A newbie myself...

So I've heard. lol. Although, they don't want to call me back for some unknown reason. I guess they think I might actually be one of the few that knows how to back up.

 

Haha, I had that problem too whenever I downloaded freeware aircraft. But then, I started using MSFS's aircraft and no problem...

Thanks for the Welcome!

 

Hey all! I started CR England, Inc.'s school Monday for the CDL training. So far, I like what I hear, but I'm not easily persuaded to Lease a truck of my own. Since I don't know the industry too well, I figured I'd test the water before I venture down that river. Anyway, I've listed everything below that we've done so far up until today, day 2. I will post more as the days progress.


Sunday night:
Check in to the Red Tile Inn Hotel, Colton, CA. Not too good of an area with a lot of Lot Lizards running around, but overall, the accommodations are decent. We were given our room and were told the shuttle schedule for transportation to the "campus" or our classroom. Shuttles leave at 0430 and 0515 to the campus with a possible stop at the "Yard". "Yard" students have to be at the yard by 0600, hence the earlier shuttle times.

Monday morning-Day 1:
Hop on the shuttle at either of the scheduled times to the campus. Hang out and socialize with your new classmates for a while before doors open. At 0615, the doors will be opened by your instructor(s) (Ron, Jeff, Paul, Toney, Terry, or Shawn). Pile into the classroom and have your DL and SS Card available for Shawn, she will make copies and give them back to you about an hour later.
It all started with an introduction to the staff and the company. Shortly after, we were issued our FMCSR (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations) book. We then took the FMCSR open-book test consisting of 50 questions. You must pass with an 80% or better, and are given 2 tries. Next, the nurse and doctor came in to administer the Drug Screen UA and DOT Physical where you will fill out your Long-Form Medical card (Valid for two years unless otherwise told). Males are checked for Hernias, Blood Pressure (Max: 140/90), Vision: (at least 20/30 or corrected to 20/20), Weight, and Height.
After the DOT physical is done, you will complete your application packet for your "Driver File", to be completed only after passing the FMCSR test. The app packet is your online application, plus other check-boxes and corrections that need to be filled in or made. A lot of other paperwork must be filled out, so the rest is up to you to find out, including a paper Driver Log which you are taught how to fill out, if you are not familiar.
There are two 15 minute breaks, 0900-0915, and one-1 hour lunch, 1130-1230. You are released at 1500 back to the hotel.

Tuesday-Day 2:
Again, hop on the shuttle to the campus. The schedule is the same every day, except for Saturday which is a half-day. 0630-1500. Saturday is 0630-1100. Sunday, you're off. Day 2 is comprised of three CDL practice tests which are mandatory. Even if you have your CDL or your learner's permit, you still have to take these. 3 Tests, 9 answer sheets (3 General Knowledge, 3 Combination (Class A) Vehicles, and 3 Air Brakes). These tests determine your class position based on GPA by test score. These also determine if you are taken for the FLEX program which will be discussed in further detail on Wednesday. After your CDL Practice tests are done, you will watch a Safety video with Dean and Dustin England.
Released at 1500. Be sure to fill out paper driver log for the day.


Look forward to reporting more!


Sean D