Going to C1 on the 6th...any advice?

**Lspilot82** · 08.22.2010

Well guys I've decided to go with Pam and I'm suppose to start school with C1 on the 6th. I'm on here to get some sound advice about what I should do. I've heard some negatives and positives about them. So will it be worth my time. Also, I'm taking the bus from Florida to Indy. How am I suppose to get from the hotel to the school? Is there anyone else on here thats suppose to start training at C1 on the 6th?

**o.m.d.** · 08.22.2010

what you should do is pay attention in class, realize anything the trainers say about the company they are working for is bs. and i think the best way to get from the hotel to the school would be a taxi cab. or you could walk. maybe even jog if you are feeling ambitious

**Merlin1477024** · 08.22.2010

No matter what else you do, read as much of this thread as you can:

Help a trucker wannabe out!

It took me a couple days to get through it, but was well worth the investment. Romance and reality get separated and there is excellent coaching, feedback, analysis and plenty of "tell it like it is" from well experienced drivers and more.

**Lspilot82** · 08.23.2010

Thanks for that. I'll for sure start reading it cause im sure there is a ton of useful info on there.

**djtrype** · 08.23.2010

Good thing you're going to Indy and not Fort Worth. I'm a trainer for PAM and went to C1 in Newport, AR which is now closed. Was a great school, not sure why they closed it. Most important thing to do is pay attention. Take advantage of any time they offer doing the Pre-trip inspection. Guys going to Fort Worth are given absolutely zero time to do Pre-trips and C1 expects the trainers on the road to teach them everything about Pre-trips. Also, realize the school is just there to get you your CDL and nothing else. They may share stories of being on the road, but their primary objective is for you to get your CDL. What you learn at C1 and what you'll learn on the road with your trainer may and probably will be 2 different things. Just use common sense when a trainer tells you something different from what you were told in school. Some trainers will feed you a load of whatever. Just think if it makes any sense. If it doesn't, question it and get an explanation.

I'm not sure how Indiana works, but I was able to take all my endorsement tests minus Hazmat while in Arkansas for no extra charge. They only charged $5 per endorsement if you passed the test to add Tanker and/or Doubles/Triples endorsements to my license. If you're allowed to take the endorsement tests, study for them and take them. Ask the trainers at the school if they have any sample tests or if you're bringing a laptop with you, ask if they know any websites with sample tests. I can't think of any right off the top of my head, but they will.

As far as getting to school from the hotel, I'd try to find someone to ride with and give them a few bucks each week for gas money. Good luck and if you need anything further about PAM, just shoot me a PM and I'll get back to you ASAP.

**Lspilot82** · 08.23.2010

Hey Dj, thanks for the info. I'm real excited about doing this and cant wait to start trucking as a career. I love traveling and this is a great way to see the country. I understand that im not going to get rich from this and I have alot to learn and my 1st year will be tough. I will use my 1st year to learn as much as possible about this industry so I can be a great and safe driver. I'm sure Ill figure out something about a ride from the motel to the school. Your idea is what I had in mind. Thanks again for the info.

**tallcountry** · 08.23.2010

I just finished C1 in Indy last week. I can tell you that when you get to the hotel you will be able to work out a ride from the hotel to the school with other classmates. I can tell you to work on the e gears they give you access to and study the state drives licences test and signs as well as the general knowledge, air brakes , and combination vehiciels. When you get to Indy you will have Keith for your classroom work, Keith is very knowledgable and he will help you along as long as you try to help yourself. On tuesday you will go to the bmv to do testing for your Indiana licience and your CDL permit you need to be prepared to pass them( this means doing e gears and also down loading the IN drivers licences manual and reading it. Once you get your permit you will be turned lose on the PTI find and make time to work on your PTI early in the morning and or after the end of the day. Have your pti ready so that you can test early in the week of the second week that way you can focus on the range and street during your second week and be ready to test out of C 1 by Tuesday of the third week so you have up to 3 chances to pass at CDL befor friday comes. So know comes the real advise when you get stressed out and feel like you are not getting it talk to the instructors or go talk to keith druing your brake they will help you put things back in prospective and keep you on track. If you have any more questions email me at Cs750770002280@aol.com Im heading out with PAM later this week but will get email to my bb so let me know.