | Page 1
I am starting cdl school for swift/central on Monday, and I am extremely nervous!!!! (that's an understatement) BUT, I am also really excited!!! I have been thinking about driving truck for some time now! I am on here just looking for some pointers on: what to expect... what I need to bring (stuff that they dont necessarily tell you to bring but i will end up needing) etc.. any advice will be greatly appreciated! Thanks all!
I don't know if swifts school has changed since merging with central. You can expect a fast based program, should be about 3 weeks. 3 days of class room and then the remainder will be in or around the truck. (this is how it was for me, as I said, I don't know if the schooling has changed)
As for what to bring,
Copy of SS card non laminated (recruiters do forget to tell you non laminated) Birth Cert Resume (Not required, I did though just incase) Work history for 5yrs - 10yrs (if you have gaps be ready to explain why and you may need to get friend/family to confirm that by signing a letter) Reference's (I had at least 5) Note pad with pencil/pen CDL Permit (I know the phoenix school will take you to get the AZ Permit, not sure on the others, but its always good to have it and be ahead of the game.) Pack enough clothing for atleast 8 days (i said 8 so you can have an extra outfit to do laundry in. ) small blanket and pillow for bus ride toilet supplies (Toothbrush, shampoo, etc..) Hat (sun protection) spare $$ for food (breakfast lunch and dinner) - not sure if they provide lunch
theres probably more, but thats really the necessary items.
the first test they give you on in the truck is a straight line backing, if you fail this you will basically fail the entire school and will be sent home (thats how it was for the phoenix school and this was 2 yrs ago) if that is the case, Pay close attention to your mirrors when backing, and do small movements with the wheel. Always remember, backing a trailer is opposite of a car.. Left is right and Right is left. I found watching the mirror of the side I want to correct was helpful. You will get time to practice before testing. I think they give you a full day. I had a class of 12 with access to 4 trucks to practice on. The other thing is DRINK PLENTY OF WATER. Depending on your school location, you may be on a black top with little to no shade.
The school is designed to help you pass and obtain your CDL everything will be trained by a trainer with swift/central, so If you feel like your lost after your graduate, just write down any questions you have, and when you meet your trainer you can talk with him/her about it. (This is after you graduate and goto Orientation)
David
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.
What was said above.
Additionally, bring your best attitude and pitch your ego. No matter what you're up against, keep a positive, "can do" attitude. Not only are you being watched for how you handle the off the wall things, but being positive will help YOU get over any set backs you encounter - and you will encounter set backs. You will question your self or what is the training process, but that attitude will be what gets you through the rough spots.
The other thing to remember is to have fun and see the humor in what life is throwing at you. Enjoy the ride and keep us posted.
OWI:
Operating While Intoxicated
Hello David. That is some really great advice you gave. I just posted my first post a few minutes ago but you brought up a good question. Is the backing (or anything tested for that matter) timed?
Ms. Donna
Thanks all for the advice!! I am trying to round up the $60 bucks for my cdl! I was supposed to get paid for my last job by now... and well havent gotten it yet. hope I get it round up!
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.
Study as much of High Road Training Program as you possibly can before you start.
Welcome to Trucking Truth!
-mountain girl
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.
Hello David. That is some really great advice you gave. I just posted my first post a few minutes ago but you brought up a good question. Is the backing (or anything tested for that matter) timed?
Ms. Donna
Donna,
I don't think it was a timed test. I don't recall ever being timed on it. The instructors will explain that when the time comes.
David
Backing is not timed.
-mountain girl
Hey, me too! I'll be training at the Memphis location. How about you?
My recruiter gave me a ton of info. The most important one is arriving to class on time. Being late or missing without calling ahead will get automatically you kicked out. She also sent me a list of all the things I needed to bring + contact info for the Memphis location and the Salt Lake City location. If you don't have the list, I can forward it to you.
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I am starting cdl school for swift/central on Monday, and I am extremely nervous!!!! (that's an understatement) BUT, I am also really excited!!! I have been thinking about driving truck for some time now! I am on here just looking for some pointers on: what to expect... what I need to bring (stuff that they dont necessarily tell you to bring but i will end up needing) etc.. any advice will be greatly appreciated! Thanks all!
CDL:
Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles: