Newbie to WSE, here I go!!

Well again so far, I couldn't be happier. I totally love having my own room. I'm sure you read on other posts, as did I, that many companies have multiple students bunk up together. Myself and another guy are here on the 1st floor while the other 2 are on the 3rd. And what's more, its a double room...go figure. The lead instructor is very cordial, professional and helpful. I met one of the OTR trainers. She seemed to be interested in taking me on, again she was very intelligent and personable. Our training equipment doesn't look too bad, the tractors look like 00-11 FLs and the trailers, other than a lil dirty from being on the yard look well kept. I'm just anxious to get out there and learn!!

 

Yeah we went and took the ID driver license test so we could then be issued a DL from this state then took the CDL permit test which was General Knowledge, Air Brakes, and Combination Vehicles. I took mine in that order and all of the tests were different. I aced the Gen Knowledge, got really ####y and started in on the AB test, missed the first 3 right off the bat.....could only miss 5, went into panic mode and completey choked...lol. I got down to my final question which was do or die and I died..lol So I'll have to go back Friday morning and take the AB portion only and PASS this time to get my permit. Everyone else passed. Another student was do or die on his AB and he said that he decided F#@K it, and just pushed the middle button, and he got it correct...LOL.
So I'll brush, stay calm and focused on Friday and hopefully will come out of there sucessful.

 

LOL yeah, I got back here and looked at the manual, I realized I knew the answers I just got ####y and rushed it. So I'll definitely make use of the indefinite time that's available in taking these tests..lol Oh well, live and learn.

 

I guess the rider policy has changed since wc5b worked here. Still no pets, but any family member can ride. Wife, g/f, father, mother, son, daughter, etc.

 

No, just pack light, I'd see if I could fly out maybe, I'm telling you the bus ride is pure torture. I carried on my laptop and a backpack filled with water, snacks, etc. They have free WiFi here so that good too. Also, I asked to come in a day earlier, that being saturday instead of Sunday, which got me well rested for Monday. So if you did that you'll be arriving a week from tomorrow. We get to take the company car back here so after you get rested up myself or someone else can give u a ride to the grocery store.

Monday you'll take some practice tests for the CDL Permit, you'll test on Tuesday morning, Bring about 60 bucks just for that... That's kind of a liberal amount but it'll ensure you have plenty for your test. Remember to study General Knowledge, Air Brakes and Combination Vehicles. Basically thats the first 6 or so chapters, excluding the passenger vehicles chapter which covers buses.

Oh, you'll also take your DOT physical on Monday, its pretty straight forward and not a big deal. Monday thru Thursday is filled with paperwork and videos.....boring. lol. But today we got out on the range and started driving and working on our straight line backing and our alley docking. The two trucks are 04 FL columbias with the bed taken out and replaced with 3 air ride seats for student who are observing. So far its been fun.

The weather is hot, but very little humidity so its comfortable for me. We stood out in the sun today watching each other on the range and I was moderately comfortable. Supposed to be in the 100s this weekend.

Feel free with any more questins u may have...cya.


Oh passed my AB test today so finally have my permit...lol.

 

No real dress code, just common sense..lol. Yeah you can wear shorts too. Also, you'll need to get take the ID driver license written test, surrender your current DL and get new ID DL before you test for your ID CDL permit. Just fyi..

Well today they took off driving at 0730, I had to go back to the DMV and retest my AB......., so I didn't do any driving on the road today. They have "BTW Range" and "BTW Road" BTW = Behind the wheel. So I was just out in the yard/range practicing backing. It pays to be a winner I guess.lol

2 student got an hour and a half each BTW, but one student was struggling with the gears and so he only got 30 minutes before lunch.

Monday it will be 1/2 day with a fellow student btw, while the other two practice pre trip and backing on the range, then swap after lunch.

I'm gonna be dispatched out of the Elm Springs, AR terminal but I put that I'd leave my truck in Ada during my off time. Once my kiddo gets married and moves towards NW AR, I'll probably get a place at or near Elm Springs.

The lead instructor here is very funny, intelligent and knowledgeable. You'll like him. Everyone at this terminal is very nice too. I'm told we'll be getting into 05-06 Macks or International 9400i trucks. I like the way both of them look and all are autos but we're training in a 10sp.

Oh and if you've ever stayed in a Holiday Inn Express or LaQuinta, I'd say this is comparable to them. Very comfortable and clean but not 4 star..lol