Swift driver training. What to expect.

Day 13- Today was the first time I've gotten to drive on the road and in and around Lewiston. I placed a lot more pressure on myself than the instructor did. I spent 3 hours driving down some pretty steep grades and making a few tight turns in traffic. Idaho has some very narrow roads and they make you drive them. We were told to be ready for and 18% grade...that wasn't a typo, tomorrow. I know where it is and I thought it was darn steep when I us to drive down it in my patrol car. I can't wait!

 

Lewiston does have all four seasons and right now we are on the verge of getting snow. It's been predicted a few times and all of us were pretty concerned about it but, nothing yet. It does get cold and the wind blows. Bring rain gear, a good hat, and a very warm jacket you don't mind getting grease on. I wear long underwear most days.

You sign a contract to pay back your the loan from Swift. It is spelled out clearly how you will pay them back if they hire you. They also spell it out how you will pay them back should they not or you decide not to work for them. Basically it's an interest free loan for 13 months. The hard part will be finding someone to hire you with no experience. You'll be a known quantity with Swift so perhaps working for them for at least 3 months is a good idea.

Some of the folks from WA go to Pasco for the test. Swift loads you all in a truck, with an instructor, and you drive over, take your test, and drive back to Lewiston. There is an option for some of the WA folks to test in Clarkston, however, in my class three will test in Clarkston and one has to go to Pasco. Something the State of WA decides.

Good luck!

 

Day 14-Another day of driving out on the road. We drove around Lewiston some more today and did not go down the steep grade. We test tomorrow morning so I'm guessing we won't do it. I was told today that should I decide to stay with Swift, they would try and find me a mentor out of my home of record so I can have my home time at the same time as my mentor. I haven't made my mind up yet. I'm waiting until after I get my CDL.

 

The offset parking is basically a parallel park. You start off in a right or left hand lane and then maneuver into the lane you are offset from and backing into a box. They don't call it a parallel park, however, I have heard them say it was the same thing as.

 

Day 15- Today was road test day. We drove in the morning and tested in the afternoon. No one failed/crashed/ran over anyone. It was a good day in that respect. I'm not sure what's up for tomorrow. I'm going to guess it will be practicing skills as the State tester will be here Friday morning.

We had another student drop out of the class behind us. She was having a difficult time and decided to leave. It's been said this was the second school she's left. I really don't know.

If you get to the school and think it might not be for you, leave before the end of the first week. It won't cost you anything. After the Friday of the first week they will start charging you and all of the charges are retroactive to the starting Monday.

 

Day 16- Today was the last day of training. Tomorrow we all test. Some will take a Swift truck to Oregon and WA and the rest will test at the academy range. I drove on the road for another two hours today and spent seven hours practicing my backing. I hope I'm ready for the test tomorrow. I'll finish this thread with a rundown of hours spent and a critique of the instructors.