West Michigan CDL

I will be attending this school either this Monday or next. It's a solid 3 weeks, 160 hours, of learning with 80% of time spent on the road. So far the staff is great. They are bending over backwards helping me out and I'm impressed with the facility and equipment.

They're located just west of Grand Rapids and I've only heard good things about them.

I'll let you know how it is once I'm actually enrolled and doing the class.

 

Wonderful, wonderful school! The instructors and office staff are great.

We got a lot of hands on work and plenty of range time. We put in 9 hours a day learning drop/hook, range, roads, and moving tandems back and forth. Not to mention the first 2 weeks of class room work.

The guys were great and if you were stuck on something, they would work 1:1 with you. Such as me and that stupid alley dock that I just nailed today on my test (and passed).

So if anyone is thinking of going to this school, you'll love it.

They also work with the No Worker Left Behind through Michigan Works, have their own loan program (very high interest), and the TARFF loan.

 

Oops, sorry guys.

I passed the state exam and got my CDL A. Started working at Stevens.

It was nice at WMCDL because before I left for Dallas, I was able to take a 2-3 hour refresher with an instructor to brush up on my driving and backing skills.

We did learn how to move tandems and the 5th wheel, but only a couple times were we shown and not everyone was able to get hands on training for that. I actually was trained further on moving tandems with my company. As for the 5th wheel, eh.... Learned that on my own the hard way. LOL And found out my truck's 5th wheel is actually so gunked up with dirt and grease that it's virtually broken.

@oo7: It will be #### difficult to get home when you're done with training. Stay on your DM's back like a fungus and they'll get you home. Stevens rarely does any business in Michigan and I ended up having to park in Detroit and have a ride come in from GR.

Their training is really good and from what everyone says if you can pass the Stevens training and go a year with them, you can get hired with any company. Good luck to you. =)

 

I did the TARFF loan. Can't beat 10 years to pay it off with low interest.