Started at CIT-LA on 7-14-2014 we will see!

Day 1, So far so good, normal Paper work, tests and some video, All good.

The WIA money was supposed to be in July, found out it will be end of Sept.! Soooo, I went ahead and paid for it with a credit card! Don't want to wait any longer! I already paid for my DOT Physical and Drug test($40) and paid and passed my TSA background check for HAZMAT($86.50)and TWIC($129.00) Got new Birth certificate($28, my old one was in pieces after 50 yrs), Passport($135) I have my permit($60) with all endorsments! I'm on my way!

I want to thank everyone for all the encouraging words and all the great info from All on this forum!

 

Day 2 Went well, more video's and tests, very laid back no pressure, very helpful staff, the thing I really like is even though the class is basicly a 6 week class, they give you up to 16 weeks if you need it, but it is more than just getting your CDL A, it is also learning t operate, load, securement and Hazmat cert for clean-up. Very good class.

 

Day 3 More video's finished them today, tomorrow I start in the yard WITH manuvers and pri-trip practice!

 

Day 4 was the start of maneuvers. I must say the practice trucks have be abused and the clutches suck, but if I can manage everything in these, then when I get in the GOOD truck for the road it will be a piece of cake. Watched a few of the more advanced students go through the Applied air brake test a few times then it was my turn, with alittle prompting made it through first time ok, I need to practice the verbal part the most, need to practice pre-trip too, I read all the stuff can say it back to my self ok, then do it with instrutor and can't remember what to say! So then started with the usual straight line back, after a few tries at getting the clutch right started backing, 15 mins and I was doing pretty good, next was the offset left and right nailed a couple then I kept messing up on my own, do the reset and couldn't get that right, seems I was over thinking, my Instructor was telling me what to do, and I was trying to do it my way! Nope doesn't work well! So I paid attention and started getting better, after lunch was better then went to try the alley dock, no problem got it right every time on my own!Overall a good day, did better than some but I seem to be harder on myself when I screw up and over think! Next week will be better!

Day 5 was more books written tests and video's.

 

Day 5 and 6, Alot more of maneuvers practice repetition my leg is sore! But doing well, 75% on all straight back, offset Left and right, alley dock and siteside parallel, Plus airbrake, and pre-trip! Suprised myself, 1 or 2 more days and then road work. It has been very hot in the yard waiting around watching but it's worth it.

 

Day 7 and 8, More practice on manuevers and Air Brake tests and pre-trip. Doing well on all, start road driving on Monday! Instructors or good, no pressure, very helpful, answer all questions no matter how stupid I think I am for asking. I am enjoying this very much!

 

Days 9-10 more practice of maneuvering, got it down good! Air Brakes and Pretrip tests much better, almost ready for DMV.

Day 11 drove on the road and freeway, did very well, just need to break some old habits from years of driving sports cars, a pickup truck I had and the few years driving a 28ft box truck! My instructor says they will fail me for not removing my foot from the clutch and hand on shifter between gears. Seems stupid to me but I will do it!

Days 12 - 15 more maneuvering, AB, PRETRIP! Next week is all road, freeway and AB-Pretrip! If I do well enough, Friday maybe DMV!

 

Also wanted to add, although this school doesn't have the best practice trucks, the truck for the DMV test is good.
If you can drive these older trucks and get the maneuvering down pat, then you will have no problems with any truck. Also the instructors are very helpful and answer all questions respectfully.

Got a new student this week, already had his CDL A, (went through CR England,said he lasted 2 months) couldn't use the clutch and didn't know how to release the brakes before trying to drive! How is that even possible?

 

Days 16-19 I'm scheduled for all road driving and AB - Pretrip split days and Day 20(Friday) DMV for the real deal!