Truck Driver Institute, Dallas. Good place

Discussion in 'Trucking Schools and CDL Training Forum' started by Box of Tj, Nov 22, 2014.

  1. Box of Tj

    Box of Tj Light Load Member

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    Nov 22, 2014
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    Just graduated from my 3 week course at TDI Dallas. While looking for info I couldn't find much about the class, so I figured I might share my experience here.
    My overall experience has been fantastic. When I first started, I was worried the course was going to be like the cheesy 90's films I had to watch when I was first getting my drivers license, or like the quarterly mandatory dont-be-an-idiot training sessions I had to endure in the Army. But to my pleasant surprise, the instructors there all taught with enthusiasm and character. I mean, I'm not saying it was like a David Copperfield show or anything, but they made learning about the monotonous rules and regulations of driving a commercial motor vehicle as entertaining as possible.
    The first week, most of the time is spent in the class learning all the crap you gotta know to get your permit. It's a lot of info in just a couple days, so if you're bad at retaining stuff, study the txdot manual they give you before-hand. The recruiter laid out pretty well that we would have to pass a DOT physical, And a drug screen on the first day. The 2nd day 4 out of our 12 didn't show up. I guess they had to study for the drug test... then 3 more dropped for other various reasons. By the time Thursday came for the written tests, we only had 5 remaining. The afternoon was spent back in the "yard" learning straight line backing and parallel parking. Friday was the same.
    The 2nd week we finally started going out on the road. Half of the day is spent in the yard, the other half in the road. There's usually 3 driving instructors (sometimes one has to teach the classroom, as the classroom instructor is a part time retired gentleman) two go out, one stays back at the yard. I know it sucks you gotta wait your turn to get some trigger time, but I learned a lot just watching the other guys screw up first, hehehe.
    Third week is pretty much the same deal. On Wednesday you go back to the DMV in Waxahachie to take the driving test.
    I'll tell you guys something here, too. When I say these guys got personality, they really do. They really want to help you become a better driver. That being said, if you can't take sarcasm, or anybody telling you you're doing it wrong, you probably won't like this school. Or any school, for that matter. I was surprised how some grown men could get their feelings hurt by another grown man telling them they're messing it up. But I digress...
    Overall, I felt like I didn't waste any time with this school. You might not get the 1on1 drive time like I hear you get in San Antonio, but they're doing a fantastic job with what they've got.
    Happy Trucking.
     
    Last edited: Nov 23, 2014
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  3. Smoke Brake

    Smoke Brake Bobtail Member

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    Nov 5, 2014
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    Hey Box, really glad to hear you had a good experience. I decided to pull the trigger on TDI Dallas and start monday.

    What you looking for work wise?
     
    Box of Tj Thanks this.
  4. Box of Tj

    Box of Tj Light Load Member

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    Nov 22, 2014
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    I start orientation with schneider on the 9th. I figure that gives me time to get my hazmat, tanker, twic and passport. May not use all that, but it will make my resume look oh so smexy.
     
  5. Smoke Brake

    Smoke Brake Bobtail Member

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    Cool man, I hope things work well for you in the orange truck.

    I'm on the same exact road regarding licenses and endorsements. My eventual goal is tankers, but if the opportunities aren't there for a new graduate I'll get started in skateboards.

    BTW, just finished the first day at TDI Dallas and I'm pretty pleased so far with the choice. The classroom instructor is thorough and no BS, so I'm digging it.
     
  6. Jopaban

    Jopaban Bobtail Member

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    Nov 27, 2014
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    Great feedback. Whats is the tuition fee? Thanks and Happy Thanksgiving.
     
  7. Smoke Brake

    Smoke Brake Bobtail Member

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    $4995 if you pay yourself. $5995 if you take a loan from the school.
     
  8. Jopaban

    Jopaban Bobtail Member

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    Nov 27, 2014
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    thanks smoke, take care


     
  9. Smoke Brake

    Smoke Brake Bobtail Member

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    Jopaban, is that an SV650?
     
  10. Jopaban

    Jopaban Bobtail Member

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    Nov 27, 2014
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    It´s a Ducati Multistrada 620. Great bike. They don´t make them anymore



     
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