Sage Technical Services (Student)

The previous week evaporated in a flash. My first week at Sage Technical in Caldwell, Idaho proved to be both educational and enjoyable. The instructors are experienced, each having driven many years. Two have been trucking for more than twenty-five years and continue to do so, part-time.

The classroom instruction, study materials and visual aids are well organized and very informative. The instructors are thorough and they keep you interested. They are not boring, monotone public speakers. This is a real PLUS in my humble opinion. And, the tests and quizzes keep you on your toes.

I had studied the Idaho CDL Manual for a week, cover to cover, prior to beginnig class. Monday, the School Director reviewed some of the material with me, gave me some practice tests and said, "You are definitely ready for the exams."

Tuesday morning I was waiting for the DMV doors to open. I took six exams, including Haz-Mat, and passed all of them with ease.

We seen five segments of final driving exams during the week, as five members of the departing class tested with the State Examiner. Four of them passed without difficulty. One failed, we were later told, due to his left arm hanging out of the window - one hand on the wheel, curbing the trailer tires, and failing to signal a lane change.

One more week in the classroom, then I will be steering and shifting, and, keeping both hands on the wheel whenever possible.

Additional updates forthcoming.

 

Eaton18, thank you. And, good luck to you!

>>>>>>>

Chompi, thank you. I am anxious, to say the least, and ready to start logging some miles.

>>>>>>>

This week, thus far, we have studied material and taken exams for securing loads, shifting, braking, tandem and fifth wheel sliding, and extreme driving conditions.

So far, so good.

 

10/28/2011 >>> Classroom work completed. Test score average: 99%

The classroom curriculum requires two weeks, 8AM - 5PM. The class size is dependent upon enrollment, with a maximum of twelve. There were six students, including myself, during our two weeks.

There are four instructors, all having 15+ years of driving experience. Two of them have 25+ years OTR and more than three million miles each, accident free.

The driving for the 150 Hour course is typically completed within three weeks. They schedule four hour blocks of driving time, most days, occasionally scheduling two blocks within a twenty-four hour period. Students usually complete the entire (classroom and driving) course and their state driving exam in five to six weeks.

Our driving schedules include a mix of three trucks during a variety of day and night hours. *All driving is performed one-on-one with an instructor.*

Equipment:
(1) Peterbilt - 387 / 13 speed
(1) Kenworth - T600 / 9 speed
(1) Freightliner - Century / 10 speed
(1) Freightliner - ? "Oldie" ? / 10 speed <yard practice only>
(4) 53' Trailers > (3) Dry Vans > (1) Reefer

Every school, or business, is only as good as the people. I am thankful Sage - Caldwell has some of the best.