TDI( Truck Drivers Institute Whiteland Indiana

Discussion in 'Trucking Schools and CDL Training Forum' started by dwalto, Jan 21, 2013.

  1. dwalto

    dwalto Light Load Member

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    Jul 9, 2012
    Greenwood, Indiana
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    Thought I would share my experience with this school for those thinking of attending. Today was my first day. The director of training is very cool. He keeps it pretty light and doesn't BS about the industry. There are 7 students in our class which I found refreshing, as I expected to show up and find 20-30 other students. First day was long. Basic intro and lots of paperwork. Then to DOT physical and drug testing. The physical was less than thorough. Didn't even fondle my testicles. Then back for more paperwork. Instructor handed out a packet full of applications to various companies. He said he wants at least two apps back daily. Nah. I'm only interested in running flatbed, so I filled out apps for the two companies with flatbed divisions. TMC and Boyd Bros. I found one thing a little off-putting- The school wants an awful lot of references. Not sure why. I don't talk to any old friends and have no new ones. But he insisted they must have them. Well, I don't necessarily want my old friends knowing what I'm up to these days, but I went ahead and provided what they asked for. Seems a little intrusive but oh well. Last part of the day was spent going over the CDL manual. We go to BMV on Wednesday to test for permits. Tomorrow I'm sure we will spend most of the day studying for that. I will post again tomorrow evening for anyone whom is interested.
     
    Last edited: Jan 21, 2013
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  3. dwalto

    dwalto Light Load Member

    156
    177
    Jul 9, 2012
    Greenwood, Indiana
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    Day 2. Spent the day studying the CDL manual. All Day. Going to test for permits tomorrow. Feeling very confident.
     
  4. SpiritCDL

    SpiritCDL Light Load Member

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    Jan 31, 2012
    Belvidere, IL
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    Congratulations on your enrollment! There are a few other companies that hire graduates for flatbed: Maverick, Roehl (has a flatbed division) and Builders Trans (BTC).

    As far as the references, I think this is unusual. I have a school and we don't ask the students for any references; I am assuming that the reference request has to do with financing. All of our financing is done outside, maybe TDI has in-house financing.

    Enjoy the journey and drive safe!
     
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  5. dwalto

    dwalto Light Load Member

    156
    177
    Jul 9, 2012
    Greenwood, Indiana
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    Today we went to test for permits. Then learned about log books, HOS, etc. Recruiter for TMC was in today. Got a pre-hire letter from Boyd Bros. I am happy with the school. I think they drag lessons out, but I understand there is a minimum number of hours they have to train you. Hopefully getting on the range tomorrow. I will update then.
     
  6. dwalto

    dwalto Light Load Member

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    177
    Jul 9, 2012
    Greenwood, Indiana
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    Haven't had much time to post updates so I will catch up now, with only two days left
    Thursday first week- I believe the majority of the day was some written tests covering what we had covered in class room. Then map reading and trip planning, went over how to slide tandems and weight limits, alot of basic stuff about the trucks.
    Friday the first week I dont recall what we did. More class room stuff.
    Week two- we spent half the day driving and the other half on the range, practicing backing-straight, offset, and parallel. Same for this week (week 3) except Tuesday this week we did a night drive. This week we also met with examiner and covered how the test will go down. We did alot of pre-tripping this week.
    I am scheduled to test tomorrow at 1430. I'm very confident on the pre-trip and the road test. The skills portion has me nervous. I have not nailed down the parallel parking yet. I will spend all day up til test time practicing that.
    My overall experience has been very positive. The instructors are top notch, and very cool people too. I've made a few friends here and we have a good time and help each other out when needed. My one complaint about the school is the run down equipment. I wouldn't expect to train on brand new tractors, but some of the equipment is useless to learn on. The road trucks are fair enough, although one was down for half the day yesterday and broke down again today while students were road training. The range trucks are outright junk. various issues-power steering faulty, no heat(and its been cold), clutches severely out of adjustment. If the range trucks were the same as the road trucks(which we will test on), I would feel much more confident on passing my skills tests tomorrow. I think I'll still pass, and if I don't I'll get another chance Friday.
     
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  7. buckeye beauty

    buckeye beauty Bobtail Member

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    Jun 22, 2017
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    Hey any update
    Are you still in the industry
    Did you get a job??
     
  8. hoosiergirl

    hoosiergirl Light Load Member

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    May 2, 2017
    Indiana
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    Husband is starting his 3rd week here and really likes it. He's really happy with his choice to attend this school.
     
    SHOJim Thanks this.
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