What you need for cdl school

So you wanna be a truck driver? Whats that you say you have found a school too?

Great!

Here is some friendly advise from a guy who just completed week one.

Prepare yourself! Stop by the local dmv and get a cdl study manual.
They are free!

Read it! Read through all the sections that pertain to what you will be learning in school.

Stop by your local office supply store and pick up a few items.
pens,( i recomend at least one blue one, it will stand out better when you do your logs) a highlighter (at least one), paper (you will have notes to take) something to carry all the paper and material you get with ( a book bag or tote of some sort. You may or may not have an opportunity to pick these basic things up after you have begun classroom instruction.

Bring the following information with you so that you will have it when required
State that you reside in driving record, birth certificate, social security card, any doctors information about any medications you are on (name address and number where they can be reached)
Also bring specific info on your past ten years work history and your diploma or GED.

Some additional advise

If you have a cellphone, beeper, blackberry whatever leave the item OFF for the duration of the class and furthermore let anyone, who may need to contact you for emergany situations ONLY, where you are and how to reach you through the office of the school. If you can not commit to this than do everyone else a favor and stay home.

Don't show up if you are not going to pass a drug test!

Be on time for class!

Pay attention to the instructor!

Wait your turn to speak!

Do not argue with the instructor! (what he is trying to teach you is what you need to know to pass the State exam)

Think about your questions before you ask them (people won't think you're an idiot unless you open your mouth and remove all doubt)

Keep an open mind.

Be resectfull to others even if you disagree with them.

Stay hydrated (if you fail to urinate for a drug test it is like failing it)

Good Luck and remember if you don't want to be there you don't have to be there. Just leave and let the people who really want to learn about driving a CMV do so in peace.

I hope this doesn't seem like I am whining about school. It is meant as a guide, based on the last weeks experience I have incurred.

I am amazed that folks who sign up for this don't take it seriously.

Thanks all!

Please feel free to add some things or comments if you would like too. lockednloaded

 

I thought I'd add a few more things that you may need particularly in the yard.

You will most likely get a few "sheets" that will explain what to do yard rules, pretrip procedures, drop and hook procedures etc... go to the local office supply store and have them laminated (they hold up better than just paper in the elements and be resistant to the grime of the yard)

Get some rain gear from your local department store ( I Picked up a two peice for around $30 at wally world). use a coat that you don't mind ruining ( If it does happen you won't be devastated).

Wear comfortable footwear that is waterproof something without too much ankle support (you'll be bending your ankles a lot)

Make sure you have warm clothes and dress in layers.

Bring a change of clothes with you to the yard so if you have to change you can. Bring extra socks in case your feet get wet.

Bring at least two pair of gloves. (one that you don't care about ruining)

Pay attention to what You are doing and not what the others around you are doing (unless they about to crash into something other than a cone)

And finally bring a possitive attitude, (if you make the decision each morning to have a great day, and project that to everyone around you you have a better chance of having one and you may also change what kind of day they may have too ( if you notice that your day will be even better)) a willingness to learn, the ability to listen and follow directions.

Here are a few things to leave home or in the car while at the yard.
Whining, feeling sorry for yourself, your personal problems and any problems of anyone you know. If you bring this stuff with you it will most likely affect your capabilities or worse yet someone else's

I don't claim to be any kind of authority on the issue but these are things that would've helped some of the folks in the class I just completed had they only prepared to succeed rather than have been led to succeed.

I don't think anyone from or associated with the school is here watching over my shoulder but I still feel compelled to say "It was a great experience for me".

Good Luck to all who take the time to read this post or are contemplating going to a school in the future.

See you out there maybe--lockednloaded

 

It has been a warmer than average winter here in the great north woods this year. The school I went to was next to Scarborough Downs in Maine. It is right on the ocean so an almost constand wind blows. It cuts right through you. The wind chill one day was below zero. That was better than home. The same day at home it was 30 below zero. It looks like I'll be going to orientation in Lakeland, Florida though. That'll be a welcome change in climate. It got up to 42 degrees today here. whooo-hoo a heatwave! --lockednloaded

 

it's 90 right now in lakeland but a nice breeze out there. just finished orientation and am awaiting trainer. you are welcome chica. i hope the info helped!