NETTTS: 160 hours vs. 480

It's over your head Rooster. Maybe next time.

 

I took the 3 week course a long time ago and never used my CDL for OTR. Ended up driving class B trucks for about 7 years then went to Swift driving school which is 3 weeks or classroom/range time and then you go out with a trainer. It was almost the exact same training with Swift as NETTS. I've driven some OTR but mostly Northeast Regional for 3 years and never had any problems. If I were you I would do the 3 weeks and then find a company that will send you out with a trainer.

 

Thank you Taser. You don't need to have gone through NETTS to know the difference between a 3 week course, and a 20 week course.

 

Hello to all,
I just want to say on your behalf what the difference Is from 160 to their new curriculum of 520 hrs I believe. The 160 course Is shorter yes but In most cases If you don't have the experience behind the wheel of one of them things the 160 course will set you up for failure and a definate no pass on your test date. I've seen alot of men and women take the 160 course so they didn't have to be In school long having no type of experience what so ever and failed when they took their CDL state exam.The 520 course Is longer and alot more meaningful for a beginner In this Industry most of the men and women who have taken that course have passed on their first try at the state exam day. You will hear alot of BS from the instructors but It's mainly stories from their time and experience on the road to help put you at ease with alot of things you might have concern for being a greenhorn In the trucking field. You will also hear alot of BS from recruiters trying to get you to join their company you are just a payday to them they don't care for your well being they always need new slaves In any job you get. Just make sure you choose a company with a good standing reputation not because they supply you with a better fleet of rigs and equipment.

 

If you take the 160 course you are bounced through it. You take 3 days for the first week for your permit. After the first week you divide your time between learning
maneuver's, which consists of 4, straight back, alley dock, Sight side Parallel parking, and Blind Side Parallel Parking. Plus you have to have road time in the day cab fit into those 3 weeks as well. While learning your permit for those 3 days, you are shown how to do a quick brake test and a one time show of how to drop and hook. Thats it..One time only.
I would have to say that 90 percent of the students train themselves in the maneuver's due to instructor visability.
Netts in Pawtucket RI is in a very bad location as it is located next to the projects where drug dealings are done in broad daylight right outside school grounds.
You will risk having your car broken into cause you have to park on the street, right next to the projects.
Almost all the students there look like bar room brawlers, thugs, punks, troublemakers who wear there hats sideways, pants falling down around their #####, blaring punk music at breaks. All around not good.
How do I know,, cause I went to that school on the 160. In a word--NIGHTMARE,,lol..
If you want a good school try Parkers Driving School.
The last time I talked with one of my instructors was a few days back and he told me Netts is going down the tubes in RI..What i wrote above is why its going down.
Over priced, to many thugs.
Now if you like bar-room brawlers then by all means, enroll.

 

I trained three or four students that went through the long course at NETTTS. They were some of the best students I ever had. 20 weeks is a long time but they were very well prepared. I think the one they went too was in CT though.

 

Me personally I. Would've waited if. I. Knew more about nettts to save myself a lot of money and stress and time.

 

Old thread, but I'll weigh in.

Some people learn skills faster than others. Some may need the 540 hour course, others can learn the needed skills in 160 hours, and still others need only a truck and examiner to pass the CDL test. Most companies look for a minimum of 160 hours of training. Personally, I think that any course costing more than $1500 is overpriced, as most community college courses cost that or less. Only you know what's best for your own needs.

 

True I took the full course because I wanted the extra training and It helped me.

 

I am in netts long program. and yes there is filler but you get what you put in. its like college you get your information what you do with it is up to. most people get pell grants and that brings the cost down 3000 bucks or so. the way i look at it is I'll take all the help I get get that will help me pass the extra endorsements ( hazmat passenger etc). also I worked 40hrs during the week and they are open 7 days a week. i.e. I'm in the weekend program