Roadmasters: Tulsa, Oklahoma

DTB: Yup, I got em on FB. The first picture on their wall, you can see KC with a recent female graduate.

PHF: I heard of them but it's 50+ miles from my house. Not really conducive, but I appreciate it. Keep that loaner movin and be safe.

Called KC this morning to check in and make sure everything was a go for Monday. He mentioned that the Werner rep was there and to come down if I had a chance, but the rep would be back while I was in class. I really appreciated the invitation even though I'm pretty wary of Werner from what I see on the DAC threads. Nonetheless, I will apply and talk his ear off so that I can say that I had an open mind.

That is one thing that I appreciate and that is the hospitality down there. You don't feel like you're an inconvenience if you just pop in and say "hi". They actually seem to encourage that.

 

Somewhere on that FB page is JCWs picture. He might haul by there T-giving week. Not sure yet. He has home time, and Prime should approve the "recruitment" visit.

 

We may or may not have class that Friday after Thanksgiving, so if JCW's gonna stop in, I'd recommend doing it on Monday thru Wednesday. Would love to meet him.

 

Not sure what time he'll be rolling in. Hometime is Wed - Fri.

 

If we end up having class on Friday, I'll let you know then. It's going to be up to class majority I believe so don't hold your breath. LOL

 

Plan is to have class on that Friday. We're also having a make-up day on Saturday.

 

Well, the first week is completed and it was definitely an adventure. The staff is very knowledgeable to say the least. I was able to pass all General Knowledge, Combination Vehicle, and Air Brake tests to attain my permit on the first try.

The computer modules they have available on Etread do help some if you take the time to take notes rather than just burn through them. A composition notebook works perfectly for this. Since you have access to them via web, you can review them at home at your own pace. Plus it allows you to share your classroom experience with your family.

The trucks are mostly Volvos that have definitely seen a lot of use. But hey, it's a driving school so you can't knock the condition of the trucks too much. Friday was the first time I had driven one doing some idle double clutching and straight-line backing. Let me tell you, breaking the habit of pushing the clutch all the way to the floor seems to be the hardest part for me, but by the third time I did it I was pretty comfortable.

The quality of the behind-the-wheel instruction that I've received thus far was mixed. The first time our classroom instructor, Richard, had an appointment so we got someone else. Being my first time, I would have liked to have a few moments to familiarize myself with the play in the clutch and gearshift. Instead, it was pretty much "do it so we can get everyone their first run". Almost a disaster as I tried to just lurch the truck forward and try to get up to fifth gear without touching the gas. It was a double clutching exercise that left me a little empty.

Backing up, I was still adjusting to just how fast or slow low reverse was going to be. Never having backed up more than a small boat trailer in my life, I wasn't allowing the 53' trailer react before counter steering. Now I realize that some of these younger kids may be hard headed and stubborn, but I didn't feel like this instructor was genuinely responding to my questions. He was content in just walking outside the truck complaining about rookie mistakes that I KNOW I was making and trying to correct.

When Richard came back after lunch, I had a shot at redemption. We were able to do the straight line course twice more and Richard let me adjust myself to the controls and even gave me additional tips that REALLY helped. I was still fighting the urge to put the clutch to the floor, but only after I had reached 6th gear. Backing was ez-mode and before I knew it, I was fully off the clutch and put the bumper right between the cones.

Looking forward to getting on the pad Monday to work on the other maneuvers. I'm definitely going to need the practice! LOL!

 

Well, unfortunately I think I'm going to have to finish my CDL training at another school. After speaking with the finance and placement person Michelle, I lost confidence. I have good credit, but they wanted me to have a cosigner. I asked what financial organizations they were using for financing and they wouldn't give me any specifics.

Now I COULD cosign someone, but I've earned my place, credit, and reputation so call it pride for lack of a better term. Point is that when people get dodgy about specific questions, I lose faith. I consider myself educated enough to know not to go in with blinders on.

I can't rate the whole school as badly as the administration. I have high praise for Richard and Mike who are very hands on and patient instructors. Jerome (School Manager) is very approachable and genuine. My recruiter KC, was very straight forward, enthusiastic, and always checked up on me when there was any issue.

If you choose to go to Roadmaster, pay up front or finance your own loan with your preferred financial institution. Only reason I couldn't is because mine is still in Alaska

Anyway, I'll either be attending Prime or USA Truck programs. See you on the road!

 

I went to driving school in April 2007 with Roadmaster in West Valley City, UT and I was extremely happy with the instructors, management, and the hotel arrangements. It was 3 times more expensive than the local community college but I completed the 120 hours of training in 3 weeks. I did get a discount for paying cash and I was offered repayment by several companies but I didn't want to work for them, too many bad company reports here.

Tommy TBones
Truck Drivin' Webmaster