trainers: what are the worst ways you had to send a student home?

Regarding the OP, I've not really heard any stories regarding trainees getting thrown out of a truck in dire circumstances. However, I've heard of trainees getting off the trainer's truck without notice in the middle of nowhere. One in the middle of a blizzard at an exit ramp.

As a new trainer I haven't had any issues regarding needing to fail a trainee. I agree that a good trainer should "never give up" on a trainee and I ALSO agree that in some circumstances I'll probably need to tell a trainee they aren't cut out for the job IMHO. Keeping the motoring public safe is paramount.

One thing I have foremost in mind is approaching the training process with a set of easy to understand, step by step methods for how to shift, how to steer, how to visualize space around you with the mirrors, how to set up for backs, etc. Meanwhile I also have to keep in mind that "my" method may not "click" with a particular trainee. Then it is up to me to find a way to help that trainee understand the concept(s). Everyone comes to this job with a different background, and may need a way to reference their strengths to make a breakthrough (instead of a brake threw).

 

Terminate them immediately.

 

I've heard the story too.. its about as believable as the federal marshal stories.. Remember that as an instructor you have so much time to devote to the training and you are under a set of rules unlike any out there. MOST of the job as an instructor is to retrain people how to pass a state conducted test. As a trainer, you are also under a different standard.. and even tougher time constraints that are set by the carrier. At a certain time its go/no go or BOLO. The vast majority of people will pass, some will need more training that others to get this done, fewer still will need more training that can be reasonably accommodated. For those people it us up to them to seek out and pay for the privilege of driving a truck. for fewer still, it would be criminal and unprofessional to pass them on to another trainer (sadly too common) and they need to really be sat down and talked to and see where their head is and be completely honest. This is a bad day and a conversation that is no fun to give..

 

I was asked to pick up a female student the trainer had thrown out of the truck once. To bring back to the terminal. Her story was he wanted sex and she would not put out. I found out on the way back to the terminal that was false. She really really put out. (true story)

 

Curious, since you earlier stated, "never"; What would you do, your student, recently had his wife die, whom been married to for 20 years and was now having some real personal issues dealing with it. Or, was the School paid, so, thats enuf?

 

If a student showed intoxicated and gets in a truck it is the instructors legal duty to have him tested and appropriate action taken. That was my duty so he would not run over your family and kill them. Enough said.

 

I think that the real question would be.. who in their right mind would send this man to this type of training when they apparently had such a traumatic experience so recently? It doesn't change my outlook. If he is doing a decent job and is not a danger to himself or others, then he goes forward. If he is a basket case, then maybe this isnt for him at the present time. It doesn't mean he's a bad guy, it doesn't mean he cannot do this at all but nor does it mean that the standards get tossed out the window for a person who probably should be in a truck at all.

 

Dangerous to the public yes; However, knowing why the persons is not exercising good judgement is important before action is taken. i.e. a suspension from training mixed w/counseling sessions. Then, a followup interview by Human Resources Mgmt. before returning to training. Versus A simple termination for reckless conduct.

 

so if you never give up on a student
how come everyday the best entertainment in the TS is watching
people who shouldnt drive CMV's move around the parking lot
I believe there are more trucks and jobs then there are people that
can/should be drivers

 

I am not a lawyer, doctor, physicist, physiologist, priest or baby setter. My job was to train and to enforce all applicable laws and I did exactly that. Students in a College run CDL School do not have an HR department to go to. Now stop trying to be a troll and drop it.