NC Truck Driver Training School

So my first week is over. All I can say is, holy cow lol Intense and overwhelming would be an understatement. There is an intense amount of information to take in the first week, especially as this particular class has been cut from 8 weeks to 7 weeks. The early mornings and long days have taken a toll on us all already, but so far all of us are thrilled with what we have learned.
The instructors rock! From Van's constant funny stories of his time on the road, to Sherman's grin and cries of 'what you doing driver? Change like a big trucker.' when you're clashing gears and not watching the tach in his KW.

It's Sunday now and I am thrilled for the chance to lay in, absorb and sort my thoughts. We have three Saturdays to do in this course because of it's truncation, which I don't mind but this Sunday is certainly precious.

You were all right about paying attention. Lord do you have to pay attention, there is so much information flowing at you and the tests come hard and fast. If you don't pay attention and take notes, well you're going to struggle.

The field work has been good. So far we've done straight line backing, the forward zig zag (Gotta love the bear cage!) and coupling/un-coupling. I've found the field work a lot easier than the otr driving.
Otr has been hard work for me. Sherman was my instructor in the KW for the first two drives. Two drives in and I am still constantly messing up my gear changes, clashing, forgetting what gear I was in and what gear to go to. Not lining up, not watching my tach. It is frustrating and incredibly humbling!!! The actual truck and maneuvering, I have not had any real problems with - in fact I was surprised how easy I found it to move round a tight intersection and not clip anything with my trailer.

So, more drives next week with a different truck and instructor, and I am hoping my gear shifts come together - eventually. Though frustrated what I can say is that if a week ago you'd have told me I would be threading a tractor and a 48 ft trailer through the center of town like a grown up trucker, I'd have curled up in a ball and cried lol I wouldn't have believed I could do it, and look at me now!!!!!!

Despite the long hours, the stress, the mountains upon mountains of facts and information, I am loving every second of it. I've already made some really good friends and there's a real sense of familly in the class. A sense that we don't want anyone to fail and there is always someone to say 'chin up, you'll be fine' when you get down and frustrated.
I have applied for my TSA background check for my hazmat, and on the day I go to get my full CDL from the DMV, I will be taking the hazmat and double/triple trailer test. Van has told us that those of us who have the double/triple endorsement will receive training on the double trailer they have there, which will be an excellent addition to my skill set and my saleability


All in all I am exhausted and overwhelmed but like some kind of masochist I cannot wait to get back in there at 7 am Monday morning to start all over again!!!!!

 

Awesome, diesel. And don't sweat the shiftin. Jus go nice n easy. Its when you panic or try to "cowboy" shift u get real lost.

 

Hey Frawg, I just saw your post about Tidewater giving you a call. I'm looking to start JCCTDS in the near future, and was looking at local co's to get onto. I know Tidewater's website says 1 yr exp is needed, but apparently the schooling counts towards that? I'd appreciate it if you'd let us know how they work out for ya. Thanks.

 

Hi, Beancounter.

Yes, the program offered through JCCTDS does receive the accreditation from several trucking companies that require 1 year of experience.
You could call Della at the school to get a list of those potential companies.

Best of luck with your training. Please keep us posted about your progress.

 

Awesome!! Thanks KC. Thought I'd be ready this summer, but had a couple more things to work out before I wanted to pull the trigger on school. Maybe this time next year, here's hopin'.

 

I graduated JCC about 2 years ago and had a tough time with shifting. After my first week driving it wasn't even something I thought about. But when you figure that I shifted more in my first day than the entire time at JCC, it's not a suprise. If you take your time, you can feel the gears line up then just slip it in. Now I drive an automatic so it doesn't matter.

 

camofrawg83, glad I got to actually meet you today. Good luck in the morning when you get started. I started last night at midnite. Pick up again tonite at midnite, deliver at 2. Pick up again at 8 and deliver at 10. Getting use to the slosh/surge will take alittle time to get use to. Maybe I'll see you betwwen loads. Have a good one.

beancounter, welcome to the site. There's alot great info here. TWT seems to be a great company. Understand that NO company is perfect, just some fit you better than others. Good luck.

 

Started out trainning on the resin loads to Bennettsville SC last nite. After that I'll train on pulling plastic chips.