Username:

Message:

<p>[QUOTE=&quot;RoadSideDown, post: 11644694, member: 314577&quot;]DAY 6 - STARTING WEEK2</p><p>Well I didn&#039;t forget <i>everything</i> over the weekend.&nbsp; Finally knocked out all the federal training videos.&nbsp; There is good content but they are very boring.&nbsp; Glad to be done with those 30+ hours.</p><p><br /></p><p>Steps forward:&nbsp; I actually made some of my offset backings, a few were smooth and down the center and a few were ugly bendy things that managed to stay within the cones, and several were jackknife disasters.&nbsp; At least I know I can do this and just have to work on consistency.&nbsp; With some more coaching I was finally able to understand the downshift sequence and it turns out to be pretty easy.&nbsp; We are limited to 6th gear around the yard so pretty limited downshifting but going from 6 to 5, or down to 4 or three went fine.&nbsp; Our driving instruction is excellent.&nbsp; They encourage us to keep advancing in skills but coach us on whatever we have problems with and then give us some time on our own to try it out and practice at our own pace.&nbsp; Also started the in-cab portion of pre-trip practice.&nbsp; I am familiar with most of it from my school bus days but it is still a lot of information to remember and remember well.&nbsp; Again, some great demonstrations and coaching got me straightened out on a couple of things and challenged and some others.</p><p><br /></p><p>Overall the class is moving forward. We have one star student that picks everything up quickly.&nbsp; A young guy who is very enthusiastic, has driving experience and will probably be a fantastic Class-A P&amp;D driver for YRC.&nbsp; A few of us are slightly behind him working on pre-trip, straight and offset backing, shifting and downshifting.&nbsp; I think the plan is for us to get out on the road within the next couple of days when our downshifting is consistent. Star student was first out on the road going around local streets today.&nbsp; Fantastic to see everyone progressing.&nbsp; I think everyone has at least exterior pre-trip, straight backing and now shifting going OK.</p><p><br /></p><p>We had a third instructor helping out today so lots more driving going on.&nbsp; I recall some threads on TruckersReport and other social media of guys complaining of only getting a few hours behind the wheel before their CDL test.&nbsp; YRC trainers have us in the cab now 4-6 hours a day! Every day.&nbsp; If any of us fail on backing or driving test it will NOT be from lack of wheel time.&nbsp; I feel very fortunate to be in a good program like this.&nbsp; All the students are hungry to be Class A drivers.&nbsp; We all get along well and encourage each other. it&#039;s great. The instructors are pressing us ever onward, never to slack off and keep adding skills and knowledge.&nbsp; There is a lot of structure, instruction, and coaching, yet also plenty of time to experiment and practice on your own.&nbsp; Not always under the microscope, but if you want help it is close by.</p><p><br /></p><p>It is hard not to anticipate what testing conditions will be like.&nbsp; We are frequently reminded that we have to master the current skill set before we worry about something in the future.&nbsp; Get your backing or air brake test verbiage down solid or it won&#039;t matter what the road test is like.&nbsp; I sure hope we all pass our CDL tests and can join the Class A ranks pulling freight soon.[/QUOTE]</p><p><br /></p>

Your username or email address:

Do you already have an account?

• No, create an account now.
• Yes, my password is:
• Forgot your password?