Central Refrigerated Services School January 20th 2014

I'm not, but I did back in Feb 2013. Weather is nice down there even this time of year. good luck.

 

I went there in november 2013. If you have any questions feel free to ask

 

You will be tested on how to trip plan, macros, hours of service. They're gonna give you questions like how many miles is it from phoenix,az to dallas,tx...then you have to use a map to figure out. Quite a bit of stuff but don't worry

After the written test They're gonna take you out on the streets and the freeway. There's gonna be a tight turn your gonna have to make on a two way street...try not to hit the curb. Also when you come back from the test you're going to have to park and back the truck in between two trailers. Remember the upgrade test is the real deal, they're seeing if your capable and trustworthy of driving their truck.
One thing I realized all the stuff you are learning at that school is almost useless. You won't even be driving the same truck when you're on the road with a trainer. Most trainers drive 13 speed trucks vs the 8speed trucks your driving. Its a little hard at first to learn the 13 speed but you'll get it. You will experience a lot of anxiety when driving... I did at least. There were times my heart was racing because you will be driving through areas you've never been to, night time driving is scary for a newbie too...especially through the city. stupid drivers cutting you off, going down steep mountains, also the weather.
I was otr with my trainer in the middle of december, worst time for storms and ice. My second day driving I was driving on black ice and gusty winds, you can feel the wind wanting to throw your truck off the road. I saw a lot of car wrecks happen in front me because of ice. It was frightening at times because I was still a new driver at that time. But I'm kind of glad I had a trainer with me during the winter because now I have some winter driving experience.
It was a good experience though, I wish I passed my upgrade test though. Trainer didn't spend too much time teaching me how to back up. As a matter of fact my trainer tried teaching me how to back up the day before the test...and that's how I failed. So my advice to you is start learning the moment you get on that truck. And if you're trainer is too lazy to teach you anything CALL them and demand a new trainer.

 

My husband is up at Utah right now - testing and if all goes well, he will hit the road with a trainer this coming week when one is available. I am going to pass on your suggestions to him. There is so much going and he is focused on the here and now... so to get some feedback from those who have been there and done I think will be a great help. Thanks again.