An old timer once told me "They day you think you know everything is the day you need to hang up your keys because you're going to kill somebody". That has stuck with me for the 2 years I've been driving.
Took me over a year to get over being nervous. Took me wrecking tp get over the over confidence that came afterwards. Only experience can teach you how to drive. I'm three years into this industry and still learning.
@@keithpeterson5108 Yeh, that's what I was told; that getting your license doesn't mean you're fully learned - far from it. It only means you know enough to handle the equippment without a instructor.
@@keithpeterson5108 totally agree. I've been trucking in LTL about 12 years now and anytime an old timer gives me info I shut up and listen. Even if I may already know, there still might be a small detail that I didnt know. Always a learning curve.
Trucking schools need to have "mock loads" where each student takes a longer trip (50-100 miles) with the instructor and introduced to a mock dock and made to scale the truck and slide the axles. A few mock trips wouldn't make them an expert but it would be a better start than what they're getting now.
After completing cold training, we got 4 or 5 weeks with a 'trainer' doing regular loads. Kind of a joke, we were basically run as teams, my trainer slept from second day on. Seen some truly beautiful places. Doing mostly hazmat now.
Here in Sweden it's required that when you do your driving test the truck have to be loaded to atleast 1/3 of it's legal load weight. The same goes if you want to extend your license so you can haul larger trailer loads(the E-certificate here). In the school I went to we always had a big carriage of sand onboard.
@@grejsancoprative thats the same here but what I mean is have students actually hit the dock. Load the truck. Fill out paperwork. Scale the truck. All of that. Its stuff they don't teach in school right now.
The junior college I attend for my driving licence split us up into small groups of no more than 3 or 4 for an afternoon of driving/5 days a week/4 hours a day. The school was close to an interstate so each student got at least an hour a day, 5 days a week, for more than 2 weeks, " on the road " entering and exiting the interstate, driving into and out of weigh stations, and even 1 or 2 produce inspection station stop(s). I really would have liked experience with at least a partially loaded trailer, and put that on my critique sheet of the school, but I also understand that insurance would have been sky high for the school if they had. I also said it was a pro and at the same time a con of the school that all the trucks were so old. But my experience with all my years of driving tells me you learn more when you start driving on a less than new vehicle...like stopping distance and throttle response.
I was taught on how to drive a manual, but my school didn’t even bother to teach me how to couple the tractor and trailer. My first employer was shocked when I had to ask a question about it
I have always been a believer that truck driving schools don’t teach people how to drive a truck. Truck driving school is to teach people how to pass the CDL license testing.
And in Ontario they barely do that. Failed twice now on things we barely covered in any depth. But I got to watch about 6 hours of videos on workplace harassment and healthy eating for truckers...totally worth the $10k I spent. /s
TDDS up in Lake Milton, Ohio...3 months...they even had dorms. More than 1/2 of their instructors are state DOT testers...and my favorite part, they have a 72% failure rate (when I attended back in 2015) that they are proud of because they are not in the business of rolling out bad Truckers!
How funny is this. Im going here right now. They are teaching me more than I knew with my class B. They are doing everything covered in this video, and then some. Well worth the money. Also, most flatbed companies will train you to tarp and chain, as will other companies in regards to dry van and reefer. Oh, and they are no longer proud of their failure rate like when I took my class b test. Its a different ball game now. They want you to pass, and push you to pass.
I spoke to my friend who got a CDL he told me for 1 test he had to bob-tail 100 kilometers then drive back to the school the route for Box and flatbed trailers with one difference he had 6 or 8 concrete dividers on it which any trucker know that nothing on the trailer is just as good as the weight of the dividers, I did not get a CDL thanks to a power hungry instructor I will not name. but I quit driving the schools trucks, Funny they had the pass rate for that course but nothing saying who was driving a truck and if you asked like I did no one could tell you and avoided the question as much as they could the course was 6 weeks with 6 week refresher course if you wanted it, my school had dorms as well if you liked cold food,,the kitchen staff were of weekends and stocked a fridge and locked the kitchen we could not even use the microwave so a lot of us went home on weekends. 3 months or 6 weeks is a joke. My friend who got a CDL told me he barely got familiar with the truck when he was tossed to the wolves for a road test.
DOT failing 72% of students, and did not believe in rolling out bad truckers but put drivers on the road after 3 months.......thanx man I needed a good laugh.
Absolutely right on, Dave. I went to school in Walnut, CA back in Jan-Feb of 1994 and they showed me the bare bones basics using a 40 foot trailer. Double clutch shifting and all! Low and behold, I get my first job working local LTL in SoCal (LA!) and I’m turned loose to the wolves! I found myself in situations that outright terrified me at times. One of the guys I worked with showed me how to “float” the gears and forget what I learned about shifting in school. He was right! I also learned about sliding tandems (bogeys?) etc. from him as well. 26 years later, I still learn new things every now and then. The learning never stops. I will say this, learning to drive in LA definitely prepared me for big city driving.
I enjoyed your video. I've have had my CDL since '65 and really am amazed how things have changed. I agree with you wholeheartedly that these "wheel holders" have not learned what it is needed to be a real chauffeur that they need to be!
Just got my CDL this week. I was taught what was required to pass the test. Not much more. You were 100% right we didn't cover any of those topics. Got hired on as basically a yard jockey but I get to do some local deliveries for some road experience. Wish I would have gotten more training backing up to a dock. It can be like threading a needle on some days.
Thank you for reminding drivers that they can say "no". As a state cdl examiner, i am often surprised by drivers who tell me they aren't allowed to do this or that. They are responsible for their cdl, their truck, their load and the safety of the public.
__ Thank you SO much for watching today's upload. What do YOU think? Did CDL school prepare you adequately to head out on the highway with the utmost confidence? If not, what about your training was lacking? Love to hear from you. You are a wealth of information and it's great to share that info with other drivers. ;)
I learned a lot from the cdl school I went through. The training from my 1st company job....hell no. The trainer was not comfortable backing so we didn't. He was so busy making hand signs apologizing for having a female trainee that didn't even know how to set up for fuel in a tight truck stop. Luckily I met a driver who agreed to mentor. I drove him crazy in my 1st two weeks out. Been driving 3 1/2years now thanks to my mentor and so many drivers helping me back I am accident free citation free.
Great video today Dave. I love all of your content. I find some to be educational (even for the 20 plus years experience I have) and I find some to be entertaining. I love your stories BTW. I was fortunate to have grown up around a dad and a lot of his friends in the trucking industry. between all of them, I had an ample education on how to accomplish my own goals within the trucking industry. I no longer drive OTR/cross country. I have my nice little job at a quiet little warehouse here in SC, and I get to sleep in my own bed at least 3 to 5 nights a week. I am not sure what these "driving schools" teach these "drivers" today but for most I can tell it is not nearly enough. I watch these new drivers come in all the time hat do not know how to back properly (especially with these larger trucks they are driving, don't know how to properly secure their freight, don't know a lot of things. It is sad in some ways and funny in others. Anyhow keep up the great work Dave. You truly do a service to the entire industry with your content and videos and lessons to be taught.
I knew going into my school that it was really only there to get me a cdl, but what I wasn’t expecting was for the company I got on with was to be on the road by myself with no mentor which was a bit scary for the first couple weeks. Now I’m two months in and have a couple mentor phone numbers but still at times learning at the seat of my pants
You are correct in your assessment of the level of training CDL schools give. That's why many trucking companies require two years experience before they hire. New drivers should have a mentor/trainer at least until they have four seasons of experience. You can't teach winter driving in summer and you can't teach dealing with summer heat in winter.
Yea after graduating truck school a few months ago It was the road test that made me realize that I have alot to learn. It makes me miss my father even more now that I don't have him as a mentor anymore like I did in the past.
Amarillo college truck driving school was good to me. It’s 5 weeks long and they do teach shifting. Some guys wanna get into truck driving cause they think it’s easy money they have no pasión for the industry. I loved trucks ever since I was a little kid even tho nobody in my family was in the industry prior to me. So when I was in school I paid close attention to everything and felt prepared at the end of my 5 weeks. It was always my dream to drive a big truck so I was never nervous.
This gentleman’s blurb about the sponsor GP Transco along with the b-roll was insanely persuasive! I want to work there and I don’t even have my CDL. :)
Learning Defensive Driving was the most important training I ever received. How to scan your mirrors, increasing your following distance, speed control, and the list goes on and on. I have been using the Smith System for several years and it’s not just for your safety but the safety of other motorists who are on the highway.
My CDL course was 2 weeks long back in 2001... my wife went to the local community college in 2003. Her schooling was 6 months long... when she finally joined me in the truck, she knew more then I did and could back better then I could. Her schooling was more in-depth and intense. What was crazy is, my class cost me $6k... here cost $600..
This is probably your best and most informative video I have seen. I have been out of trucking for many years however I was driving for about 30-35 years off and on. I had been offered instructor positions at a number of driving schools over the years and I have always said "Driving schools teach you how to move the truck not actually drive it"
When I finished truck school they said we could visit anytime with our trucks so that we can impress the next set of students. They did not appreciate we told the students of the real issues of being a truck driver and all the problems. Evidently they know what they are and don’t want to lose the business of having students.The truth is most CDL truck schools are a joke to begin with. They don’t teach you anything including logbooks add proper etiquette. They are in business for one thing and that is to pass you to get a license. They could care less if you get killed or go out and kill somebody.
Me being a lead instructor at a truck school I can honestly say 3 weeks isn't enough to teach you everything you need to know. We go over as much as possible but the states have requirements that we have to teach. All of our trucks are manuals though. It's just not enough time.
Being a former instructor of 13 years @ 3 different certified schools n the Houston Tx area, those areas in which you covered, I spent most of the time covering those areas. I was disciplined for that because I was advised the potential employer would cover those areas. Thx for sharing this video. Approaching 41 years verifiable Oct. 2020...
Wish i had these valuable informations n lessons available back in 98/99. Had such a rough time, made bunch of mistakes and even minor damages here there, till i was comfortable with driving my rig. Hell even trainers@werner ent(straight outta school)treated newbies like a co driver and not as trainee. Mr. Dave, You've been doing an impressive job of handing down safety informations to next generation truck drivers as well as to seasoned drivers to adapt better ways of doing things. Way to go!
the school i went to got you on with a mega carrier. those mega carriers then team you up with a trainer for 6 weeks. that's the big help. after getting some time, 6 months or a year. then you can go on to a better job.
Oh fudge no. Everything I've learned, I've learned in my first job, other truckers, youtube, training videos, and those spiral bound dot reference books you get in the clearance bins at truck stops.
OMG I do always remember my first 3 months on the road...The worst feeling ever, but one needs to have B@lls to overcome those new situations that every truck driver has to learn...Thanks to such channel that let me keep learning! !
I can say I was lucky. I just got my CDL in March through my company and all of my training was on the road pulling wide loads. Learned real quick how to properly handle the truck in traffic when one side is hanging over 3 or 4 feet. Also learned how to back into challenging jobsites blind
I was terrified my first day and week and even month solo. All out of CDL school and after being with a trainer for 2 months. I'll never forget my first load.
I'm currently In a CDL school, I'm only in my third week of class so we've just got into the trucks, they haven't done much except for getting us behind the wheel, thank goodness they're teaching us in a manual.
Was fortunate that I had a good trainer out on the road but it takes experience over time to feel comfortable driving by yourself and I was not afraid to ask for help when I had a problem cause you never learn if you don’t ask !!!
I agree this is the best if not one of the best trucking channels out there. Thanks Dave for your wonderful insight. I got my license from a tech school 5 weeks long and ACED my parallel park on my test, no pull ups and dead center of the box. I’m proud of myself for that. Husband is my team driver. He has 27 yrs experience. School does have a tendency to just skim over what is important but they had manual transmission trucks so I know how and have no limit on my license, which is a plus in case of breakdown and the replacement truck is manual.
Went to school Sept/Oct 19. Started to drive for a company hauling doubles (it’s where hubby works now we both do) just before thanksgiving. Went to SLC Utah third week in and yeah there was snow and road closure on 80, it was scary but I didn’t crash or lose control. Maybe it’s bc I am late 50’s and cautious and don’t want to lose my newly earned license or my life for that matter. We love the videos and you really know your stuff, again thanks.
Tdi in south bend trained me on most of this! But thanks for tips. Just got out of school! Those instructors are amazing and actually care about students! They know there stuff.
4 года назад+1
I attended CDI/TDI in Oxford Alabama in 1998. I was 27, and my dad was my mentor with at the time, 30 years experience. Straight outta school i was hired by a Carrier in Okahumpka Fla. Lol, my very first diapatch as a solo driver was a 3 stop load of oranges from florida.....To Long Island NY, Queens then The Bronx. I WAS TERRIFIED!!! Sweating bullets the entire time and I'm still being treated for the ulcer all the anxiety caused 😲. That was the first and LAST time this driver visited NY.. I took it upon myself afterward to inform dispatch not to bother asking me to go anywhere near that place again. All the dispatchers had a good laugh on that one. 22 years this November and I still remember every single detail if that trip. Stay safe drivers..
One VERY important thing that I have learned when blindsiding, which you will have to do sometimes, is to use the right rear window in the sleeper. Helps out so much.
I love your humbleness and care for the industry. I agree that when left school I was not ready at all ! . 3 years later im still learning more not from school but life of been a trucker.
I guess I was lucky with the school I went to, we learned a lot of this stuff while still in school. Their two biggest goals were to train safe drivers and drivers who were ready to go to work and not just able to pass the test.
I can attest to the chaining. I was in NTTS and asked about learning how to put chains on. I was told NY doesnt allow chains. I told them that as drivers they are going to go to places that do and nothing came of it
Back when I went to trucking school they didn't have automatic transmission trucks on the road yet. They taught us 10 &13 speed trucks. They didn't teach us how to slide the trailer tandems. Alot of what you said is very true. I was in school for 10 week ends. Thanks for the video. Stay safe.
I ran team with a guy who had 20 years of experience. That helped me out a lot. Now if I get in a bind I call my dad who has 40 years of experience I send him a video of the problem like if it is a hard tight dock. He tells me how he would get into it and it works great. He wanted to teach me but heath problems he can’t drive for now.
@Smart Trucking I thank God for going to NTTS HERE IN BUFFALO N.Y. they taught us every thing we needed to learn except the chains but these instructors taught us safety first tug checks when to use the Jake brake tug checks pretrip what to do in certain weather conditions taught us we are the BOSS OF THAT TRUCK they taught us all the maneuvers we need to learn
I'm considering trying trucking. I've watched a few of your videos, you definitely got a lot to say. You're not detracting me , kinda the opposite. I may try soon. 👊 thanks sir
I recall learning logbooks and backing, right turn, map reading, just nothing about how to secure loads, scaling my rig and move the trailer tandems. I admit I struggled when I was at Werner enterprises, but I improved greatly when I was at LCT transportation. I learned plenty from experienced drivers and it paid off. Trucking schools needs to teach students more to get them the proper training and confidence they need to be sucessfull
The course I went through was 4 weeks 2 classroom , 2 week in truck , they had us on 10 speed manuals and basically just gave us the basics to pass as you said. I feel alot more could have been explained
I went to a truck driving school and the class was 7 weeks. They taught us how to slide the 5th wheel, trailer axles, back up, weights and measures as well as other important tasks
My trainer slept for 5 weeks dont know how i passed but i did !! Now after 10 years on the road i think back and wow i guess alot was. Because of alittle common sence and a hope and a prayer !!!! Lol
I never went to driving school. Was hired on as a trainee. But even I don’t know how to throw chains. If I REALLY had to do it then I know people who can walk me through it. But company policy is if chains are required, put it to bed and go again in the morning.
Went to Schnider training in Charlotte NC , May 2001. 3rd trip fresh out of school they sent me to NYC! I told them I didn’t have enough experience to be going up there. They told me this is where I get my experience. This was a very bad decision, because I wiped out 3 cars with my trailer by not swinging wide enough then a fire hydrant before I was able to stop.
I went to WCTC in Pewaukee, Wi. They offer a CDL-A class that is ten weeks and Monday through Friday. They have an actual textbook you go through for the first three weeks. We had tests almost every other day. They have shifting simulators you can practice shifting on that has upshifting and downshifting levels that you have to pass before you get onto the driving range. All of the teachers have at least ten years of experience behind the wheel. Hell all we did for two weeks were backing maneuvers all day. I passed my CDL pre-trip and road test the first time and already taken all the tests to get all of the endorsements. I even had a job before I finished the program. I didn’t learn everything there is to know about trucking but as we all know there are some things that you just can’t learn in a classroom. But after taking that course I felt very confident getting behind the wheel of a big rig. Best of all I only paid $3,000 for the whole thing. Highly recommend that course.
I went through a pretty good training school that was actually a part of the trucking company. Even so, it was a hell of a learning curve once I was out on my own. And I grew up around trucks.
If it was not for the old school guys I would not be successful for the past 13 years and I still learn something new everyday it's guys like you that keep us Young guys be safe thank you very much and God bless you for the help
I would think/hope that most companies that hire new drivers would have at least 4 weeks with a trainer. I don’t recommend any first company that wouldn’t give at least that. My first job was in food service and I was given 4 weeks. A lot of food service is overnight delivering and that really helped me. Open roads and empty parking lots were my best friends. I fully recommend starting off in overnight driving. Knowing the leading causes of accidents and how to prevent them is important: backing without g.o.a.l. Lane changes, and trailer tracking Take ALL the time that YOU need, get lots of rest and don’t ever lose your sense of priority operating safely! You’re the Captain of The Ship!
I'm so thankful I went to an excellent driving school. 8 1/2 weeks of driving courses, plus 1 year of mechanical section of entry level diesel mechanics. Quality instructors, older equipment to learn on, and small class size. Lots of one on one learning. Now with that said, I STILL wasn't ready!!! There is so much more to driving that nobody even considers. Thank you for making these videos. Because there is always something new to learn.
I've done many loads. Never went to truck driving school and can shift easily. As well as manage the Jake and double flatbed with hay. I did have good help and have worked hard to be able to do this.
Thanks for all the great advice. I'm just about to finish my CDL school, and head out to find work. So I will definitely be checking in with you guys...
I took a 18 week corse and learned a whole lot from my trainer. I’m still learning more everyday. Biggest thing is be patient with all the bs you deal with as a new driver.
I am starting my CDL training at a local community College soon. I will push to get this training. If I am going to class for 250hr. I want that time to be productive.
I was lucky enough to go to a really good trucking school. Overall it took me 8 months to get my trucking license and yet i was still unprepared for the challenges.
Right. 25yrs ago. The number of drivers that knew what a clutch brake is , I could count on 1 hand. A few of them didn’t understand how it actually works! Now with auto shift, the term clutch break will never be heard!
This good information I'm about to start truck driving school. The good news for me is I have worked on docks and loaded and unloaded trucks from refrigerators to flat beds. I all so worked a truck part retailer. I have a best friend who been driving for twenty years.
I went through school to become a driver at Reid State Technical in Evergreen, Al in '91. It was a 8 or 12 week course and then i trained with a local driver hauling sheetrock for two weeks. Finally met my O.T.R. trainer (T.C.Clark) i'll never forget him and how easy it was to piss him off! I use to piss him off often in the hopes to putting change in my own pocket, it actually worked! The skid marks you see on the highway may have been where he said enough is enough!!!
I see it as a cdl school being just like any other training or education program. They give you the minimum requisite knowledge to become the thing you are learning to become. Locally, I had a very good school there was actually a program at a community college and lasted for nearly 3 months, headed up by a retired lifetime driver and a semi retired lifetime driver.Afterward, I had an excellent trainer who I still talk to regularly if I have any questions or if I am just bored and want to see how hes doing. On top of that, my grandfather is also a retired lifetime driver. I'm in a pretty good spot. Despite the fact that I've been driving for years, I still have a very quick and easy way to get help when I need it.
I totally agree, it also falls back on these companies. To put their new drivers through the proper training, whichever division the driver chooses. Some companies do have pretty training for drivers new to their company.
The school I instructed at was backing intensive. The graduating students were given unofficial instruction on real world experience. We tried to give them a solid footing when they graduated...
I took the mandatory class 1 'MELT' program in Alberta. This is a 120 hour training program which was the result of the Humbolt Boronco incident. You are right, out of the 120 hour class here is still not what is covered: 1) Tire chaining 2) Various load securement 3) 5th wheel sliding 4) Paperwork (shipping docs etc) 5) Scaling and axle weight calculations 6) Skid and jackknifing control. However; it is mandatory in Alberta we perform 4 different backing maneuvers during the test. Right blind and drive side, parallel park (difficult) and straight back. I have copies of all the documentation and testing materials if you are interested. The test is now 2.5 hours long so we are finally screening somewhat properly.
I was very pleased with my school... of course I knew I don’t know everything.... I do agree about the chains and more use of the jake... thanks for the info always enjoy the lessons!!!
As a Now a Trainer I talk about this stuff in everyday applications. I take my job very seriously and let my Students know much more than the basic knowledge that the course is laid out to be. I have 33 years over the road and this is my way of paying it back.
I went to a great school jersey tractor trailer training when I was 19 fall 2011. Best school in the state but not only do they teach how to pass the test they pass the basics. But driving is way deeper you need to know life paper work safety strap and chain down. We can prevent tragedies
Some of these companies don't teach you how to become a truck driver they just teach you how to drive a trucks. I'd also like to thank Swift their training.
The sad part is that some trainers don't tell you everything, either. My trainer didn't give me any opportunity to learn backing into docks or parking spaces, I eventually learned on my own or with help from my teammate. I've been out of the business for a while but looking to get back in it again, maybe this time around it'll get better. I've learned a lot about the business during this time, so I think I'll be better prepared. Good luck to everyone who's starting cdl school and be safe.
I took a course at a local junior college to get my CDL, and it wasn't 2 or 3 weeks. When I took my driving test I had already driven several HUNDRED MILES on interstate highways, including some night time driving....as well as nearly 75 miles on city streets. My biggest fear as a new driver? Having some impatient driver trying to pass and then turn on my right side as I CLEARLY was also trying to make a right hand turn. That, and my first time trying to safely and smoothly stop the truck with a full load in the trailer.
It's called on the job training! Are med school graduates ready to perform surgery right out of school? That's what residency is for. Sounds like everyone wants everything handed to them. A school is to get the CDL, which then officially allows the learning to begin.
Three decades of driving and I treat everyday as a learning experience.
An old timer once told me "They day you think you know everything is the day you need to hang up your keys because you're going to kill somebody". That has stuck with me for the 2 years I've been driving.
Are you happy you're driving a truck? Where did you start
That’s what my dad taught me,,, when I was a kid riding with him👍 thanks dad!!!
Took me over a year to get over being nervous. Took me wrecking tp get over the over confidence that came afterwards.
Only experience can teach you how to drive. I'm three years into this industry and still learning.
22 years behind the wheel and still learning. As soon as you think you know what you're doing things change.
@@keithpeterson5108 Yeh, that's what I was told; that getting your license doesn't mean you're fully learned - far from it. It only means you know enough to handle the equippment without a instructor.
Thats good. Im 21 years in and still learning.
@@keithpeterson5108 totally agree. I've been trucking in LTL about 12 years now and anytime an old timer gives me info I shut up and listen. Even if I may already know, there still might be a small detail that I didnt know. Always a learning curve.
@Team Dada I do it in the midwest. Cant imagine delivering in ny. I give you props. Stay safe.
Some don't teach Tug Test either, One of the most important things to learn.
cannot agree more. i dropped two empties once at a shipper. scary af
Trucking schools need to have "mock loads" where each student takes a longer trip (50-100 miles) with the instructor and introduced to a mock dock and made to scale the truck and slide the axles. A few mock trips wouldn't make them an expert but it would be a better start than what they're getting now.
After completing cold training, we got 4 or 5 weeks with a 'trainer' doing regular loads. Kind of a joke, we were basically run as teams, my trainer slept from second day on. Seen some truly beautiful places. Doing mostly hazmat now.
Here in Sweden it's required that when you do your driving test the truck have to be loaded to atleast 1/3 of it's legal load weight. The same goes if you want to extend your license so you can haul larger trailer loads(the E-certificate here). In the school I went to we always had a big carriage of sand onboard.
@@grejsancoprative thats the same here but what I mean is have students actually hit the dock. Load the truck. Fill out paperwork. Scale the truck. All of that. Its stuff they don't teach in school right now.
Some schools do that. They have partnerships with certain shippers who get reduced rates for non-essential loads.
The junior college I attend for my driving licence split us up into small groups of no more than 3 or 4 for an afternoon of driving/5 days a week/4 hours a day. The school was close to an interstate so each student got at least an hour a day, 5 days a week, for more than 2 weeks, " on the road " entering and exiting the interstate, driving into and out of weigh stations, and even 1 or 2 produce inspection station stop(s).
I really would have liked experience with at least a partially loaded trailer, and put that on my critique sheet of the school, but I also understand that insurance would have been sky high for the school if they had.
I also said it was a pro and at the same time a con of the school that all the trucks were so old. But my experience with all my years of driving tells me you learn more when you start driving on a less than new vehicle...like stopping distance and throttle response.
I was taught on how to drive a manual, but my school didn’t even bother to teach me how to couple the tractor and trailer. My first employer was shocked when I had to ask a question about it
I have always been a believer that truck driving schools don’t teach people how to drive a truck. Truck driving school is to teach people how to pass the CDL license testing.
And in Ontario they barely do that. Failed twice now on things we barely covered in any depth. But I got to watch about 6 hours of videos on workplace harassment and healthy eating for truckers...totally worth the $10k I spent. /s
TDDS up in Lake Milton, Ohio...3 months...they even had dorms. More than 1/2 of their instructors are state DOT testers...and my favorite part, they have a 72% failure rate (when I attended back in 2015) that they are proud of because they are not in the business of rolling out bad Truckers!
How funny is this. Im going here right now. They are teaching me more than I knew with my class B. They are doing everything covered in this video, and then some. Well worth the money. Also, most flatbed companies will train you to tarp and chain, as will other companies in regards to dry van and reefer.
Oh, and they are no longer proud of their failure rate like when I took my class b test. Its a different ball game now. They want you to pass, and push you to pass.
I spoke to my friend who got a CDL he told me for 1 test he had to bob-tail 100 kilometers then drive back to the school the route for Box and flatbed trailers with one difference he had 6 or 8 concrete dividers on it which any trucker know that nothing on the trailer is just as good as the weight of the dividers, I did not get a CDL thanks to a power hungry instructor I will not name. but I quit driving the schools trucks, Funny they had the pass rate for that course but nothing saying who was driving a truck and if you asked like I did no one could tell you and avoided the question as much as they could the course was 6 weeks with 6 week refresher course if you wanted it, my school had dorms as well if you liked cold food,,the kitchen staff were of weekends and stocked a fridge and locked the kitchen we could not even use the microwave so a lot of us went home on weekends. 3 months or 6 weeks is a joke. My friend who got a CDL told me he barely got familiar with the truck when he was tossed to the wolves for a road test.
DOT failing 72% of students, and did not believe in rolling out bad truckers but put drivers on the road after 3 months.......thanx man I needed a good laugh.
They're closed down now.
Good stuff..Ask the old guys.
Could write a book here.
Only if they’re humble enough. Too many old guys would much rather watch a new guy mess up & laugh rather than help.
Absolutely right on, Dave. I went to school in Walnut, CA back in Jan-Feb of 1994 and they showed me the bare bones basics using a 40 foot trailer. Double clutch shifting and all! Low and behold, I get my first job working local LTL in SoCal (LA!) and I’m turned loose to the wolves! I found myself in situations that outright terrified me at times. One of the guys I worked with showed me how to “float” the gears and forget what I learned about shifting in school. He was right! I also learned about sliding tandems (bogeys?) etc. from him as well. 26 years later, I still learn new things every now and then. The learning never stops. I will say this, learning to drive in LA definitely prepared me for big city driving.
All of these tips are spot on.
I enjoyed your video. I've have had my CDL since '65 and really am amazed how things have changed. I agree with you wholeheartedly that these "wheel holders" have not learned what it is needed to be a real chauffeur that they need to be!
I wish school would teacher more on blind side back that what I had so hard with when I got out of school in 2014... thanks for all you do.
My textbook says one word on that, AVOID. and yes I have a textbook from the driving school.
Safe driving.
I hate it like no other... and go out of my way to avoid it. I keep trying though...
The best way that worked for me was the old dogs.. A mentor can teach more than any school.
School I went to was decent, but thanks to this channel and my neighbor who's been trucking for 30+ years I learned a lot more.
Best trucking channel period!
Its a toss up between smart truckin n truckin answers. .
Just got my CDL this week. I was taught what was required to pass the test. Not much more. You were 100% right we didn't cover any of those topics. Got hired on as basically a yard jockey but I get to do some local deliveries for some road experience. Wish I would have gotten more training backing up to a dock. It can be like threading a needle on some days.
Thank you for reminding drivers that they can say "no". As a state cdl examiner, i am often surprised by drivers who tell me they aren't allowed to do this or that. They are responsible for their cdl, their truck, their load and the safety of the public.
__ Thank you SO much for watching today's upload. What do YOU think? Did CDL school prepare you adequately to head out on the highway with the utmost confidence? If not, what about your training was lacking? Love to hear from you. You are a wealth of information and it's great to share that info with other drivers. ;)
Not really I had six weeks
I learned a lot from the cdl school I went through. The training from my 1st company job....hell no. The trainer was not comfortable backing so we didn't. He was so busy making hand signs apologizing for having a female trainee that didn't even know how to set up for fuel in a tight truck stop. Luckily I met a driver who agreed to mentor. I drove him crazy in my 1st two weeks out. Been driving 3 1/2years now thanks to my mentor and so many drivers helping me back I am accident free citation free.
Great video today Dave. I love all of your content. I find some to be educational (even for the 20 plus years experience I have) and I find some to be entertaining. I love your stories BTW. I was fortunate to have grown up around a dad and a lot of his friends in the trucking industry. between all of them, I had an ample education on how to accomplish my own goals within the trucking industry. I no longer drive OTR/cross country. I have my nice little job at a quiet little warehouse here in SC, and I get to sleep in my own bed at least 3 to 5 nights a week. I am not sure what these "driving schools" teach these "drivers" today but for most I can tell it is not nearly enough. I watch these new drivers come in all the time hat do not know how to back properly (especially with these larger trucks they are driving, don't know how to properly secure their freight, don't know a lot of things. It is sad in some ways and funny in others. Anyhow keep up the great work Dave. You truly do a service to the entire industry with your content and videos and lessons to be taught.
I knew going into my school that it was really only there to get me a cdl, but what I wasn’t expecting was for the company I got on with was to be on the road by myself with no mentor which was a bit scary for the first couple weeks. Now I’m two months in and have a couple mentor phone numbers but still at times learning at the seat of my pants
You are correct in your assessment of the level of training CDL schools give. That's why many trucking companies require two years experience before they hire. New drivers should have a mentor/trainer at least until they have four seasons of experience. You can't teach winter driving in summer and you can't teach dealing with summer heat in winter.
Yea after graduating truck school a few months ago It was the road test that made me realize that I have alot to learn. It makes me miss my father even more now that I don't have him as a mentor anymore like I did in the past.
Amarillo college truck driving school was good to me. It’s 5 weeks long and they do teach shifting. Some guys wanna get into truck driving cause they think it’s easy money they have no pasión for the industry. I loved trucks ever since I was a little kid even tho nobody in my family was in the industry prior to me. So when I was in school I paid close attention to everything and felt prepared at the end of my 5 weeks. It was always my dream to drive a big truck so I was never nervous.
This gentleman’s blurb about the sponsor GP Transco along with the b-roll was insanely persuasive! I want to work there and I don’t even have my CDL. :)
Learning Defensive Driving was the most important training I ever received. How to scan your mirrors, increasing your following distance, speed control, and the list goes on and on. I have been using the Smith System for several years and it’s not just for your safety but the safety of other motorists who are on the highway.
My CDL course was 2 weeks long back in 2001... my wife went to the local community college in 2003. Her schooling was 6 months long... when she finally joined me in the truck, she knew more then I did and could back better then I could. Her schooling was more in-depth and intense. What was crazy is, my class cost me $6k... here cost $600..
This is probably your best and most informative video I have seen. I have been out of trucking for many years however I was driving for about 30-35 years off and on. I had been offered instructor positions at a number of driving schools over the years and I have always said "Driving schools teach you how to move the truck not actually drive it"
When I finished truck school they said we could visit anytime with our trucks so that we can impress the next set of students. They did not appreciate we told the students of the real issues of being a truck driver and all the problems. Evidently they know what they are and don’t want to lose the business of having students.The truth is most CDL truck schools are a joke to begin with. They don’t teach you anything including logbooks add proper etiquette. They are in business for one thing and that is to pass you to get a license. They could care less if you get killed or go out and kill somebody.
Me being a lead instructor at a truck school I can honestly say 3 weeks isn't enough to teach you everything you need to know. We go over as much as possible but the states have requirements that we have to teach. All of our trucks are manuals though. It's just not enough time.
Being a former instructor of 13 years @ 3 different certified schools n the Houston Tx area, those areas in which you covered, I spent most of the time covering those areas. I was disciplined for that because I was advised the potential employer would cover those areas. Thx for sharing this video. Approaching 41 years verifiable Oct. 2020...
Wish i had these valuable informations n lessons available back in 98/99. Had such a rough time, made bunch of mistakes and even minor damages here there, till i was comfortable with driving my rig. Hell even trainers@werner ent(straight outta school)treated newbies like a co driver and not as trainee. Mr. Dave, You've been doing an impressive job of handing down safety informations to next generation truck drivers as well as to seasoned drivers to adapt better ways of doing things. Way to go!
the school i went to got you on with a mega carrier. those mega carriers then team you up with a trainer for 6 weeks. that's the big help. after getting some time, 6 months or a year. then you can go on to a better job.
Oh fudge no. Everything I've learned, I've learned in my first job, other truckers, youtube, training videos, and those spiral bound dot reference books you get in the clearance bins at truck stops.
OMG I do always remember my first 3 months on the road...The worst feeling ever, but one needs to have B@lls to overcome those new situations that every truck driver has to learn...Thanks to such channel that let me keep learning! !
I can say I was lucky. I just got my CDL in March through my company and all of my training was on the road pulling wide loads. Learned real quick how to properly handle the truck in traffic when one side is hanging over 3 or 4 feet. Also learned how to back into challenging jobsites blind
I feel like I've watched a few of his videos before i got my CDL-A. Its been 2 years now. Thanks whoever you are my guy if anything.
I don’t even drive a truck, but still watched the whole video. Good stuff.
I was terrified my first day and week and even month solo. All out of CDL school and after being with a trainer for 2 months. I'll never forget my first load.
I'm currently In a CDL school, I'm only in my third week of class so we've just got into the trucks, they haven't done much except for getting us behind the wheel, thank goodness they're teaching us in a manual.
Was fortunate that I had a good trainer out on the road but it takes experience over time to feel comfortable driving by yourself and I was not afraid to ask for help when I had a problem cause you never learn if you don’t ask !!!
I agree this is the best if not one of the best trucking channels out there. Thanks Dave for your wonderful insight. I got my license from a tech school 5 weeks long and ACED my parallel park on my test, no pull ups and dead center of the box. I’m proud of myself for that. Husband is my team driver. He has 27 yrs experience. School does have a tendency to just skim over what is important but they had manual transmission trucks so I know how and have no limit on my license, which is a plus in case of breakdown and the replacement truck is manual.
Went to school Sept/Oct 19. Started to drive for a company hauling doubles (it’s where hubby works now we both do) just before thanksgiving. Went to SLC Utah third week in and yeah there was snow and road closure on 80, it was scary but I didn’t crash or lose control. Maybe it’s bc I am late 50’s and cautious and don’t want to lose my newly earned license or my life for that matter. We love the videos and you really know your stuff, again thanks.
Tdi in south bend trained me on most of this! But thanks for tips. Just got out of school! Those instructors are amazing and actually care about students! They know there stuff.
I attended CDI/TDI in Oxford Alabama in 1998. I was 27, and my dad was my mentor with at the time, 30 years experience. Straight outta school i was hired by a Carrier in Okahumpka Fla. Lol, my very first diapatch as a solo driver was a 3 stop load of oranges from florida.....To Long Island NY, Queens then The Bronx.
I WAS TERRIFIED!!! Sweating bullets the entire time and I'm still being treated for the ulcer all the anxiety caused 😲.
That was the first and LAST time this driver visited NY.. I took it upon myself afterward to inform dispatch not to bother asking me to go anywhere near that place again. All the dispatchers had a good laugh on that one. 22 years this November and I still remember every single detail if that trip.
Stay safe drivers..
One VERY important thing that I have learned when blindsiding, which you will have to do sometimes, is to use the right rear window in the sleeper. Helps out so much.
I love your humbleness and care for the industry. I agree that when left school I was not ready at all ! .
3 years later im still learning more not from school but life of been a trucker.
Watching a bunch of your videos trying to convince myself to finally get into OTR. All excellent advice, much appreciated sir.
I guess I was lucky with the school I went to, we learned a lot of this stuff while still in school. Their two biggest goals were to train safe drivers and drivers who were ready to go to work and not just able to pass the test.
I can attest to the chaining. I was in NTTS and asked about learning how to put chains on. I was told NY doesnt allow chains. I told them that as drivers they are going to go to places that do and nothing came of it
Back when I went to trucking school they didn't have automatic transmission trucks on the road yet. They taught us 10 &13 speed trucks. They didn't teach us how to slide the trailer tandems. Alot of what you said is very true. I was in school for 10 week ends. Thanks for the video. Stay safe.
My cdl school was 18 weeks, accredited, and very intensive. I still didn't feel prepared. Four years later, things are starting to come together.
I start my trucking class in the middle of October! I'm so excited and I can't wait to learn all and everything I can.
This video is going to be important for me to become a trucker
Ive been driving for 15 yrs...i really like this guy...nice!!!
I ran team with a guy who had 20 years of experience. That helped me out a lot. Now if I get in a bind I call my dad who has 40 years of experience I send him a video of the problem like if it is a hard tight dock. He tells me how he would get into it and it works great. He wanted to teach me but heath problems he can’t drive for now.
@Smart Trucking I thank God for going to NTTS HERE IN BUFFALO N.Y. they taught us every thing we needed to learn except the chains but these instructors taught us safety first tug checks when to use the Jake brake tug checks pretrip what to do in certain weather conditions taught us we are the BOSS OF THAT TRUCK they taught us all the maneuvers we need to learn
I'm considering trying trucking. I've watched a few of your videos, you definitely got a lot to say. You're not detracting me , kinda the opposite. I may try soon. 👊 thanks sir
I recall learning logbooks and backing, right turn, map reading, just nothing about how to secure loads, scaling my rig and move the trailer tandems. I admit I struggled when I was at Werner enterprises, but I improved greatly when I was at LCT transportation. I learned plenty from experienced drivers and it paid off. Trucking schools needs to teach students more to get them the proper training and confidence they need to be sucessfull
The course I went through was 4 weeks 2 classroom , 2 week in truck , they had us on 10 speed manuals and basically just gave us the basics to pass as you said. I feel alot more could have been explained
I went to a truck driving school and the class was 7 weeks. They taught us how to slide the 5th wheel, trailer axles, back up, weights and measures as well as other important tasks
They don’t even teach about logbooks and hours of service regulations
My trainer slept for 5 weeks dont know how i passed but i did !! Now after 10 years on the road i think back and wow i guess alot was. Because of alittle common sence and a hope and a prayer !!!! Lol
Thank you sir I just got my permit will be starting school soon I'm glad I found you
I never went to driving school. Was hired on as a trainee. But even I don’t know how to throw chains. If I REALLY had to do it then I know people who can walk me through it. But company policy is if chains are required, put it to bed and go again in the morning.
The true definition of knowing just enough to be dangerous.
Went to Schnider training in Charlotte NC , May 2001. 3rd trip fresh out of school they sent me to NYC! I told them I didn’t have enough experience to be going up there. They told me this is where I get my experience. This was a very bad decision, because I wiped out 3 cars with my trailer by not swinging wide enough then a fire hydrant before I was able to stop.
I went to WCTC in Pewaukee, Wi. They offer a CDL-A class that is ten weeks and Monday through Friday. They have an actual textbook you go through for the first three weeks. We had tests almost every other day. They have shifting simulators you can practice shifting on that has upshifting and downshifting levels that you have to pass before you get onto the driving range. All of the teachers have at least ten years of experience behind the wheel. Hell all we did for two weeks were backing maneuvers all day. I passed my CDL pre-trip and road test the first time and already taken all the tests to get all of the endorsements. I even had a job before I finished the program. I didn’t learn everything there is to know about trucking but as we all know there are some things that you just can’t learn in a classroom. But after taking that course I felt very confident getting behind the wheel of a big rig. Best of all I only paid $3,000 for the whole thing. Highly recommend that course.
I went through a pretty good training school that was actually a part of the trucking company. Even so, it was a hell of a learning curve once I was out on my own. And I grew up around trucks.
If it was not for the old school guys I would not be successful for the past 13 years and I still learn something new everyday it's guys like you that keep us Young guys be safe thank you very much and God bless you for the help
I would think/hope that most companies that hire new drivers would have at least 4 weeks with a trainer. I don’t recommend any first company that wouldn’t give at least that. My first job was in food service and I was given 4 weeks. A lot of food service is overnight delivering and that really helped me. Open roads and empty parking lots were my best friends. I fully recommend starting off in overnight driving. Knowing the leading causes of accidents and how to prevent them is important: backing without g.o.a.l. Lane changes, and trailer tracking Take ALL the time that YOU need, get lots of rest and don’t ever lose your sense of priority operating safely! You’re the Captain of The Ship!
I'm so thankful I went to an excellent driving school. 8 1/2 weeks of driving courses, plus 1 year of mechanical section of entry level diesel mechanics. Quality instructors, older equipment to learn on, and small class size. Lots of one on one learning. Now with that said, I STILL wasn't ready!!! There is so much more to driving that nobody even considers. Thank you for making these videos. Because there is always something new to learn.
Kaylea, you are so right! Thanks for watching!
I've done many loads. Never went to truck driving school and can shift easily. As well as manage the Jake and double flatbed with hay. I did have good help and have worked hard to be able to do this.
Thanks for all the great advice. I'm just about to finish my CDL school, and head out to find work. So I will definitely be checking in with you guys...
I took a 18 week corse and learned a whole lot from my trainer. I’m still learning more everyday. Biggest thing is be patient with all the bs you deal with as a new driver.
4 months sounds like a really long time to get your CDL.
I am starting my CDL training at a local community College soon. I will push to get this training. If I am going to class for 250hr. I want that time to be productive.
250hrs! holy man. where are you taking the course?
I was lucky enough to go to a really good trucking school. Overall it took me 8 months to get my trucking license and yet i was still unprepared for the challenges.
Right. 25yrs ago. The number of drivers that knew what a clutch brake is , I could count on 1 hand. A few of them didn’t understand how it actually works! Now with auto shift, the term clutch break will never be heard!
Love this channel. Can't say how much it's helped me as an owner operator. Hope to hear of some good canadian trucking companies to haul for.
This good information I'm about to start truck driving school. The good news for me is I have worked on docks and loaded and unloaded trucks from refrigerators to flat beds.
I all so worked a truck part retailer. I have a best friend who been driving for twenty years.
One year driving farm truck without a CDL still getting used to backing up but I’m finally confident on the road it takes time
I drove a fire engine for a number of years before CDL school. Felt pretty confident going into it.
Great work on making this video and telling the truth about the world of trucking!!
I went through school to become a driver at Reid State Technical in Evergreen, Al in '91. It was a 8 or 12 week course and then i trained with a local driver hauling sheetrock for two weeks.
Finally met my O.T.R. trainer (T.C.Clark) i'll never forget him and how easy it was to piss him off!
I use to piss him off often in the hopes to putting change in my own pocket, it actually worked!
The skid marks you see on the highway may have been where he said enough is enough!!!
6 months in and I still get nervous especially when it rains,high winds winter weather
That's right sir thank you so much keep adding videos you're the best
I see it as a cdl school being just like any other training or education program. They give you the minimum requisite knowledge to become the thing you are learning to become.
Locally, I had a very good school there was actually a program at a community college and lasted for nearly 3 months, headed up by a retired lifetime driver and a semi retired lifetime driver.Afterward, I had an excellent trainer who I still talk to regularly if I have any questions or if I am just bored and want to see how hes doing. On top of that, my grandfather is also a retired lifetime driver. I'm in a pretty good spot. Despite the fact that I've been driving for years, I still have a very quick and easy way to get help when I need it.
You ARE in a pretty good spot!
I totally agree, it also falls back on these companies. To put their new drivers through the proper training, whichever division the driver chooses. Some companies do have pretty training for drivers new to their company.
Love his videos good advice for someone looking to get into. Trucking
The school I instructed at was backing intensive. The graduating students were given unofficial instruction on real world experience. We tried to give them a solid footing when they graduated...
I took the mandatory class 1 'MELT' program in Alberta. This is a 120 hour training program which was the result of the Humbolt Boronco incident. You are right, out of the 120 hour class here is still not what is covered: 1) Tire chaining 2) Various load securement 3) 5th wheel sliding 4) Paperwork (shipping docs etc) 5) Scaling and axle weight calculations 6) Skid and jackknifing control. However; it is mandatory in Alberta we perform 4 different backing maneuvers during the test. Right blind and drive side, parallel park (difficult) and straight back. I have copies of all the documentation and testing materials if you are interested. The test is now 2.5 hours long so we are finally screening somewhat properly.
U are a wise sage of our industry, godspeed
Thank you for making these videos.
I was very pleased with my school... of course I knew I don’t know everything.... I do agree about the chains and more use of the jake... thanks for the info always enjoy the lessons!!!
As a Now a Trainer I talk about this stuff in everyday applications. I take my job very seriously and let my Students know much more than the basic knowledge that the course is laid out to be. I have 33 years over the road and this is my way of paying it back.
I went to a great school jersey tractor trailer training when I was 19 fall 2011. Best school in the state but not only do they teach how to pass the test they pass the basics. But driving is way deeper you need to know life paper work safety strap and chain down. We can prevent tragedies
Always great content
Thanks Doug, appreciate it!
Awesome Video!🎥
Some of these companies don't teach you how to become a truck driver they just teach you how to drive a trucks. I'd also like to thank Swift their training.
The sad part is that some trainers don't tell you everything, either. My trainer didn't give me any opportunity to learn backing into docks or parking spaces, I eventually learned on my own or with help from my teammate. I've been out of the business for a while but looking to get back in it again, maybe this time around it'll get better. I've learned a lot about the business during this time, so I think I'll be better prepared. Good luck to everyone who's starting cdl school and be safe.
Great information David.⭐👍👍
I took a course at a local junior college to get my CDL, and it wasn't 2 or 3 weeks.
When I took my driving test I had already driven several HUNDRED MILES on interstate highways, including some night time driving....as well as nearly 75 miles on city streets. My biggest fear as a new driver? Having some impatient driver trying to pass and then turn on my right side as I CLEARLY was also trying to make a right hand turn. That, and my first time trying to safely and smoothly stop the truck with a full load in the trailer.
I graduated CDL 2 months ago
All they do today is get you prepped to pass the class only
No backing in a dock nor learn the truck
It's called on the job training! Are med school graduates ready to perform surgery right out of school? That's what residency is for. Sounds like everyone wants everything handed to them.
A school is to get the CDL, which then officially allows the learning to begin.
Yea the learning begins on the job with a trainer