I will be starting my c.d.l.. training with Roehl on the 30th of this month.Nervous because I have never done anything like this before.Have been in the manufactuing business for more then 20 years,been laid off twice now and have seen my income get cut in half.Basically my question to you truckers out there is what to expect in my new venture like eveything from the pre-test for your permit to actually getting out ther and driving basically the abc of eveything.

Let's start at the beginning with training at Roehl. I started there after being in food management for 26 years. If you are paying for your training the FIRST thing that will happen is that Carrie will call you into another room and get your payment. The paperwork, drug test. You will get to meet your instructor(s). You do book learning on the first day. Second day out on the training range to start learning shifting and basic control. Soon your out on the road. Dave and Keith like to stay more in the city area while Joe takes you more out in the country towards Pittsville, Wisconsin. You get more drive time that way I think. Then close to test time he will start working you more in the city to work on tight turns, railroad crossing etc...
When all is said and done, a State tester will come out. You will be called out for your test starting with a complete pre trip and your off. IMPORTANT if you hit the curb when first pulling out of the yard, your done. Turn a little wider and stay away from that curb. When you pass your test you will be driven to the Wisconsin License branch. Your paperwork will be turned in and you will get your CDL. If you are going with Roehl you will do your new hire paperwork. You will get $50.00 on your card and you will go to the drivers lounge to get your $50.00 for your ride home. A trainer will contact you (in theory) and you will be off to a new career.
Take Care

Thank-You Toby,that is what I need.I am very nervous about going to school,mainly because I am totally green behind the ears when it comes to driving a big rig.I believe I can handle the book work,as for driving?Never been ticket for any-thing, know how to drive a manual transmission.Just how difficult is learning how to drive such a big truck any-how.

It's not all that difficult. But, when you are "training" at a school. You will be informed (by most) what will cause a failure. If the school is any good, they will do everything they can to insure that you pass.

One point you should always remember...Take as much room as YOU feel you need. Don't short yourself, and regret it later.

Additional note on the curb issue. Hit ANY curb, and fail. Swinging out too wide to avoid a curb will result in "point" reduction. Commen sense tells you, that a single point versus and immediate failure is worth the point

Company Test:
I took a 5 pnt deduction on CFI range test, because I backed up. But the alternative was to possibly hit a fence marker and totally fail You have to really try hard to fail their range test, although I saw 3 do it on the day I took mine. Backing up during your CDL test, is immediate failure, unless you are doing the backing test

My best advise: Try and ignore the guy/gal next to you...and drive to the best of your ability. That's how I've always approached a road test of any kind.

On the Road ... Expect anything and everything.

__________________
.
I'm gonna kill the next SOB who tells me I look stressed out.

--Unknown