Beginning the Long Awaited CDL Process

Good luck today Wedge you will do just fine!!!!

 

Pre trip inspection (PTI)....learn it, live it.

First thing this morning after a brief review of the proper protocol for the range, we were assigned our truck and trailer which we will stay with through out our training. There are 4 of us assigned to this truck (Freightliner, Columbia).

First up was PTI each student is given a 12 page document covering everything you must know to pass the PTI portion of CDL testing. The instructor spent a good portion of the morning pointing out what we should be checking and why. Each morning before we start training on the range, we must perform a PTI.

Today's exercise was straight line backing. Forward and backward. Each of us taking turns. I did notice that everyone getting in and out of the trucks couldn't help but have a huge smile on their face (there were 2 classes side by side). Some seriously happy people.

Later in the afternoon we started learning how to couple and uncouple the tractor and trailer. We ran out of time before everyone could get their turn. Tomorrow's another day.

So that was today's training. Tomorrow we'll get much more range time because we'll start with the PTI first thing. I can't wait to see what tomorrow brings.

Thanks for reading!
-Wedge

 

How did you do with the PTI Wedge? I thought you had said you had some experience in the past?
How about backing??? How did you do??
DID you have a BIG SMILE TOO!?

It sounds like you had a great day!!!!
Keep up the posts!!

 

Hey wedge found the thread finally, now that it's time to close up shop and go home, I'll finish reading it when I get home. I'm planning to try and try a visit tommorrow lunch timish. Have you decided who you're gonna drive for?

Although with some companys it may have merit and may still be an option to pursue I am not jumping head over heels at the idea of training that attch's. you some where for x amount of time, but still wieghing it all out.

Maybe we'll see OTR one day
Good Luck
Randy & Susan

 

My smile was bigger than anyone's, but I tone it down when I got out of the cab. Gotta maintain my image.

In the late 70's the company I worked for leased a single axle tractor with a pup trailer to move equipment from one end of CT to the other. Because I raced cars and new how to tow trailers, I got elected to drive. That rig was tiny compared to these.

Straight backing was pretty easy. Just needed to adjust for the additional length. The only drawback I can see is having to wait your turn.

They want you to follow a particular sequence with the PTI. I can understand why they do that. This morning as we were doing our pre-trip, I did the in cab (my solo portion today) with no script and I pretty much nailed it. I forgot to test the horns. I just have to remember safety and maintenance and it kinda makes me remember.

So yesterday......was a great day. I'm a happy boy.

 

Sounds like your haveing fun Wedge!



American Trucker

 

I am starting my classes on Monday, and I was thinking of making a journal of what I learned,but seeing as how it's already been done, I'm not sure it would be wise to repeat. There are some differences in my training though, I am going through RoadMaster and the training program is 3 weeks. According to the State of Ohio, to obtain a CDL it is required to have 160 hours of training which is where the get the class length from. I may be wrong about that though. At any rate, if anyone is still reading through this one, I'd appreciate opinions on wheather or not it would be advised for me to follow suit and track my class progress.

Best of Luck to you Wedge, I'm enjoying reading through your posts!

 

Good luck tomorrow if you get a chance to visit. I'll be there at lunch time, but my squad will be bob-tailing around so I could easily miss you.

I haven't decided who I'll drive for yet, but I have narrowed it down to two carriers. I am researching one more company. I'm big on collecting information, but I am running out of time. I already have pre-hires from Swift and Werner, so we'll see.

Be careful of the company sponsored CDL training. I know it sounds good, but you have to be prepared to stay with them for some time. I elected to train privately so I can be picky about who I work for. But that's me.

Maybe I'll see you there. I'll be on the range (black hooded jacket, gray cap, easy to find, I'm probably the oldest student there ).

 

If thats what you want to do, then do it!

I did it as well, and I will continue my thread as long as I'm a driver. The more info that is posted here on the TTR.com the better the forum becomes, the more information there is for new and experianced drivers to learn from.

So please share you experiances with us!





American Trucker

 

AT, I can't even describe it!