Swift Driving Academy Richmond

Discussion in 'Trucking Schools and CDL Training Forum' started by Friday, Apr 7, 2016.

  1. Dave.in.PA

    Dave.in.PA Bobtail Member

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    Dec 21, 2015
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    Thanks, that's pretty sad. That training sounds like it only gives you enough training to remove fenders and fairings, not how to drive. Indy sounds better but Richmond is closer and I'm not sure if they would let me go to Indy instead.
     
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  3. Friday

    Friday Road Train Member

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    It really all depends on the size of the class and how many manage to get kicked out at first. We had a rather large group, but as people got kicked out we got more time in trucks. Which is pretty sad too.
     
  4. ajsinhouston

    ajsinhouston Bobtail Member

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    Apr 16, 2016
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    That's the sad part I think they enroll a huge class with the intent on maybe one quarter of the class actually passing. Because if they intended on attempting to pass that entire class do you know everybody would even get even less time. I've noticed that they tend to focus on those that actually catch on to it within the first couple of days everyone else they don't really give much attention to you in the hopes that you'll either catch on by yourself or you just fail out or quit. The only reason would do that is because you are not receiving their time or attention. If your not going to get the help you need, you truly feel like you are wasting your time. Without the help its only a matter of time before you fail out. Yes, it's that bad I would not recommend going there if you truly do not know how to drive an 18-wheeler if you truly need someone to teach you how to double clutch and up/down shifting then this school is definitely not the one for you, it wasnt for me, that's my opinion.

    Because of this expensive learning experience, i know what I'm looking for and i know what to ask. If at all possible would ask to observe a class or two before i can take that leap again.
     
    Friday and SHOJim Thank this.
  5. Osiris

    Osiris Light Load Member

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    Dec 3, 2015
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    I went there in early March and had the same expirence only my class started with 12. As we were finishing our third week there was a lot of talk about the new classes being 20-25 people.

    I got bounced on the Thursday before my dmv test for screwing up the parallel on their "swift" test. Was put on ap for "failing" the pre-trip because black James didn't like my answer to one of his smart ### questions during the in cab.

    I learned quite a bit from one instructor there but most of it was just us guys figuring it out on our own and giving each other pointers while they sat in the van.

    The school I'm at now doesn't even test on parallel. Lmao not sure if that's good or bad but it defintely shows they were feeding us big ######## sandwiches at Richmond when it came to the dmv test theories.
     
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  6. Friday

    Friday Road Train Member

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    Charlottesville, Va
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    Oh god. James. That guy is just about the embodiment of everything that's wrong with swift
     
  7. Friday

    Friday Road Train Member

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    Apr 7, 2016
    Charlottesville, Va
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    Va DMV does test parallel parking. The space there is a bit bigger than what they give you at swift. By about 5 feet longer and 2 feet wider
     
  8. Loco transfer

    Loco transfer Bobtail Member

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    May 7, 2016
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  9. Truckerfor6

    Truckerfor6 Bobtail Member

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    May 22, 2016
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    So glad id didn't end up going there! I applied and was denied due to my location? I'm up by Boston Ma so I guess that was out of there range but anyways I start with NETTTS on the 31st!
    Yes its expensive but I get 5 months of schooling (graduate in October), about 20 trucks there now and all the individual help I MAY need. Plus its accredited here so I did real well with the FAFSA and am only paying 87.00 out of pocket!
    We will see how it goes but so far it seems really legit!
     
    Last edited: May 22, 2016
    Reason for edit: Did not post my reply
    Friday Thanks this.
  10. morpheus

    morpheus Medium Load Member

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    Jun 12, 2014
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    87 dollars? How the hell did you pull that off? I could get nothing because I made too much. Opting for pay as you go lessons at Parker. I was going to do the short course at NETTTS but there is no loan option available.

    540 hours and almost 11k for a CDL course is beyond ridiculous in my opinion but if if in the end it will only cost you under 100 dollars then by all means, go for it. Good luck
     
  11. Urziel

    Urziel Light Load Member

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    Dec 9, 2013
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    540 is a lot for a starter CDL course, but if they have the staff and the equipment it sounds like it'll be a great training experience. Besides, it's best to make your mistakes there, then out on the roads where lives are at risk.
     
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