Finally made it to Roadmaster

Day 1

Well, finally made it, started Roadmaster today. So far, so good. Got to class at 0700 went thru a quick orientation took a drug screen and physical, then done a little on the computer lab. Second half of the day was going over cdl handbook.

All in all, a very long day filled with blahblahblah, but after all the written tests are done it will be time to get behind the wheel. The first week here is mostly classroom stuff, so it makes for a long day. We will start taking our tests on Wednesday, so should have my permit that afternoon.

Well, gotta study, I will keep y'all updated daily.

 

Day 2

Today went a little better than yesterday. Lot's of videos, more talking and studying the manual. Werner recruiter came in today with lots of pizza. Sounds like a descent company. Our written tests for the permit was pushed back til thursday giving us one more day to study. The afternoon was more videos and more studying. I am having fun, tho, making new friends. Sucks a little being away from the wife and kids but i think I will get used to it. well that's all til tomorow.

 

The last couple days have gone by pretty well. Got my permit yesterday, passed all my tests the first time. spent a little time with a couple recruiters, Trans Am, US express, and Swift . I already know about Swift, but any info on the others will be helpful. Trans Am sounds pretty good. We also went over logs and logs and more logs. I really enjoy it here, really good instructor, looks like pretty good equipment, only complaint is the hotel rooms. Not the rooms really, just the beds, hard as a rock. I should get some time in the truck tomorrow. Let y'all know how it goes.

 

Well Bogle, I am certainly glad I chose Roadmaster. All the instructors here are very knowledgable with many years experience. I am at the one in San Antonio, Texas, so I can not speak for all there schools, but this has, so far been a very good experience. I will update as often as possible so keep checking back, and good luck with whatever you choose.

 

DAY 5

Well, finally got behind the wheel today. We went over logs this morning, and after lunch, watched a video. After the video, we split the class up and some went to the computer lab, while others went to the truck.

When we got to the truck, it was just a crash course on shifting. We got on the service road and practiced double clutching. We were told to idle shift from 1st to 5th (no throttle). Some struggled a little, I think I done ok. From here on out it will be all driving time, no more class room.

until tomorrow

 

DAY 6

First full day out of the class room. we spent the first half of the day strait line backing. some guys struggled a little with this but for most it was a simple task, and by lunch everyone had it down. In the afternoon we worked on pre-trip, brake test, and couple un-couple. and for the last 2 hours we were in the computer lab.
we are off on sunday and will be on the road half a day and in the yard for the second half on monday. stay tuned.

 

DAY 7

Ok, started out doing a pretrip and brake test and hit the road. started out idle shifting then was able to use the throttle. learned how to up shift and down shift, and turns at intersections. All this was done on the service road, should be on the highway tuesday.

As far as the afternoon, it was spent in the yard. Started out doing strait line backing, which is really simple, then parallel parking. If you do not know what this is, it is just like it sounds, parallel park a big rig. I can barely parallel park my car, much less a big truck. But surprisingly enough after just one practice run I done it with no problem. The way they teach things make it real easy to catch on.

Last couple hours were spent in the computer lab. I am almost done with that, thank God.