Roehl Transport, Inc. - Marshfield, Wi.

LKat........Java is right. You'll do fine.

 

LKat,
My husband is a trainer and he is patient. (well maybe not with me but with others he is). just kidding. That's what they are there for and if you are about ready to graduate then I would say you have nothing to worry about.

 

lkat, i got to thinking about how they did the yard training they preach [grt out and look]if your not sure about it get out walk to back of trailor look to see what you need to do,they like to see that,as far as not knowing much about backing they like to teach you to do it their way.

 

Yeah my husband was telling me that a couple of days ago. If it takes you 20 times getting out and look they rather you do that than hit something.

 

Thanks to all of you for the info and the encouragement - I really want to do this, but jeez, it's really, really different from anything I've ever done. If/When I get through this, I'll really feel a sense of accomplishment; this will be earned!

Whispers, so far I am only a danger to orange cones!

 

When I went thru Roehl orientation,they had a very simple,yet practical road test.It involved a pre trip insp.,then about a 5 mile drive around Gary,IN.on different types of roads.like all road tests watch yourself going around corners,and shift smoothly.after the road test it was back to the terminal and back in between two trailers in the yard.Nothing hard at all.Remember to GET OUT AND LOOK,before backing.You are not competing with anyone else on a road test,just get in the truck and drive to the best of your ability,and you will make out OK.

 

When I was in school, the only backing we did was what the DMV guy would make us. We did a straight back and a curved back. Never once did we back between two trailer or even two fake trailers (cones). Before deciding to go with Roehl, I went and did an interview with Givens. After filling out an application, the first thing they did with me was a road test. I had to pretrip the truck. Go into the yard and pick up a trailer, pretrip it, and then out on the road. After the road trip, he took me into the yard and I had to back in between two trailers. Sure looked small in the mirrors. I got out and looked over the situation. It took me two attempts, and setup is everything, but I got it in with out hitting anything. He told me before we started that the part that gets most school grads is backing into a spot because they do not cover that in school. I have had a little experience backing due to owning a 5th wheel RV, but it is no where near the length of a tractor and trailer. After getting it in there, he told me that I would do fine with some practice. I didn’t realize Roehl would do the same type of test when I got there. I hope I do ok down there. I will be doing it in Ellenwood, GA.

Are there any suggestions of studying anything, like HAZMAT, or anything like that?

 

The only way they will get upset on your first road test backing excercise is if you don't get out and look. They will give you a pretty easy back and it doesn't matter if you have to pull up 100 times.
As long as you do not do anything illegal like run a red light most people pass the road test. I had a student who was trained on an auto in cdl school. He passed the road test even though he could not shift at all.

 

Thanks to all of you, sincerely! I have always been an over-achiever and going to CDL school has really been a humbling experience. I've never before felt so dumb, so uncoordinated, so slow, etc. (I'm sure the cones have even more adjectives). My learning curve is nearly flat but, yes, it is getting easier. There are those times when I have downshifted perfectly and I'm driving the big truck and I think 'omg - people get paid to do this' and then of course, there is the range and those dreadful cones. I deeply appreciate the advice, the encouragement and the honesty that those of you who have done this are willing to share. This job is something I thought a lot about before deciding to pursue, and it has been more than a challenge. So, thanks again, wherever you happen to be.

 

LKAt,it was my experience many yrs.ago,that you do not truly start learning about driving til you are out there on your own.All thru school and co.training,there is always someone to ask,(what do I do now?)and have someone there advising you.When you finally pass your CDL test and get thru co.training its just you and the truck.Ya gotta figure everything out by yourself,thats when things really start coming together.So not to worry,things will gel in time.GOOD LUCK.