CDL Training Journal - Suncoast Trucking Academy

Week 3 Video:

Week 3 Recap: This week we pretty much fell into a groove. Every day started with the pre-trip inspection then we'd do either backing practice or driving on the road. It took a few days for everyone to upgrade to driving on the road, even if they still couldn't shift lol. We started practicing alley dock backing on Monday and continued that throughout the week.

On the road driving we started to hit the Interstate as well which was cool. Also started to take much tighter turns and difficult roads while driving around town as well. Getting some good practice in and somewhat difficult situations with 4 wheelers.

As far as the backing goes, I started to get it and then kept learning something new each and every day about how to do the alley dock. It would seem whenever I'd take one step forward I'd take two steps back lol. I was starting to get worried on Thursday as I wanted to at least understand how to do it and how to correct when I'm not on the right path. On Friday I had the instructor walk beside the truck and I'd stop every few feet and discuss what I thought would be he right move and if I was wrong he'd point out what I needed to be looking at to be able to tell why I should either keep the wheel straight or why I should turn it which way etc. I just needed to see some additional reference points and that helped a lot. There was also an issue with my setup, the instruction is to turn the wheel straight as soon as you can see the trailer's rear marker light while looking back at the trailer. That works for most of the larger students with limited mobility, but since I'm a normal size and able to actually turn around I can see the marker light after backing like 2 feet. So because of that the trailer wasn't folding enough and wouldn't turn enough to make the dock which would just totally mess me up. After changing that (now I back with the wheel to the right for about 10-12 feet and then straighten the wheels) I was getting it set up properly and just needed to keep it on the right path.

On Friday we went to lunch and came back and found out we would only be in class for another hour and then going home early. We spent that hour doing the alley dock backing. I went first and I put it in using 2 pull ups on my first try and on my second try I put it right in and perfectly centered without a pullup. I feel like I have it down now and all I need to do is practice for this final week. I haven't really had any practice with the offset backing, so hopefully we'll get to do that a bit this week as well. We're also moving to the newer truck so that should be nice. Looking forward to finishing strong this last week and then knocking out my test on 12/28.

 

Day 16 Video:

Day 16 recap: Final week starting and we're in the new truck. Everything is different, this is a somewhat newer Freightliner Cascadia, not sure of the year. Our old truck was pre-DEF. For the pre-trip we needed to learn about the differences in the exhaust system and everything. Then we did some offset backing and with this truck being larger and everything being different the instructions we were given before and reference points weren't working. I had to come up with new reference points to get everything to the right angles and then got it figured out.

We got a chance to move to the exam course to practice as well. The offset backing was going really well and so we moved into alley dock backing with this new truck. Everything was messed up for us and we were way off on trying to get the trailer on the right path. The instructor hopped in and checked it out and gave us new guidelines to get the truck/trailer to the right angle. It was completely different from the other truck which is to be expected. I think it was a little difficult for us to tell if we were doing something wrong or what was going on that we were so far off course with our limited experience, at least that was the case for me. Plus we are backing in a completely different area so it all looks completely different. Once I had the new guidelines I was a lot closer to getting a feel for arc again on this truck and trailer and I was able to back it in twice on my own using a few extra pullups. I only got 3 shots at alley dock backing today.

Then we went out on the road. This vehicle has a hydraulic clutch which was awesome. It also slips right into gear easily lol. One thing to note was that the engine speed falls quickly on this engine while shifting so we had to change our shift timing quite a bit. That was pretty easy for me, but the downshifting was giving me issues. The throttle is electronically controlled and the computer "smooths" the response I guess. So when I would blip the throttle for the rev while downshifting it would take quite a while for it to respond which would throw off my shift timing. I started getting the hang of it towards the end of my road driving. I'll be fine by tomorrow on it I'm sure, I just wasn't expecting it to be so different.

We also got to travel on the Interstate quite a bit more today. We got 10 miles in from exit 171 to 161. That was pretty cool, but it was completely packed when I was on there since it was almost 4pm when I was on the highway. Everything was fine and I'm glad we're getting even more exposure to that. I feel pretty comfortable driving around town now. Comfortable but still alert at all times. Thanks for reading.

 

Day 17 Video:

Day 17 recap: Why am I posting this so early? You'll find out why soon unless you also live in SWFL lol.

Today it was storming pretty bad and the practice range was mostly flooded when we got there. The rain had stopped by the time school started and we began with our pre-trip inspection. The rain began again and the instructor had us climb in the truck to do the in-cab portion since most of us already have everything outside of the truck under control. One student did their pre-trip inspection and then it was time for the next student. This student ended up refusing to do the in-cab portion of the pre-trip and quit the course. My only complaint is that they didn't do so sooner and wasted a lot of our practice time as this was the weak link the whole time and was using up valuable seat time that could have gone to the rest of us.

Anyways, the two of us (class size was five when we started LOL) took turns practicing our alley dock backing. Today I had it back down again as I'm now used to the new truck and the different rate of how long it takes to react to my steering input. I think I had 4 docking attempts and the last 2 went in perfectly. One took a few extra pullups and the other one was fine as well. By this time the wind started and it kept blowing the cones all off of the course and the course was flooded in this area so we couldn't see the lines on the pavement lol.

The instructor said let's go drive then since we can't back. So he had me drive first. He said "This should be an interesting drive" lol. The wind was pretty steady at about 20-25mph when we left. We got on to US-17 and the wind was hitting the trailer broadside. I could certainly feel it. Luckily just down the way the road turned so that the wind was mostly from my back but at a slight angle and it was steady so it was a good learning experience. We are using a 53' empty trailer. I drove about 25 miles to Arcadia and then took I think it's FL-72 towards Sarasota and then took King's Highway back towards Port Charlotte.

Once I got on King's Hwy the wind really started to pick up. It also didn't help that I was now travelling with the trailer broadside to the wind and there were wooded areas and then barren areas so when I'd leave a wooded area I'd get blasted and the wind was no longer steady, it was gusting. The instructor received a phone call which I think was probably telling him to get us back to school ASAP. I kept getting hit with wind gusts and it was especially bad on the curves. The trailer starting rocking, not too heavy or anything, but noticeable. Finally there was a very short turning lane and he had me park there. We swapped and I said "Thanks, it was starting to get a little hairy" lol. He began driving us back to the school and got another call to park it if it was too bad and that school was shutdown for the day.

We went past the Walmart DC and there was a huge line of trucks that were leaving the facility but just pulled over and parked to wait it out. We also passed a box truck that was on the side of the road. I couldn't see what happened, but the passenger's side and roof were filleted open like a sardine can. I could tell by how far the trees were bending and the huge American flags in front of major businesses that were standing perfectly straight the wind was over 40-45mph with 50mph+ gusts at least. It was like a hurricane or at least a tropical storm were coming through. We finally got back to the school and got sent home for the day.

I never felt unsafe at any point, but I would have if I had to drive when the instructor was driving. I'm really glad I got to experience it and get a feel for what wind can be like with a trained instructor by my side. Anyways, I filled out my application for the Super Trucker Association. They told me once my check clears the membership card will be in the mail.

 

Just to add, I saw the news reported wind speed recordings in Punta Gorda at the airport (where the school is located) up to 77mph this morning. It was a little blustery to say the least lol.

 

Week 4 Recap Video:
Final Day Video:

Final Day Recap: Well today was the last day. After the practice we got last week I was feeling ok about most things, still had some concern about the alley dock backing and just making sure I didn't go more than 70 feet without being in a gear if I missed a shift while driving. Started the day with 3 offset backing attempts, everything was great. Then we moved to the alley dock practice range. I only wanted to practice on the test course since it really messes me up each time we switch since they are different dimensions. I ended up going to the tax collectors office to take a couple of endorsement tests and when I came back we were able to practice on the test course.

I did 3 alley dock backing attempts in a row. First one was passing but I used a few points, second was much better, and on my third attempt I put it right in without using a single pullup. Just one fluid motion into the dock lol. Then the other student went and we had time for each of us to do one more attempt before the next test was starting. When I pulled up I wasn't able to get the tractor/trailer straight and decided to roll with it anyways since sometimes I have to pull all the way back up and this is similar to the position I get put in. I always have trouble when it gets like this and it was the same this time. I would have passed but it was pretty hairy. I used it to learn some of the things I was doing wrong and how to fix it all. Then we went to lunch.

After lunch we both got to drive. The other student went first and he ended up driving us all the way up 41 almost to Venice, FL lol. Since we were past the last turn off to get to I-75 and needed to turn around we switched drivers and I had to do a U-turn on US41. That was something for sure lol. It went ok and I drove all the way back down 41 practicing my downshifts and everything was great. I got a chance to take a wide left turn which I had been having trouble with and I was able to nail it perfectly. The instructor was always telling me to watch my trailer tires to make sure they don't go in the other lane and that's exactly what would happen each time. I focused instead on making sure I went straight into the intersection far enough and I was golden.

We got back to the range and there was someone testing so we couldn't use the test course for more backing practice and left for the day. I felt more confident after driving today than I did any other day. Last week (I forgot to do a recap post, but I did a weekly recap video) I had a lot of up and down days but I'm ending on a high note. I feel pretty good about passing tomorrow. I might take some points during the alley dock maneuver but that's what the points are there for.

 

Getting Extra Endorsements video:

Getting extra endorsements: Today while there was some downtime I went to the Punta Gorda Tax Collector's office and took the tests for my HazMat, Tanker, and Double/Triple Trailer endorsements. This office was for Charlotte County residents only but since I was a student at SCTA they helped me out anyways. I was there for about an hour and twenty minutes and passed all three tests. I had only begun studying for them yesterday, but I figured if I failed I have all week to get them knocked out so it wouldn't be a big deal. I started cramming the practice tests with an app this morning and then while I waited at the tax collector's office and that was all I needed. I also read the portions in the state of FL CDL Handbook. Just like the tests for your permit if you can pass the practice tests about 90% of the questions are the same. I was able to pass all three exams without getting a single incorrect answer. The tanker and double/triple trailer tests were super easy after being in CDL school for the last month and the HazMat one was very similar to the information we already covered in the classroom portion of CDL school.

Just read through the info in the CDL handbook and take the practice tests and you'll be fine. It was $6.25 total for all three tests. They did have to recheck my vision and take my picture again. They would have printed me a new learner's permit for free but I declined it since I'll be getting the CDL soon. I had to make an appointment for the HazMat fingerprints and they said to just get my CDL at the same time, otherwise I'd have to pay twice for my CDL. I am getting that all handled on Wednesday morning.

 

Yeah, the DMV Genie app was good for the practice tests and then I found some other CDL prep test apps but they all have pretty much the same questions on them. The Florida General Knowledge portion was pretty differe,nt from any of the practice tests I took in the apps though. They will help, but you also need to read through and know everything from the state CDL handbook for that test. There were a lot of questions with pictures or diagrams that were not in any of the practice exams I took. I did not pay for anything in any of the CDL practice apps and you shouldn't need to in order to get access to the practice tests.

As far as the reprinting of a permit, yes, the information is added to your file with the state or whatever when you pass the tests. I didn't need them to reprint the permit because I was going to be getting my CDL two days later so there was no point in giving me a new permit for 2 days with endorsements I wasn't going to be using. I got my CDL earlier today and it has the endorsements on it (except for HazMat which will be added after I pass my background check).

 

CDL Test Day Video:

CDL Test Day: The day finally came. They ask you to show up 15-20 minutes early and head over the the school office for your test. It's pretty formal which I wasn't expecting. They sign you in and get all of your info and then you and the examiner head over to the test site at your exact testing time. Once you get over there the first portion is the pre-trip and they let you know what section you pulled. I got section C but no matter what you have you still have to do the coupling and in-cab portion. Once you're done with the pre-trip portion they get you started on your backing.

You're basically already lined up for the straight-back so they have you pull forward, explain everything and then you begin the backing section. You perform the straight back, offset back, and then the alley dock backing. Everything went smooth for me until the alley dock. I got jacked up in the beginning but worked through it. I lost track of how many points I had acquired and asked, the examiner isn't allowed to tell you. I got the truck into the stall and parked it. I got out and was looking at it. It was straight but not EXACTLY parallel to the left line. It was about 1-2 degrees to the right. I asked the examiner to repeat the instructions and about a million questions, most of which he couldn't answer. I spent about 8-10 minutes looking at it from every angle. I was so close to perfectly parallel that I didn't think I'd be able to get it closer, I also didn't know if I could even use another pull up or not. In practice the instructor would have made me redo it until it was perfectly parallel. I finally decided to go with it. It was more than fine according to the examiner. They're just looking for it to be straight enough for a dockworker to load/unload items from the trailer. He said I was way overthinking it lol.

Finally it was time for the road test. I went off on the road and everything was going excellent. I was super comfortable and went through everything no problem. In fact, I was driving through turns one handed and shifting which was funny to me since I never did that in training. Eventually we got back to the practice range and as I was coming in I knew a lot of people have failed on the turn in to the practice range for cutting it too tight. I ended up going slightly wide and after the wind storm the previous week the stop sign was leaning over a bit. My hood mirror was about to brush against the stop sign so I immediately stopped. They would have considered it a collision so I checked my mirrors for traffic, backed up about a foot and a half and continued going onto the range. I asked if I just failed and the examiner said he couldn't tell me so I asked if we were still doing the railroad stop and he said yes. I did that and then parked the truck and he said he didn't know if I passed or failed and had to look at the state manual.

He wasn't able to find one in the range office so we went over to the school office. He asked me how I felt I did and I said I felt, other than the mishap at the end everything was safe and the way I was trained. He said he felt like he was riding with a professional driver and not a student like he normally feels like but this situation had never happened, usually people take it too short and fail because of that. He thought I passed but just had to double check. After looking in the state handbook he said he couldn't find anything that would say that I failed. He said sometimes on the road you get into a situation in a tight entrance just like this and I did exactly what I should have done to correct it. I passed and they gave me my CDL payment voucher and graduation certificate and I was on my way.