NCTDTS # Johnston Community College

So, apparently I'm not good at blogging about my driving school experience. I'll try harder to keep up. I'm three qualifying drives in and still no luck. Seems like what's getting me every time is just bone-headed mental mistakes, which I know I'll shake, but its just really frustrating because I know I can drive these things if I pull my head out of my rear-end. Anyway, weekend's coming and hopefully I can refresh my mind and get it right next week.

 

Alright, long weekend for the NCTA Trucking Championships. Called McElroy this morning and was told that orientation will start for me on July 5th, which is also my birthday, so Happy Birthday to me. Finally got my 9 speed qualification so 10 speeds this week and and then I should have my CDL. As for this weekend, I'm thinking about hitting the championship and then going to Kenly to check out the show trucks. I'm looking forward to sharing the highways with all of y'all.

 

Wow, 7 weeks down, and 1 more to go. The last two weeks have been quite eventful. First of all, I finally got my 10 speed qualification knocked out. After that it was off to the CDL skills and road tests, which JCC has you more than prepared for once it's time to take them, so they were no problem to pass at all. I've had my CDL for a week now, and 'solo' driving is about 1000 times less stressful than having an instructor in the passenger seat who you know is critiquing your every move.

All that being said, next week is gonna be the 'make or break' week for everybody. Monday morning will kick off backing tests, 100' alley, 90 degree alley dock, and ending with the zig-zag alley backing. Tuesday we'll be practicing for the forward exercise and coupling tests, and have the option of taking the coupling test early. Wednesday we have to take the coupling test by the end of the day. Thursday will be the forward exercise testing day and I believe we will also have the 100 question written final as well. Finally wrapping up on Friday with the final road test in the morning (no grade points, just class 'rank points'). Then Friday afternoon is graduation.

From there I guess it'll be off into the great big world of truck driving. As I mentioned earlier, I'll be at McElroy Truck Lines for orientation in Pleasant Hill, NC starting July 5th. I can't wait to get out there and possibly get a chance to meet some of the cool people I've met on here so far.

See y'all on the road, keep the rubber side down.

 

Sorry guys, didn't mean to be gone so long. Right now I'm I my last week on the trainer truck, then I'll be off to Cuba, AL next week for evaluation. So a week from Thursday I should have my truck assigned to me with a load heading towards the house.

Be safe out there drivers.