Refresher Course

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by farmerjohn64, Dec 12, 2019.

  1. farmerjohn64

    farmerjohn64 Road Train Member

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    Hi,

    I just got fired from Schneider today and I was wondering how long I have to practice/study before I have take a refresher course due to not driving for too long; I’d like to try and be more prepared for next time and practice general backing maneuvers with a 30 foot trailer I can use before I go back.

    Best regards, John
     
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  3. kemosabi49

    kemosabi49 Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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  4. VA CDL Holder

    VA CDL Holder Medium Load Member

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    I was out of the truck for over 6 months when I hired on with Schneider. I passed the road test and backing and they gave me a truck an I was on my way the next day.

    I have hired on with other companies in the past where I was out the truck for an extended period of time, I passed the driving portion of the test, but was a bit rusty on the backing. I was sent out with a trainer at the minimum wage of my licensed state. The times with the trainer ranged from a week to just two days. This was within the last five years.
     
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  5. farmerjohn64

    farmerjohn64 Road Train Member

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    It’s the only one I have access to
     
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  6. G13Tomcat

    G13Tomcat Road Train Member

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    Just wondering if the 'whywithals' (or wherewithals) re: your termination from SNI might be more of a hindrance than your backing skills, atm. Just my 2 cents.
     
  7. BigDog Trucker

    BigDog Trucker Heavy Load Member

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    y
    You dont have your cdl yet, do you? If you dont have a cdl already, then you wont be taking a refresher course. Thats only for guys that already have their cdl but havent driven a rig in a while.
     
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  8. farmerjohn64

    farmerjohn64 Road Train Member

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    Wdym?
     
  9. farmerjohn64

    farmerjohn64 Road Train Member

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    I’ve had it since I was 20 and I’m 21 now
     
  10. jammer910Z

    jammer910Z Road Train Member

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    Yday you said that during your road work with a trainer that you 'made a few mistakes", and he had about "a page and a half" of notes on you when you got back to the yard.
    When they let you go did they give you reasons?
    Things you failed to meet their requirements in order to continue?
    If not, I'd at least make a call and politely ask to speak with the guy that rode with you. He can detail his view of your shortcomings.
    It would be a shame to only work on backing if there were a myriad of other issues that also need to be addressed.

    As far as backing, a pickup truck and a short utility trailer in an abandoned parking lot will help you TONS.
    The shorter the trailer, the more it reacts.
    When you get the physics of backing .... the 48s and 53s are a snap.

    I get the distinct feeling that you doubt yourself constantly.
    Quit the self deprefication and make up your mind that this is what you want to do.

    Nobody starts out seamlessly.
    You've got to want to do it.
     
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  11. farmerjohn64

    farmerjohn64 Road Train Member

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    I talked to the guy after they let me go while I was waiting for them to set my travel info up and we went over a few things; probably the biggest mistake of all I made yesterday was trying to couple up to my trailer; I was more than 4 inches from the kingpin and I was so nervous about being evaluated I totally forgot to get under the trailer and check to see if the kingpin and fifth wheel were aligned, then I told the guy “yep, we’re all set” haha that one didn’t go over so well; I coupled just fine the last several times out on the road and of all the times for me to really screw up it just had to be yesterday.
     
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