CDL Training

Topic 519 | Page 1

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Theodore H.'s Comment
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I'm getting set to leave for CDL school on Saturday, I have never driven a truck before but I've been studying and doing great on this site's training program, anybody have any advice that will help me succeed?

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.
David's Comment
member avatar

I'm getting set to leave for CDL school on Saturday, I have never driven a truck before but I've been studying and doing great on this site's training program, anybody have any advice that will help me succeed?

What school/company are you heading too????

just keep studying. If you can get your permit before you leave along with your DOT physical if they school allows it.. Some schools do the DOT exam at the school or take you to a DR office. some will let you get it done where you live. same goes the the CDL permit.

This site has some amazing resource's to help you through. You'll also want to make sure you have all your supplies ready.

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.

DOT:

Department Of Transportation

A department of the federal executive branch responsible for the national highways and for railroad and airline safety. It also manages Amtrak, the national railroad system, and the Coast Guard.

State and Federal DOT Officers are responsible for commercial vehicle enforcement. "The truck police" you could call them.

Ozzy's Comment
member avatar
, I have never driven a truck before but I've been studying and doing great on this site's training program, anybody have any advice that will help me succeed?

I am currently in school, my advise to you is that whatever you do, DO NOT get discouraged. There are times when you will get frustrated, specially if you have never driven a truck, but you just have to pus through it and keep practicing, when it comes down to skills and shifting. There were 16 people in my class when we first started and I am about half way through and there is only 10 people left now. Alot of the people that quit did it because they could back up right or parallel park or even shift right. All of these skills will come to you with time and practice so do not get overwhelmed and just keep at it.

Keep us updated on how you are doing at school. It is always great and encouraging for those of us that are going to school to hear from another guys or gals that are having the same difficulties so we can help each others out.

HOS:

Hours Of Service

HOS refers to the logbook hours of service regulations.
Theodore H.'s Comment
member avatar

I am going to CR Englands school in SLC. I think I'm good on the written part but there's so much to remember for the pre-trip and learning to drive the truck is going to be hard but I'm ready for it. Thanks for the advice guys, this is a great site, nice to hear from positive people for a change it seems like everybody is so negative.

Brett Aquila's Comment
member avatar

Welcome aboard!

Indeed, attitude is everything. Stay positive, optimistic, confident, and focused. When you arrive at school you'll soon see that your class will consist of a range of people. Some will have an awesome attitude, be ready to work hard, and willing to listen and learn. Those are the ones you want to fall in with.

There will definitely be a group that's the exact opposite. They've been reading nothing but negativity about trucking and they'll be highly cynical toward everything - CR England, the instructors, the materials, their job prospects - everything. Avoid these people like the plague.

In trucking more than anything I've ever done, it's you that will determine your ultimate fate. If you work hard, have a great attitude, listen & learn, and remain confident and optimistic you'll do great. You have to persevere through the rough spots and keep moving forward.

There's nothing easy about getting your trucking career underway, but you can certainly do it if you commit yourself properly. I'll tell you right now - more than half of the people that show up for class on day one will not make it through the training for various reasons. If you want to be one of those who make it through, commit to being the best student possible. Remain confident and expect to push through some rough patches from time to time. You'll get there if you're focused and committed.

HOS:

Hours Of Service

HOS refers to the logbook hours of service regulations.
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