Ex Mechanic Turning Driver

well ive been working on trucks for about 5 years now, ever since i finished diesel mechanic school ive always had an interest in driving at some point. Last summer someone broke into the shop i worked at and stole five thousand dollars worth of my tools, so i figured that was my sign to start going after my CDL lol. I start training with the swift academy this monday (march 16th). i quit my job, saved some money, and sold my tool box so i pretty much threw all my eggs into one basket on this one because of how bad i want to drive. im 25 years old, single with no kids and i couldnt be more excited and happy about my decision. being a mechanic, my job relied heavily on my knowledge of trucks and DOT regulations so i feel somewhat comfortable that ill do well in the class. As comfortable as i am, im also very nervous that i may struggle on tests or wont get hired on and be stuck with a nice bill to pay off with no job. ive heard swifts training school runs for 18 days straight with no time off, does anyone know how true that is? also does anyone know how well the chances of getting hired on with swift are after completing the course? I am truly thankful for any of the advice i get from experienced drivers on here and for brett for running such an informative site for guys like me to come get help from! I live in phoenix,az so that is the location ill be training at.

Welcome to Swift, Danny. Not to worry about getting hired. If your work record and background checks are up to snuff, you're as good as in.

I started Swift Academy on Dec 16, we got Christmas & NYear off because they are holidays. We were either in class or on the range the rest of the time, including Saturdays & Sundays. That last Sunday is off for travel as many students return to their home state for orientation and road training. Living in Phoenix, you do get that day off.

Simply pay attention in the classes, you'll ace the written test. As for backing, if you were able to move a tractor/trailer combination in your job as mechanic, you know what you're in for. One thing that really helped me understand what goes on in backing was (don't laugh) to get a realistic die cast toy truck and back it up on the dinner table.

I posted nearly all my Swift experience on TT. Search for "Swift Academy" or search Errol V.

Good luck. Try to post your own journey here.

Right on man thank you! I will definitely check out and read your experience. yeah I was a truck/trailer mechanic and when we worked on trailers, we were in charge of getting our trailers and backing them up to the shop. I never got trained on how to back up trailers so I basically taught myself what little I know about backing them up. I noticed overstearing was a big problem I was having so I'm really excited about getting some actual training and learning proper techniques.

Too late in my Academy weeks, I thought of this: get the broom from the kitchen (or wherever you hide it). Hold the end of the handle on your hip, and let the broom end drag behind you as you walk around the house. Or at least in the back yard if inside is to cluttered for this.

Don't let the broom stick touch anything as you go around corners. That means waking wide to make turns. On a smooth floor (no carpet), "back up" by pushing the broom, and try to get the broom end into a tight space, or try "parking" between two chairs. The "no touch" rules still apply.

CDL school was no big deal. I enjoyed it. I thought it was fun driving a 18 wheeler -- and I suffered through CDL school with Valley Fever. That was the only hard part.

No reason to be nervous.