Napier Truck Driver Training

Half way thru my fifth week and still working with the manuvers. Getting pretty good at them, but could definately use more practice on a couple of them. I'm going to take every opportunity to practice the manuvers I need the most work with. Today was a really special day. In my last post, I mentioned that an instructor took me out driving in the afternoon in a daycab so it was just me and the instructor. This morning, an instructor grabbed me an another student and took us out in one of the sleeper cab trucks. We were both really happy about that as it gave us experience driving a truck somewhat similar to what we would be driving working for one of the various companies out there. I did alright, but I could still use more practice with shifting and turning, but definately shifting. Getting the shifting down on these big trucks is tough, that's for sure. I should be going out at least one more time. We'll see how well that goes.

I'm scheduled to take my cdl test on Sept. 15. Although I'm officially done with school on the 4th, the school allows me to return before the test so I can continue practicing the manuvers. Also, if by chance I don't pass the first time, I can return for more practice. One thing about this school, they are committed to helping us pass the cdl exams. Actually passing the exams are up to us as students. Sometimes it might take one or two tries. Doesn't mean we are bad students or driviers. It just means we need a little more work.

 

Woohoo! Today was graduation day for my class, although it was really just another day in the trucks. No ceremonies or anything like that. Just making up time and working on our manuvers. I had three hours to make up driving and got that taken care of in the morning. My shifting has improved considerably, though still not perfect. Some of those darn gears just want to grind. All in all, I feel confident that I should be able to pass the test...barring any brain farts. Because of the holiday, the lady who runs the office was off, so we should get our graduation packets next week. A few of my classmates have to return to make up missed time due to being gone for whatever reason. I'm just going to return for more practice before my test.

I have to say, this school is dedicated to helping us pass our ccdl tests. They allow us to return after our time is up to practice for the test, and they insist on making up for lost time. Anyone is always available to answer any questions we have and willing to offer help, even if it's not their "regular" manuver. Sometimes it helps to get a different perspective if we are having a dificult time with a particular manuver. One of the instructors said today they have an 80% success rate on passing the test the first time. Good or bad, I can't fault the school. They give each student the same opportunities to learn the manuvers. We have plenty of time in the trucks and there is always an instructor there to guide us if we have any problems. If a student isn't getting it, it's on them not the instructor. Some people just learn a little slower than others. I've seen some students from classes before me that still weren't getting it, but they were there trying.

Jonny, to answer your question, I've narrowed it down to three choices: TMC, Crete, and Werner. All three have their pro's and con's and in one case, it depends on whether or not I pass the test the first time. I will probably wait until I at least take the test before making any final decisions. But I'm not sure. I keep going from one to another. I've got to stop reading on here because one post will convince me of one company, then the next post will change my mind. It's madness!

 

LOL. I find it funny you didn't mention Werner in your reply. Should I read something into that or not?

Like I said, I'm seriously considering all three companies and they all have their own pro's and con's.

I think Werner's con's are kind of obvious, they don't exactly have a sparkling reputation. However, like you said about sad sack tales, I take everything I read about these companies with a grain of salt. Some of the issues may be true, some may be stretched a bit. It's really hard to tell. Obviously we only get to see one side of each issue and of course the poster is going to polish their side to make the other look bad. I've read good and bad on here about Werner. The bad doesn't seem to be really all that bad (considering both sides of the issues) and I've read enough good about them that I'm willing to give them a chance. Also, their recruiter has been the most straight forward of the three, offering all the information asked for pleasantly.

Crete is a really good company. They pay good and seem to treat their drivers fairly well, for the most part. I have read of some issues, but they seemed to be isolated. Really, the biggest issue I have with Crete so far is how I've been treated. It took two weeks to get an approval from them and then when they do approve me, I'm told I MUST pass the cdl test on the first try or I'm disqualified. Also, they may not be able to get me with a trainer until November. I really don't wanna wait that long. But, darn it, they are a good company.

Then there is TMC. TMC is also a good company that pays really well. They also have really good equipment and benefits. A couple issues with them is that there have been a few negative posts, but just enough to keep them real. The real issue is that I'm just a little unsure about flatbed. Not afraid of any hard work, mind you, just that I hear they are really tough to get on with. And, well, let's face it, I'm not a big guy. I'm thinking I'm liking TMC a bit more at the moment and I'm thinking they may be my first choice and fall back on the others just in case.

May I ask who you are with? Just out of curiousity, of course.

 

That hurried pace wouldn't really bother me. When I'm working, I like to keep busy. Nothing makes a day drag out than having nothing to do. When I work, it's work work work! I get my job done. And when I've travelled, same thing, I keep moving. I can't get to where I'm going if I'm hanging out at truck stops or rest areas every ten miles. I don't mind stopping once in a while, but I keep moving. In a past life, I was an auto mechanic for 20 years. Specialized in brakes and suspension work. Some of that was extremely heavy duty work. Like I've said, I'm not afraid of hard work. I'm just hoping that, with my small stature, I'm up to the task.

 

ET, I was just wondering if you ever made it to Napier. Maybe I saw you there and didn't know it. I'm through with school for now, except that I will be back this wednesday for some drive time before I retake the driving portion of the test that I failed last week because of my own stupidity.

 

And with that, I'm done! I first took my CDL exam a week and a half ago. Passed the Pre-trip and skills tests with no problems, but I failed the driving portion. My own mistake, I didn't slow down for a school zone. This by no means should reflect poorly on the school. They did a wonderful job teaching me what I needed to know to pass the exams and I would still highly recommend them to anybody looking for a CDL school.

I had to wait one week til I could retake my driving test again. Did that this morning and I'm happy to say that I passed. Last week, the examiner told me why I failed and also let me know a few things I needed to work on. So I talked to the school and scheduled some additional time to come in and get some more driving practice, which I feel helped alot. I did have some hiccups today, but the examiner said I did a really good job. Said I needed to watch my mirrors a bit more, but I was already getting dizzy watching my mirrors so much! I'm sure things will get better once I start with a company and get out there driving.

So now I'm off to new adventures!!

Be safe!