My Swift Academy Journey. Will it be a swifty one or not?

Well, I kinda figure it like this. I know and am well aware of how Swift drivers are kinda made fun of, some probably deserved, some probably not. Regardless, Swift came out on top of my pros and cons list when I was evaluating potential companies to train with and work for to gain my initial experience. I am WELL aware that some folks are not trained very well and probably deserve better than they got. All this said, I am motivated to learn to be a competent, safe and professional driver. My trainer can and will help me achieve those goals, but ultimately all that responsibility falls on MY shoulders and no other. If I do not know how to do something and do not seek training, experience and practice to learn, understand and become competent, it is no one's fault but mine. If my 'trainer' isn't cutting it, I do have alternatives to include all the wonderful souls who regularly share their wisdom and experience on this forum and who will unquestionably attempt to help anyone who sincerely is trying to become a better driver. I've been on this site long enough to repeatedly see the help and assistance many members lend along the way. If I simply pay attention I know I'll be able to assess what I need to learn that I do not know. The 'trainer' will have a list of the things they are supposed to teach me, which I will diligently and earnestly try to learn and master. But, I am ultimately the only person who honestly assess what I do not know. I just have to pay attention and understand enough that I CAN assess what I don't know that I should.

OK, quick update for the day. We drove around the town today and gained more basic road experience. There are 4 in our truck (training trucks are modified to add 3 air ride seats with seat belts where the bunk would normally be mounted) and our trainer thinks we are all ready to take our CDL test. There are a total of 8 people in our class and we will start testing on Friday. Those who are not ready to test on Friday will be able to practice more and test on Monday or Tuesday of next week, along with any potential re-tests should, god forbid, any of us fail any of the 3 tests. Unsure how many they can/do test on one day. The class ahead of us was rather large and several were not able to test until Monday or Tuesday even though they were deemed ready.

To be clear, I am not in a place that I think I could 'ace' any of the 3 tests without any mistakes, but, I do believe I am proficient enough at this point to pass all 3 tests. And, btw, we will only find out if we pass or fail. They to not advise us of any score regardless of how good or bad, with the exception of a hard fail. There are some grievances that will instantly and automatically cause a test failure. Things such as not doing the brake test correctly, any traffic violation during the road test, getting out of the cab too many times while making the maneuvers, etc. If you fail for one of these reasons, you will be told that at the time when the test abruptly ends at that moment.

I am hoping to test early on Friday. We will not officially be 'on-the-payroll' until we pass the CDL test and receive our driver number and sign a bunch of paperwork. Once on the payroll, I will start getting paid. Getting paid is a very very good thing!!! lol.

Also, the person I found that I want to mentor me, has decided they will. So, things are looking good (although many things could go wrong before it all falls into place, so I have hope, but keeping my expectations realistic). They have will talk to their Driver Manager and Leader to find out what they need to do on their end to be a mentor again, and with a little luck, the hurdles won't be too onerous and this might happen. Please continue to keep your fingers crossed that this arrangement ends up working out.

I'll keep all updated and thanks for all your support and encouragement, it does make a difference and is appreciated!!!

 

Okey Dokey! I am officially finished with training. I test for my CDL tomorrow (Friday the 13th!!) at 9:30AM. Wish Me Luck!!!