Community college training...a trucker's SO's perspective and some questions...

I took most of my computer classes at our local community collage
All the instructors seemed unhappy to be there(second jobs)
No instruction, just open the books and go to work
Pretty much adult daycare
If you had a question then maybe they would help
The classes were cheap, and so was the instruction
Sorry I think this is just how it works in CC

 

My driving school experience was completely different from your SO's. We had classroom instruction on the college campus during the morning followed by lunch in a campus cafeteria. In 1964, we did not have to pass a written test for a learner's permit. We were taught regulations, and the Smith System of safe driving by the school's administrator. His classroom techniques were equal to those of the best high school teachers. Students were encouraged to ask questions. I think that most driving schools need to limit story telling or teaching by way of anecdotes. Our classroom instructor had not been a truck driver. There was very little wasted time in the classroom.

After lunch, we went to the practice range outside of the city. The school had three driving instructors. One had been a flight instructor. Another had been an owner/operator for many years. The school's mechanic also taught the engineering aspects of a truck. I asked for and received practice with a fire extinguisher.

I am still inspired by the memories of the apprentice style instruction we received from the road and range instructors. They would demonstrate what the students thought was impossible. Shifting was second nature to them, but they had utmost patience with us.

I am retired now, but still have the safe driving attitude I was taught in truck driving school. I still use the Smith System. My $250 tuition was money well spent. By the way, one student flunked out of my class. He had an MA in English Literature.

 

You have to know I can't pass this up!

I have seen some of these collages...they are great works of art, not just graffiti! Many communities have turned dull gray walls into visual info centers of what the area has to offer.

 

Meanwhile, as OH is taking time to dog Baack for a typo, poor TW is trying to keep up the farm!!

 

Before i got into my local community driveing school a guy i know who drove close to 40 years ,told me to get my permit out of the way.
I thought to myself that was good advice.
Well i didnt even get a permit book to study.
Well i could lie and say i passed even though i didn't study,guess what i didnt (lol)
But i did make it to the last few questions before i failed,well i then got my permit book and studyed it over the weekend and done pretty good.

I was told i dint have to get my permit before classes started but i am happy that i did,cause thats one thing i dont have to worry about when classes start in a few weeks.
But as the more wiser guys are saying once you do get your cdls,it just the begining!
The guy i know who drove close to 40years said even if you do have 5-10-40 years you are always learning.

But as far as the permit test and the driveing test if you pass thats cool.
But how many 4 weelers drivers who are on the road nowdays are great drivers???????????????
Myself i often wonder how in the He-double toothpicks did that clown ever get his license????(that includes my mother in law
My class seems to last longer than some here ,i think its around 6 weeks and then they still have you come back for 1-2 weeks to work on a little more advanced driveing.
Thats why i went with them,the instructers seem to care ,but still tell you that you need more training with what ever company that hires you.
My goal is to be as safe as i can and to do the best job i can.
This is the path i have choose so why not be the very best i can be at it.

I have seen a lot of drivers on highway 64 in WVA in accidents every year.
Now i am not saying i wont ever be one but i am am going to do my very best not to be one of them.
Labrat you seem like a very smart guy,and after 5-10 years you and i may be able to help other newbies ,like some of the vets on here!
And to the million mile drivers on here,i salute you !