Great Lakes Driving School Cleveland Oh

Theres a few threads on this school, just search and you'll find them . I went there, road equip was ok, yard trucks were beat up but good enough to learn ,, wasn't a big concern.

Hotel, I didn't use, but didn't hear anything negative from those that did.

Training was fine, a few old school instructors and a few younger guys. If you're expecting Mr Rogers type instructors, you might not like it. If you want to learn, have fun and be mentally ready for the industry, you'll get all that!

 

I called them two weeks ago. They are ok. I went there to see the place. They have a trailer upgrade program I didn't see anywhere else. I'd go there if I had too.

 

I just graduated from there this Aug 2016. It's a really good school. I'm a Veteran and used the GI bill to pay for it, 100%. As a Vet, you get the school paid for, hotel at the extended stay, plus BAH for that area. Was about $1450 when I was there(prorated). They have the CDL-A and B courses and also a Heavy Equipment and Oil field classes too.

The school itself is great for everyone, but it also goes on the person, if you are lazy or do not want to make an effort then you'll do crappy.
The PRO's:
- Great Instructors, very knowledgeable, experienced, good to deal with. There may be a couple you do not like, but if you are thin skinned, you do not need to be a trucker. Go be a fairy else where. Mr. Bill and H were the ones I liked the most, but all of them were good and a ton of experience between them all.
- Good programs for anyone needing something different or working around your life. Saw alot of guys there that would only show up for a few hrs each day because of work, or need to take time off for life events. The school works with you.
- Plenty of yard time to practice the backing maneuvers. If you're one of those that has never or has issues with backing a trailer, you will get lots of practice and instructions if you need. Again, if your lazy and you just sit around playing on your phone and not practicing, then do not blame the school or instructors.
- Good recruiter time, they have alot of recruiters coming in every week. Most of the big companies and alot of smaller companies too. Gotta say tho, I came from the mid west, not Ohio area, so most of the smaller companies do not run in my area, but its great if you live in the north east.
- Great placement program. John and Dave in the placement office will go over anything you need help with when applying to companies. They will go over what may be a good fit for you and what may not be. They work with your background too, so if you have some mistakes you made and now you are trying to make good, they help you still find people willing to take you. Didn't have to use them myself, but there were a few ex-cons and people with bad driving records there that got the help they needed.
- If you're a Vet, look at taking the 600hr course($10 grand one, not the 20 grand one) The lower priced one is shorter and unless you really need extra 2 weeks behind the wheel, then you will get bored quickly.
- The Heavy equipment course was awesome and the instructors are laid back. They watch and help you learn how to handle the dozers and excavators. It will get boring if you take the extra 2 weeks, but is worth it if that what you want to do. It's good for learning how to load and unload equipment on a flatbed too.
- The Oil Field safety course is good too. Dan is the instructor and even tho its only a week long, some of it is death by power point, Dan keeps it entertaining with stories and jokes. He's a great guy and knows his stuff. You will get alot of certifications that you may or may not need, but are great to have and looks good on your resume.
CONS:
- Some of the programs are either too long or too short. Make sure you get the right program up front.
- A ton of wasted paper, think they kill a 100 trees in a day. They put out alot of good info, but could cut down on some of the things they put out.
- Yard trucks are old and hotter than all get out during the summer. They do the job tho, having new trucks to do maneuvers in would be a waste of money.
- Only 10 hrs of road time. Would love to double that, think that would've been better learning in the real word environment than sitting in a yard.
- Long hours, starting at 0730 to 1800 hrs everyday. Driving a truck for 11 hrs isn't a problem, but being in class or driving the same maneuvers all day sucks.
- Classes are so long and abit boring but worth it, Jerry and Dave break it up with jokes and stories. Nothing offensive, but then again I'm not a pansy where words hurt me. Move on and learn, stop whining about being butthurt.
- Hotel rooms are shared with someone else. You will pay extra if you want a room to yourself.

Overall, the school is a great school, but if you do not pay attention or listen to the instructors (you are not always right)then you will fail. Some guys fail their test due to those reasons. Go over your PTI 4 times before lunch and 4 times after lunch and you will do just fine. Do your maneuvers and listen then you'll do just fine.