Newbie here

Hi everyone!

I just recently graduated from trucking school and am currently waiting to hit the road with a company trainer. While at school, I saw an ad for this site and decided to check it out. I will be a solo driver once I have completed my company training.

This site is awesome! I have found a lot of useful information here.

 

I went to C1 in Fort Wayne. Yes, that would be through Driver Solutions.

 

It went pretty good, despite some of the things I read about it prior to going. I passed everything with the school midway through my second week and took the actual CDL test that Friday and passed. I drove school buses for the past 6 years and realized that I was seriously burned out from it, so I decided to get my Class A (already had my Class B).

Good luck!

 

The instructors were fantastic, especially Brian (Road Instructor) and Andre (Range Instructor). While their training method is a little more "in your face" than some of the others, they only get impatient with people who either A.)think they know everything and have no reason to be there or B.) don't follow instructions. As far as cussing is concerned, they do and they don't. Most of them cuss like sailors and it may or may not be directed towards you.

My suggestion is, if you don't do well with someone instructing you like a drill sergeant in the military, try to get Kevin or Ryan as your range instructors and Greg as your road instructor. They are more passive in their teaching methods.

Hope this helps!

 

While the hotel was not the Hilton, it was clean. Towels were replaced daily and the sheets were changed every other day. It served its purpose and that was to get clean and rest your head. The water pressure in the shower was absolutely fantastic! No bugs or anything like that.

The first day will be spent doing DOT physicals and drug screens. I recommend not drinking anything but water (not in large amounts) until after you finish this process. Caffeine can cause your blood pressure to slightly elevate and if you already have borderline blood pressure this can be a problem. They have a fridge and microwave in the student lounge so you can bring your lunch rather than buy lunch.

Don't get used to the student lounge during your first week because the "lounge" on the range is nowhere near being as nice. The microwave looks like it has not been cleaned in about 5 months and there are only 2 tables to sit at and the chairs are about to fall apart. Also, when out on the range, your only bathroom choice is one of the 2 port-o-potties. They clean them once a week, so they get pretty fragrant.

My only other suggestion is, when you get out on the range, DO NOT turn away any range practice, on the road driving time, or refuse if an instructor comes up to test you on the road, maneuvers, or pre-trip. They will not send you over the fence if they do not feel you are ready and it will give you the opportunity to see what you need to work on. Any refusal will be documented and, if you are a habitually refuse, you can be sent home. If they offer after hours training or weekend training, take it.