School was less than expected

I took a one week school that promised 26 hours range instruction and 14 hours road instruction. I received about 30 hours range "instruction" which consisted of 3 students sharing a truck and 90% of the time the instructor was nowhere to be found. The 10% of the time he was there he would help me but ONLY if I was doing badly enough to fail the skills test.

That wasn't terrific but the road instruction was worse, the instructor drove us around for about 25 minutes with me sitting on a cushion on the floor of the cab then I got to drive for about 30 minutes. I made a right turn too sharp and my right rear trailer tires went partially off the asphalt and on the gravel. He explained that this would fail me in the skills exam and had me go around the block to try again. I did the same thing the 2nd try and he flipped out and said I was "ridiculous" and would get one more chance to get it right then he was finished trying to teach me. 3rd try I got it right and he said good job your instruction is complete.

I talked to the office lady and she had him take me out again for another 25 minute drive which went down without a hitch prompting the instructor to point out that it was a waste of time. The next day I took the skills tests and passed, I believe with no "points" assessed but he didn't say.

So now I finally have my unrestricted/interstate class A license with all the endorsements I wanted (double/triple & tanker, hazmat is waiting on TSA) and my DOT medical card as well but having the licenses doesn't make me a trucker now does it?

I really wish I would have made time to attend a 6 week community college course but that is not an option at this time-I have to get back to work ASAP.

My question is how can I make the best of my situation? I can drive pretty well but there is so much I still need to learn like coupling procedures, shifting, driving up/down hills, daily logs etc.

Would an owner/operator have enough financial incentive to let me tag along for a week or two as an unpaid backup driver? If I could even observe an experienced driver for a few days I think it would help me a great deal.


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I really couldn't find much good or bad on the school and it was only about an hour from home so I went for it-BTW it was key power in Labelle Florida and cost me $1,250 for one week and testing.

1 I have two job offers from people I've already worked for, one is for a Roustabout company and the other for an Excavating company. Either way I would likely get little to no training from the companies and be hauling equipment or dirt/water/trash on short 10-200 mile runs within western ND.

2 Both companies are small, neither is really a transportation company and neither has shown any interest in how I obtained the CDL, they just want me to have it.

3 I'm in the process of putting more apps in so maybe I can land a job with a larger, more professional company who will put me with a trainer. This could possibly be a short range (frac water) driving job or an actual rig job that is only 10-20% driving. Any suggestions are welcome (I'm 27, have spotless driving/criminal records and lots of construction experience)


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