CDL School Will NOT Make You a Truck Driver

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CDL School Will NOT Make You a Truck Driver

Рет қаралды 443,361

Күн бұрын

CDL School Will NOT Make You a Truck Driver. Dave gives a short talk on what CDL school is really about and how to get the skills you need post CDL training
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Пікірлер: 462

@the_rebel215 Жыл бұрын

Coming fresh out of school and going down steep hill with 80,000lbs on my ass… damn that shit was scary

@fineartonfire_5327 2 жыл бұрын

CDL school told me flat out they were only teaching me to pass the test and it was the carriers job to train me to do the job.

@livewireOrourke 2 жыл бұрын

Just like a marriage license will not prepare you for marriage.

@TheTallMan50 Жыл бұрын

First thing my trainer said to me fresh out of school: "Everything they taught you at Pro Training Center...throw that shit out the window! You're in the real world now son"

@taylorjtaylorj 2 жыл бұрын

Most older drivers that really know how to drive will tell you that they are still learning 30, 40, or 50 years later. Learn to stand up to your company or shippers. If something isn’t legal, don’t let them make you do it. That means both how you drive and your load. Keep up with regulations. Remember your CDL is valuable. Treat it that way!

@5153A 2 жыл бұрын

CDL school teaches you how to drive a semi with an empty trailer not fully loaded

@baileyquick6 2 жыл бұрын

At our school, we took a partly loaded 30 odd foot dump trailer out sometimes. We also took out a van trailer loaded with tires at times as well. Really appreciated getting a feel for those weights on the open road, especially BEFORE starting my trucking career.

@elitetrucker5150 Жыл бұрын

You learn hands on like any job . U get better over time

@Pkemstr1 2 жыл бұрын

True, I got my CDL in April, only know enough to pass the test, still struggle with backing, so I learn most of it from the other drivers that are willing to help at our terminal.

@charlescooper7951 2 жыл бұрын

Well said brother 28 + years and I still learn every day.

@jericho9510 2 жыл бұрын

I just started trucking a few weeks ago. I went to road master in ohio. I got in free thanks to amazon and it was a 1 month program. I knew what I was getting into. 1 month barely got me through the test as we could barely practice as they kept adding more and more people. One thing I had to keep in mond is that regardless of how stressed you are, stay calm and respectful

@Hybris51129 2 жыл бұрын

I am in a CDL school right now and I am glad that one thing besides Pre-Trip and Post-Trip that gets repeated is "This will prepare you for the CDL tests once you past that only then will you learn how to be a trucker.".

@masterroshi3994 Жыл бұрын

If anybody wants to become a truck driver I suggest you to start as a yard jockey! Once you know how to manouver and back up those trailers you will be ready to be a truck driver no sweat!

@proof6930 2 жыл бұрын

It's amazing how many don't get it, CDL school is different from truck driver training. Even truck driving classes don't teach every type of truck drivingng jobs. Flat bed, dry van, reefer, tank cars, and etc all require different knowledge. The CDL tests doesn't even test on the most basic of things that truck driver need to know, like hours of service and log requirements.

@Myrrydyn1950 8 ай бұрын

When I started trucking in 1966, I was told to get with the old timers, and ask questions and LISTEN. I did that, but the kids today don't want to listen, and they make mistakes that sometimes kill them

@BlackThoughtsTV 11 ай бұрын

ALL FACTS NO LIES TOLD ! Nothing can prepare you for I-70 in the winter time but experience!

@anythinggoes1396 8 ай бұрын

When I asked my instructor at the CDL school how do I couple and uncouple the trailer he told me to look at KZfaq videos.

@sbrazenor2 2 жыл бұрын

I was fortunate to have great trainers, but I was also fortunate to have been a 3rd generation professional driver. The first time I drove a commercial vehicle (on private property), I was 14. Listening to the old-timers is a good idea.

@crazyburkey3677 3 ай бұрын

That's exactly right, Although the teacher that taught our log book class, was an old timer, (he'd been driving for 40+ years) told us, that as soon as he thought he knew everything, the truck would kick his ass again. So this carrier is an ongoing education.

@Jordan-qw7yw 2 жыл бұрын

It’s very true the CDL school I went to was crap failed my test 2 times because of the skills portion of the test was able to pass it on my 3rd attempt. When you get to the trucking company at the mercy of the trainer to actually teach you how to be a proper truck driver unless they just use you has a steering wheel Holder

@franciscoanaya1207 Жыл бұрын

All depends on what school you attend to and if you actually make an effort to learn. I went to AIT in Phoenix AZ and here I am 23 years later. True, they don't teach you everything, but trucking is dynamic, there's a lot happening all the time and you just keep learning new stuff every trip.

@fkinmike3650 2 жыл бұрын

CDL school only trains you enough to pass your test, 90's backing, offsets, cornering and pre trip. But it was the best thing I ever did.

@schectermeister Ай бұрын

Im a firm believer in learning on the job. Thats how I learned to work on cars and drive trucks. 👍🏼

@jg-xx8oh 2 жыл бұрын

Well said my friend and hello from Winnipeg🇨🇦 land off the potholes and traffic lights !

@makotohanazawa6560 2 жыл бұрын

never been to winnipeg but land of potholes traffic lights really got me😂

@brendaearle7075 Жыл бұрын

It all begins your first day on the road. Each day is a new adventure. Be safe out there.

@Whosyourdaddy-ty2xe 3 ай бұрын

Treat your CDL like gold that’s what I was always told

@mikeike7161 Жыл бұрын

I used to be a company driver. Then I realized why am I full filling someone else’s dreams, goals and ambitions when I can make my own come true. I became an owner op. And never looked back. Yes responsibilities change but so does the money.

@bossonluvtrucking2771 Жыл бұрын

Ty the truth! I have much respect for the veteran truck drivers..one of 50 years helped me out with my electric line and He told me just that.. "protect your cdl"

@user-mt6kb9hs5o 10 ай бұрын

I’m just starting out and I listen to the older guys they hold all the knowledge and secrets of the road

@fgc8238 2 жыл бұрын

How can a company put 2 drives together to team up with only 2 hundred hours of training between the 2 and expect them to be safe? Oh wait CR England so they can low pay there drivers

@davidschultz8577 7 ай бұрын

10-4 Keep on TRUCKING, be safe

@forrestmanueljr9196 2 жыл бұрын

This is so true. I am a mechanic on trucks and I had no idea that some drivers know nothing about trucks and that makes my job difficult trying to diagnose issues. It's a frustrating thing to deal with on my end.

@l8trh4ter Жыл бұрын

1000% agree. I'm in school now and it's basically just cramming for the test.

@martinmonette7598 2 жыл бұрын

Finally! Everyone’s Thinking it… He’s just Saying it!!!

@ronaldstubbs9450 Жыл бұрын

Had mines CDL Class A since 1988. Learn something new all the time

@TruckerKearsey 3 ай бұрын

Facts! And students do not research to have realistic expectations.

@LittleBear379 2 жыл бұрын

I agree. I was a truck driver for a farm before I ever got my CDL. Farm tags, 18yrs old, no CDL, but it was in my blood as I'm a third generation truck driver. Then I went to a small school and used their 95 Western Star to get my CDL at age 19. I'm still all ears to all the stories or lessons you experienced drivers have for me, and I learn something new out here every day.

@zxcvb2009 2 жыл бұрын

I learned more from this channel than I learned in truck school that's for sure.love your stories

@cheagle464 2 ай бұрын

EXACTLY what I did!! Only I rode with a friend on and off at least a dozen rounds plus a few other drivers. And EVERY one told me while in his truck i would do things HIS way because that's what's been working for him. And to take away the best and leave the rest. Served me well on my first runs into the cities, over the passes, the fog, rain, ice, heat and darkness. I THANK those men for saving my life!!

@davidenglish9001 2 жыл бұрын

Im super grateful for the company that is training me and the senior drivers there too

@willc.225 4 ай бұрын

I totally agree!. I’ve been driving solo for a week..and boy this is no joke! 😅

@ruslanp.2540 2 жыл бұрын

Majority of older drivers are cranky assholes. The moment you approach them they will instantly start laughing. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve encountered very nice drivers since I started.

@Giraves 2 жыл бұрын

Not always true. I was in a class of 4 and our instructor didn’t take us on the highways. He had us drive in tight areas through some towns and most of the lanes were only 9 foot across as we went along the coast. And I’m thankful he did as my first job I’m delivering into the hills and mountains into mostly small dealerships

@cg13477 5 күн бұрын

11 years ago went to Americas Institute Of Trucking in Phoenix Arizona. After I went on my externship for four months. My trainer was cool and brutal. But it helped me to get ready to drive in teams. Then went solo in oil fields. Be careful and be patient. Drivers are crazy, it's our job to be professional. God Bless!

@philh98 6 ай бұрын

Damn right! Shit was crazy the first 6 months

@Chris-no8ps 2 жыл бұрын

First thing my MELT instructor said is we are teaching you to pass a test not be a Trucker. Said if I was teaching you to be a trucker we would go get a load and head to Vancouver

@danielchurchill9004 7 ай бұрын

old timers will be your best resource!

@WDJD5562 2 жыл бұрын

I agree but, not all companies are the same. I got my CDL with Prime inc and now driving with a trainer for at least 30,000 miles before I am on my own.

@jimmysmith773 2 жыл бұрын

That's where I got mine through if you got a good trainer it will help you & you should get through the 30000 quick it's both parts that get your miles but you will have to learn on your own also and don't ride in the middle lane keep right unless you have to be in another lane I've almost got my year in now be safe out there

@Giraves 2 жыл бұрын

30k miles with a trainer?? That sounds horrible

@robertnichols4679 2 жыл бұрын

These are facts!!!! My CDL head instructor first words out of his on the first day of class. We are not here to teach you how to drive a commercial vehicle. We are here to teach you how to pass the CDL test

@bernardwilliams9294 Ай бұрын

Absolutely right about this message!

@topgunpressurecleaning8930 11 ай бұрын

Early morning I was delivering propane. Well the rain started freezing on the back roads. Called the boss and said bringing the truck in, it's not safe to be on the roads. Told him it's my license and cdl's on the line

@Surfcityham Жыл бұрын

I am an attorney. Until about 1990, you could graduate from law school, pass the bar, and have no clue how to talk to a client or file court documents. Many law schools now have clinics where you actually help people and go to court with them and your attorney professor.

@R.192jss 2 жыл бұрын

After over 9 years of driving.. I completely agree 👍.

@cmvdriver 9 ай бұрын

We are required to go to a CDL training program starting in 2022. I learned a lot from the school, but with anything you do, it is a continuous learning experience. When you get that license and start driving, your learning just started.

@mmontejo68 2 жыл бұрын

WELL SAID. HELLO FROM MIAMI BEACH FLORIDA.

@jimnash1792 2 жыл бұрын

Well I went to national training in FL.we had 2 clicks ones that kept talking and others played attention and very first company I received a SAFETY AWARD in my first year Kept it clean no DOT marks no accidents no nothing.alsp passed 2 level. 1 inspections and level 2's for 31 yrs 100% clean for 31 yrs. I earned the title proffesional driver. Alot of schools I do agree with Steve.

@renerodriguez3886 Жыл бұрын

I went to a CDL school in Miami, I spent thousands of dollars, and had to learn the hard way by tipping a trailer over full of sugar beets. Now I know how to take a corner when fully loaded...

@303bourbonguy2 Жыл бұрын

Got my license through a school, but the best knowledge I ever received was from my father and grandfather . 3rd generation driver , been doing it over 10 years now

@jdtractor2012jb Жыл бұрын

true to a point. our class time was actually pretty good. they taught us log books, laws, load limits, scales, lots of usefull info to give us a little head start. but limited on the driving portion, just straight line, offset, and parallel parking. I wanted to go over 90° backing, but there just making us proficient enough for testing on the driving side.

@plumbingstuffinoregon2471 2 жыл бұрын

I was baffled by what little they actually taught us after I graduated. Basically all they do is make sure you can kind of shift good enough to move the truck, and make you learn three different backing maneuvers. By now I've learned more from old drivers than anything else.

@user-km4ro7xp2s 24 күн бұрын

Agree. The career starts with your first job.

@shawn1571 Жыл бұрын

I tell my students the same thing, but unlike other schools, we do not teach how to pass the test. I go thru all the required FMCSA subject matter with the reminder that they must study for the CDL test separately! I repeat it ad nauseum because the student will fail the written if they don’t study on their own.

@MannyAguilarJr Жыл бұрын

Yeah you need on the road training after the CDL school. Preferably OTR and if you get lucky enough do it during the winter months.

@fatlarry1184 6 ай бұрын

Drove from '74 to ' 04. 3 million miles. Saw and learned new shit every day. Miss it but got out in time😅

@ivanrojas8568 Жыл бұрын

I agree with you I really do but the problem is for every good truck driver there’s two bad ones that will either not want to help you or will give you the wrong information purposely because they assume you’re trying to take their job or their position when in reality, there’s enough work for everybody and your position as a driver just like anybody else’s so thanks for the heads up

@ajbrooks3893 10 ай бұрын

YES!!!! SO, true!!! That is why your trainer is so important!!

@ryanwilsonbackup Жыл бұрын

I learned from the old school drivers and it’s made me a great driver! Just gotta get out there and learn, sometimes the hard way lol

@andycarrillo1477 2 жыл бұрын

Well said! 1) protect your CDL by being safe; 2) protect your CDL by being healthy; protect your CDL by driving for a reputable company that takes care of its drivers as their #1 asset--conscientious drivers. There are too many rookie fools driving and too many shippers couldn't care less about who delivers their goods.

@ictreelguy Жыл бұрын

Truer words have never been spoken. As a new driver I heartily thank you for all your valuable and sage advice.

@harryknutts8428 2 жыл бұрын

my school said that too getting a cdl and being a trucker are 2 different things ,

@marcmayhem0412 2 жыл бұрын

Speaking as an instructor at a CDL school, I really don't know any school that teaches you the job your going to do. Be it medical school, law school, or even trade schools for carpentry or something similar. They give you the knowledge you need to go and earn a professional license. Doctors have to pass exams to be licensed to practice. Lawyers have to pass exams to be able to practice. Contractors have to pass exams to perform their trade. The CDL school is no different. It's training for a professional license, your Class A or whatever you are pursuing. I tell students in each class, "School didn't make me a trucker, and I can't make you one. Trucking made me a trucker and it will be the same for you"

@owenater0780 2 жыл бұрын

I absolutely agree. It's so ass backwards that they encourage new drivers to go OTR then local. Should be the other way around. Driving regional/local is one thing but OTR is a whole other beast

@pfox068 2 жыл бұрын

Problem is most people don't want a OTR job Absolutely no life!

@drdouglofi Жыл бұрын

Great advice. Spoken like a true elder statesman!!! Awesome

@ronfullerton3162 7 ай бұрын

I am now retired five years, crawling out of the cab the last time upon my seventieth birthday. And I remember when I was young, the old drivers watching over us young guys and showing us the way. That was the best way to learn. And most if those old fellas were open to questions and happy to answer and help. I know both sides are guilty of the break down in communications of the drivers, and it is so sad. That was the glue that held our profession together was the brotherhood between all the drivers. And it has really hurt the training of the newbies.

@johnnysurfs 2 жыл бұрын

I've spoken to and trained noobs who think they are pros. Remain humble, aware, and eager to learn. Oh, and watch the Smart Trucking channel!

@DelVila 5 ай бұрын

😢 thank you I needed to hear that😭

@noutheticcounseling5447 8 ай бұрын

So glad you said this! However trying to train these new drivers in a hazmat tanker position (why they were hired, I'll never know) some (ages 26-34) think they already know it all and do not listen or think us older and seasoned drivers don't know anything. We are 'old school' with no recordable accidents and do not depend on all the tech. Wish I could start my own trucking school and wpuld teach more than just passable skills.

@stephenkessel1990 Жыл бұрын

FACTS Ol Hand is tell n ya truth..many thanx for all you are doing Hand God Bless You...

@mansamusatheogjr4177 7 ай бұрын

Driving 2 weeks now by myself! And that is the absolute truth! Just got my class A in October. And backing is still scary. I don't even have the confidence yet to back between 2 trucks at a truck stop yet lol 😂.

@rickwidlund3512 7 ай бұрын

On the job training, best way ! 👍

@brandymatlock6169 3 ай бұрын

Omg thank you so much. Injuat went thru it. I was driving a log truck for a few months b4 going to the school. I actually loved my instructors. However u are 100 percent right

@larrymendoza759 2 жыл бұрын

Swift drivers have entered the chat

@restoredcountry4833 5 ай бұрын

Definitely have to protect your license for sure. I had a company try having me haul with straps that were ready to break, etc.

@southwesthellraisers4931 2 жыл бұрын

I got out a school 6 months ago and been driving ever since. I like to tell people school doesn’t teach you how to drive truck. It teaches you to not kill people when trucking

@lorettanapish1278 Жыл бұрын

This is why there are companies like Swift, Werner. I didn't care to work for them. But I did get an awesome trainer.

@caseygillock8131 Жыл бұрын

Safe and legal at all times.

@claytonbrown7100 10 ай бұрын

Great advice. Great video.

@michaelcrockette8694 Жыл бұрын

just like passing a regular driving test doesn’t prepare u for driving.(especially in NYC).

@ridesharesafetyguide1370 Ай бұрын

Thank you for good advice

@jaminova_1969 4 ай бұрын

There are pro's& con's to being a company driver but we won the right to refuse to do anything unsafe. Still doesn't prevent certain managers from asking you to do something sketchy or unsafe!

@mikegrootegoed3709 Жыл бұрын

Funny, I drove truck before the cdl. Was called a chauffeur license.

@YCS-186 Жыл бұрын

Got thrown into the flames right out of school working construction. West coast super side dumps pulling 32 ton. Backing into some of the craziest spots dodging manholes and curbs on 100 degree angles. Definitely a different world than the school

@donald1576 9 ай бұрын

I went through a 2-month driving school to get my CDL . I was hired by Werner Enterprises who's then put me on a truck for 2 months with an experienced driver driving as a trainer team. Then I got a solo truck and drove for another year by myself and then I started training new drivers and did that for the rest of my career until I was medically retired in 2010 from some severe shoulder injuries

@zamed9037 6 ай бұрын

As of a 15 year of experience, all I can say to the new drivers is Stay safe and stay healthy out there.

@Moses55845 6 ай бұрын

'been driving for 30+ years. I started in the military. My respect to the ones who have experienced more than me. I've had it easy.

@timothykeith1367 Жыл бұрын

I'm okay with CDL school teaching me to pass the test and getting my license . I'm a college graduate and am aware of the limitations of education. CDL school couldn't be inclusive or you'd never get out of school! Choosing the best CDL school is my next goal.

@Nipseybluetrucker 3 ай бұрын

Been driving 25 years and he is 100% correct I couldn’t of said it any better myself.

@kikikeyless 6 ай бұрын

i’m in trucking school and I agree . I feel empty of knowledge, any books i can read … i’m getting right into trucking to get experience!

@kingwillie206 2 ай бұрын

I just learned a bunch of new stuff and I’ve had my license since 1996

@vvayne5494 Жыл бұрын

The first week of the truck school I went too taught us everything we needed to know to pass the dmv test to get a learner's permit. The first day of the second week we were told to forget everything we learned the first week because none of it was relevant to truck driving. They were right.

@shaydesofblue2281 5 ай бұрын

OTR helps you with driving in different conditions and terrains. Tanker helps with a smoother stop(or else you'll die or hurt someone). Shuttle drivers help you perfect backing up. In my opinion and experiences.