New school requirements

The school I just graduated from has 80 hours of classroom and 120 hours of combined range and road. It is located in Scarborough, Maine. The course content is mandated by the state and must include at least 14 hours of actual on road driving. We studied everything necessary to achive a cdl-a with hazmat, doubles/ triples and tanker endorsements. We had a short segment in map reading and used a log book as practice for the duration of the class. It is a 4 week m-f course. We were educated in bridge formula and shown how to move tandems and fifth wheels (not required by the State). New Hampshire is the state in wich I reside. It is the only State in the U.S. that requires you to take the skills test in a at least 50% full tanker to get the endorsement. The school does not offer this option to NH students. We learned how to couple and uncouple trailers (not required by the State for getting a cdl-a). We did not haul anything but empty trailers and used a variety of trailer lengths as well as single and dual drive tractors. we did have a variety of different driving senarios from city (portland) rural and highway driving. All but one trip were 10 speeds, most were with older but safe trucks. My final on road experience was in an automatic. It was like driving a big pickup with a really long trailer. I feel I have learned the skills necessary to possess a cdl-a but need to actually get out there with a competent (preferably someone with many safe otr years of experience) to improve my skills and prepare for life on the road. I am looking forward to the adventure and pray I don't kill anyone------- lockednloaded

 

My apologies to Gas Hauler for getting off the subject and turning this thread into a brag about your school thread.

I think it is important to come up with some ideas to improve the standards of cmv training.
I in one of my earlier comments I mentoned required skid range time. Someone else said a variety of trailers and trucks were used in his training. And I think we can all agree on some type of strict minimum level of driving experence for instructors.
I think it would be great if we could get some more input on this issue.