TDI-Irwin, PA

I just wanted to tell all future students to this school what you are in for. Let me start off by saying the instructors of the school are fantastic. Artie, Randy, Ron, Brad, and Russ are all really good guys and they want you to succeed. Brad is the "dean" of the school. While he is a good guy, he needs to get his head on straight. He allowed a student to continue with the course when she should have been tossed out within the first couple of days. I suppose the reason she was permitted to stay was she paid her tuition in cash. Artie and Randy will show you the way to drive a truck and be the best you can be on the road. While both are set in there ways of driving and teaching, both are good guys who want to teach you everything they know. Artie's bark is far worse than his bite!! Don't let him scare you, but also respect him. As far as the classroom part, it was okay. Ron was our teacher in the classroom. He does a pretty good job, but tends to move at a quick pace. If you can keep up, you will be fine. He knows alot about driving. Now on to the equipment. The trucks are worn out. They tend to leak anti-freeze, oil, air, and any other type of fluid. They are very forgiving while you are out on the road but they are "old men" and need to be treated as such. The one good road truck they have was in the garage the entire time with a busted break seal. Why it took so long to fix the best truck in the school is a mystery. The range trucks are worse. They are old and beat up. The Ford truck needs to be put out of it's misery. All have seen better days. Now I need to give you a big warning!!! PAY ATTENTION TO THIS PART....VERY VERY IMPORTANT!!!!! Have all of your financial stuff done before you get to school!!!! Whatever you will need, have it done!!! If you need a co-signer.....GET ONE BEFORE YOU GET THERE!!!! Make sure you have one lined up!! Better yet..DO THE FINANCIAL STUFF BEFORE YOU GET THERE!!!! The recruter for the school is a liar and a back-stabber. He is not your friend!!! Don't allow him to hide behind his "good deads" by bringing you out of date Little Debbie snacks. He will also appear as if he runs the school. DON'T LET HIM FOOL YOU!!! He is NOT in charge of anything. He is a snake in the grass, I'm telling you!!! There is also a "secretary" for the school. She will come out to the lunch room and mooch off the students. I've seen her ask students for some of what they are eating. That is B.S. Let her bring her own food. She will also dig for information. DON'T GIVE HER ANY. It is none of her business either. She just answers phones and faxes applications. DON'T LET HER FOOL YOU!!!! Last but not least....the loan company!! They tell you when you sign up that the school is approx. $6,000.00. The interest on the loan is 22%!!!!!!! YES I SAID 22%!!!!!!!!! And it does not matter how good your credit score is........it is still 22%. So the school will end up costing you......are you ready.....$10,389.04!!!!!!!!! Most trucking companies will only pay up to $6,000.00 so be read to pay out the rest!!!! Most of all good luck to you in your career!!!