Driver Solutions

I just signed up to start the truck driver classes with Driver Solutions. I live in Alabama and will be traveling to Indiana for the classes. I am a 48 yr old female and I have been unemployed for 1 1/2 years and I am taking a leap of faith here. I rode in a truck with my dad some when I was younger and I have contemplated driving a truck for many, many years but have never taken that step. I have no money to even make this start and I'm scared to death that my brain won't retain the knowledge that I need to remember for the pre-trip lol :) but again, I'm plunging in with both feet and taking this on faith. So, I could use this gift card to help me start out with what I would need for the truck. Thank you and God Bless!

Your Name: Tami Raney
Truck Driver: Tami Raney

Hi Tami,

Thank you for sharing your story with us.  We know it's a big step to take and wish you the best of luck with taking on this new career.  Please keep us updated on your truck driver training experience and let us know if there is anything we can do to help!

Also - be sure to make friends right away and form a study group.  That will help you greatly with the pre-trip inspection and other parts of training.

- The Driver Solutions Team

What would a truck driver do with an extra $250?

• Buy the best bluetooth for cancelling out the background noise that comes along with trucking jobs?
  
• Pick up a new mini-fridge to make eating on the road easier?
  
• Get an iPhone 4S to easily communicate with family and friends while traveling the country?

Truck drivers already have to give up a lot of everyday conveniences in life such as sleeping in a nice sized bed, showering at any given moment, or even being at home for the holidays with family. 

Why not take a minute to add an extra convenience for the truck driver in your life?

Enter the Driver Solutions Truck Driver Appreication Contest NOW! 

If we get to 75 entries (currently at 62) we will give away 3 - $250 GRAND PRIZES!  

Check out some of our favorite entries so far: 

• Restarting Your Life at 57
• Always There Brother
• The Lifeblood of America
• Once the Student, Now the Teacher

Driver Solutions CDL training focuses on teaching students how to become safe, knowledgeable drivers. Unfortunately, there are always surprises that pop up while on the road. We are all too familiar with abundant potholes and cracked pavement, but there is an even more serious issue: America’s bridges.

According to the organization Transportation for America, nearly 70,000, or 11.5%, of total U.S. highway bridges are classified as “structurally deficient.” These bridges require significant maintenance or even replacement. Some bridges may literally be crumbling beneath us!

The states with the most deficient bridges include Pennsylvania, Oklahoma, Iowa, Rhode Island, Missouri, Nebraska, and South Dakota. 22-25% percent of the bridges in these states are considered structurally deficient, with Pennsylvania and Oklahoma having over 25% deficient bridges. For truck drivers that travel across the country and through the Midwest, having unsafe highway bridges to drive on can be a scary thought.

Truck drivers carry the heaviest loads on the road, so having structurally safe roads to drive on should be a high priority. As more cars are on the road every year, and truck loads get heavier and heavier, it’s imperative to have safe roads. Whether in cars, buses, tractor trailers, on foot or by bicycle, streets, bridges, and highways need to be designed to provide safe access for all.

Some states, such as Georgia, are actually requesting to raise the truck weight limits on highways, which may cut traffic, lessen truck emissions, and help with the current driver shortage. But would more weight on our already worn roads and bridges cause even more damage? Unfortunately, most states do not have the money to cover the necessary repairs and updates that would be needed to support heavier trucks, let alone fix the bridges that need restored now.

Though driving on an unsafe road or bridge can be a scary thought in a huge truck, Driver Solutions CDL training program teaches drivers the basic skills of trucking with an emphasis on safety. Truck driver training students will learn about bridge laws and how to find if a bridge can hold your truck weight. Additionally, they will learn how to find out which bridges and tunnels the trucks can fit under. Exact numbers, weights, and measurements can be hard to remember, but Driver Solutions teaches you about the tools and resources that will make you a reliable, responsible driver.

Don’t take a chance on being unprepared. Take that first step to a successful career. Enroll in the Driver Solutions training program today by completing the secure online application. 

 
Statistics and image source: Transportation for America

Driver Solutions values all of the drivers that go through our program, but on Veterans Day we especially want to say thank you to all of the veterans that are now truckers. Military members have long helped keep the country safe with their service, and now many of them are helping to keep the economy moving by driving a truck.

According to the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, Veterans Day is set aside to thank and honor all those who served honorably in the military, both living and those that died from battle. The day is largely intended to thank living veterans for the sacrifice and duty they have given to the country.

While some military members may not have any large vehicle driving experience, a lot of veterans get a taste for truck driving when they learn how to drive big military vehicles. Unfortunately though, military driving licenses do not smoothly transfer to civilian CDL jobs. Both experienced and novice veterans need to go through a truck driver training program to receive a CDL and qualify for the top trucking jobs.

The great news is that many trucking companies like to hire veterans because of their extraordinary work ethic, discipline, and dedication. Companies know that military veterans are committed to service and are consistently able to follow through with orders. Plus, many veterans have already received basic training on map reading, how to keep accurate records and how to think quickly to respond to emergencies. All of these skills transfer almost seamlessly to a trucking career.

Are you a veteran that wants to learn more about trucking? Check out some of our past articles that highlight why truck driving is a great option for veterans:

• Truck Driving is a Veteran-Friendly Job Option
• Truck Driving Is A Rewarding Post-Military Career
• Retired Military Personnel and People Looking to Change Careers Enter the Trucking Industry
• Veterans On The Road

Truck driver jobs are some of the most stable, solid paying jobs in the country today. Complete our online application and let Driver Solutions help you start a rewarding truck driving career.
 

A Global Positioning System, better known as a GPS, is supposed to help drivers determine the best route to get to a desired destination. With detailed, street-level maps, voice prompted turn-by-turn directions, traffic delay alerts, and many other features, a GPS may seem like a great idea for a trucker driver.

Is a GPS the best tool to help truckers get where they need?

GPS technology has many benefits, such as helping dispatchers and trucking companies track loads. If a truck has a GPS device and the truck gets stolen or a trucker is in an accident, the truck can easily be tracked with the GPS signal. This can save vital time for police officers and first responders.

Should you just rely on your GPS? 

According to many experienced truck drivers and CDL trainers, you must quickly learn that you cannot just rely on your GPS. Using a GPS does not always go smoothly, and unfortunately, there are times that you may be forced to rely on other options to find your way around.  A GPS may lose its signal, or it may give you bad directions to a route that takes you under a low bridge or down other paths that are not meant for truck drivers. Plus, GPS devices may have older maps in their systems that do not show important road or construction changes. 

No driver wants to receive incorrect directions and take the chance of delivering a load late. The Driver Solutions CDL training program will teach you how to refine your map reading and trip planning skills so you will not have to rely solely on a GPS. With the skills that you learn in CDL training, you not only learn how to properly read all aspects of a map and trucker atlas, but you will be prepared for a well-paying, professional truck driving career.

Are you ready to get CDL training to become a safe, prepared driver? Complete our online application to arrange a time to speak with a Driver Agent about your trucking career options.

Some days I think to myself sending him out to be a trucker is a bad idea. I think of all the hazards involved, the long times away from home and not being here for the kids. It upsets me to know he has to work these longs hours to be able to support his family. But then again, I'm happy he is doing this. Since Jason and I got together he said he wanted to be a driver. At first I thought he was kidding but he wasn't. He knew everything about trucks and read about them. Heh, he even would watch trucking shows any chance he got. Then we had Sierra. Seemed like he didn't want to drive anymore. He stayed home and let me pursue my career as a CNA and I think, honestly where would I be without his support and pushing me to go forth with this. So I've done the same for him. I was very skeptical about it but I know this is something he loves, its his passion. It makes the nights easier knowing he is happy.

Your Name: Nicole Kutch
Truck Driver: Jason Kirk




Hi Nicole,

Thanks for sharing this story with us and nominating Jason. We're glad he is able to pursue his passion and we're even more appreciative of the support you give him! 

We wish you and Jason the best of luck!

-The Driver Solutions Team

The most important skill that Driver Solutions network of CDL training schools want to teach drivers is that safe driving on the open road is absolutely critical to being successful. Driver Solutions is determined to provide proper, up-to-date CDL training for safe driving.

Take a minute to ask yourself, “Are you a safe driver?” This short, simple quiz will help you find out what you know about basic safe truck driving. Just answer “true” or “false” for each of the following statements, then check your answers below:

1. I can drive safely even when I am sleepy.
2. I am good at texting in my car and paying attention to the road, so it’s safe for me to text and drive a semi truck.
3. I don’t need to wear my seatbelt when I am going low speeds or going on a short trip. 
4. Driving at night and getting a full rest during the day does not affect my chances of being involved in a sleep-related crash. 
5. Rolling down the window or listening to really loud music will help keep me awake. 
6. Drinking a lot of caffeine will cure fatigue. 
7.  If I just did a pre-trip inspection at my last drop this morning, I don’t need to do another inspection before my next trip. 
8. I’ve never been in an accident before, so I probably won’t get in one in the future.

 

1. FALSE. The only safe driver is an alert driver. Even the safest drivers may become confused and use poor judgment when they are tired.
2. FALSE. Not only is it very unsafe to text and drive, it’s now illegal for truck drivers. Texting while driving a commercial vehicle like a semi truck can cause you to incur high fines and other penalties. Distracted driving causes thousands of accidents each year, so sending a quick message is not worth hurting yourself or others.
3. FALSE. In accordance with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations, if you are driving a commercial vehicle you MUST wear your seatbelt at all times while driving, no matter how slow you are going or how short a distance you go.
4. FALSE. It is very hard for our bodies to adjust to working at night and sleeping during the day. Just because you sleep during the day it doesn’t mean that you may not get drowsy while night driving.
5. FALSE. Opening a window for air or listening to really loud music will not prevent your body from nodding off if it truly needs the sleep. They may help postpone the effects of being tired, but will not prevent them.
6. FALSE. Caffeine may help give you energy, but the only thing that can cure fatigue is proper sleep.
7. FALSE. You must do a pre-trip inspection before absolutely every trip, even if you just did an inspection a few hours ago. Not only is it safe for you as a driver, but helps prevent accidents that may harm others.
8. FALSE. Having a great driving track record is commendable, but it doesn’t mean that accidents cannot happen in the future.

While many of these scenarios seem like common sense, or even humorous at times, safety is a serious issue. Many people honestly believe they can drive better even with dangerous distractions like being tired or texting.

With Driver Solutions CDL training, you will learn all of the information needed to start your career as a safe, knowledgeable truck driver. 

If you'd like to get started with the Driver Solutions Program, just complete our online application.

 

Hi, my name is Darren Stephens and I am from Indianapolis, Indiana. I'm 27 years old and I have two kids. I'm also going through a divorce and it has taken its toll on me. I have two beautiful kids that I have to take care of, I love my kids and I gotta make it for them, they are all I got. I have been going through a lot of ups and downs over the past couple of years, and it seems like I just can't get it right. Over the past couple of months I lost my job and the engine in my car went out. I have been looking over your site and watching the videos and I am really interested in becoming a driver. I see a truck driving career as the my way out of this slump, and a opportunity to get my life back on track. I use to live in Atlanta Ga when I first got married and I have family in Mississippi and around the south. I love traveling and seeing new places, and I plan on moving back to the south soon. I just want to make something out of myself so that my kids can depend on there dad when they need me.

Your Name: Darren Stephens
Truck Driver: Darren Stephens





Hi Darren,

Thank you for your entry in our contest.  We know things can be hard at times and we wish you the best on getting everything back on track.

Best Wishes
- The Driver Solutions Team

Regardless of if you're just now starting a trucking career or have been a truck driver for years, managing your money while living a life on the road is no easy task...

So, how much many do you need each week?  What should you spend it on to get the most "bang for your buck?"

Driver Solutions asked some of our Facebook fans to help us out by telling us how much money they recommend and how they spend it. 

Let's check out what they had to say:

• I live on a hundred and that includes my scales - Timothy Seay
  
  
  
• At least two hundred for a comfort zone.  You have scales tolls and eats plus your personal things smokes hygene so remember its better to have to mutch than not enough. - Clyde Buffington
  
  
  
• 50-100 dollars, and always economize. - Ben Lassiter
  
  
  
• At least $100. Never be on the road without CASH. You might have to pay a scale ticket or shower and your stuck in no mans land for the weekend. The road is expensive...stock your fridge. - Stacy Albers
  
  
  
• True at least $100 or little more- some places are way high on things. I am gettin stuff ready for my truck so not to spend too much out there :) try not to that is.. - Elaine Wms
  
  
  
• If it's just food budget what you could do is, don't go home for an entire day eat out and keep track of what was spent, use that as a base for what you should expect multiply that by 1.35 for the cost of a truckstop markup. Now multiply that by the amount of expected days you will be away. Bring a big envelope for all your reciepts now add them all up and divide by the number of days you where gone to get a better picture. Before you leave pretend you can't stop at all and create a plan fill a cooler with presweetened drink mix, some water, canopener, snacks and food that are non perishable, two more meals grab some ramen noodles. And some things you can easily eat without heat. Eating utensils and unbreakable cups. If you use a hotel some provide a continental breakfast take advantage of this and stash some of the fresh fruit. Try and preserve your cash for when you really need it. I use mine as a last result. Being prepared is far more comfortable then being broke, especially when you don't have access to more cash quick. Set an alarm to drink water you won't eat nearly as much and stay hydrated. Be prepared. - Joseph Newhart
  
  
  
• Try and budget everything but always have extra for emergencies -Clyde Buffington
  
  
  
• Invest the cash and get a cooler and one of those bax burton ovens, you can cook or heat pretty much anything and that will save you tons in the long run. Even with that to be comfortable at least $100 a week. - Mary Zuber
  

Driver Solutions is dedicated to helping inexperienced truck drivers get the CDL training they need to find truck driving jobs.  Part of that training is understanding the basics of managing money on the road.  But many "tricks of the trade" are learned from experience. 

If you're a truck driver with some experience and you're reading this - what tips do you have to share for getting the most out of your money on the road?

I am starting out as a truck driver and am very excited. Things have been rough lately and I have not been able to find a good job. I have been forced to be away from my family living in a homeless shelter Greenville Rescue Mission).  Thanks to PAM Transport I have been accepted to driver school and training. I am looking forward to a great career in truck driving. This prize could be a big help to me and my family with new expenses. Thank you for this opportunity and God Bless!

Your Name: Brian Mcduffie
Truck Driver: Brian McDuffie


Hi Brian,

Thank you for taking the time to enter our contest.  We're glad we were able to help you get a new career going through our truck driver training program.  We wish you the best at training and with PAM Transport!

- The Driver Solutions Team

I believe I deserve the Truck Driver Convenience Package because of all the time I spend away from home, my loving wife and dog. I take great pride in my new profession and enjoy it immensely. I have seen alot of the country in my 9 months of driving for PAM Transport.  It is a good company to work for as a truck driver. By winning this package, it would make my life easier and even more enjoyable!

Your Name: Tim Evans
Truck Driver: Tim Evans



Hi Tim,

Thank you for taking the time to enter our contest and give us an update on your experience with PAM Transport.  It sure looks like you're keeping your truck in good shape and very clean!  On behalf of everyone at Driver Solutions, we wish you the best!

- The Driver Solutions Team

National Truck Driver Appreciation Week was September 11^th-17^th, but Driver Solutions believes truck drivers deserve thanks and recognition year round. We understand that many truckers are passionate about their jobs, but still make many sacrifices being away from their family and friends, such as missing birthdays, anniversaries, and sometimes holidays.

In order to thank all of the great truckers out there and reward their sacrifices, Driver Solutions is giving truckers a chance to win the Ultimate Truck Driver Convenience Package.  We are happy to give away a grand prize award of a $250 gift card from Wal-Mart for the purchase of truck tools, a mini-fridge, XMSatellite Radio, a Garmin GPS system, comfortable clothes or whatever else makes the trucker's life better.

We have already received many great entries, but in order to give even more great truck drivers a chance to win, we are extending the contest to November 14! And even better, if we get 75 total contest entries, we will award not just one, but THREE great drivers with a $250 grand prize.  That's $750 in prizes!

If you know a truck driver that deserves some appreciation, now is the time to show them you care. Do you have a relative, friend or family member that is in a truck driving job?  Whether they just finished CDL training or they’ve been driving for 20 years, we want to hear their spectacular story.

Entering the contest is easy. Submit your entry by telling us why you or your favorite trucker deserves to win. Feel free to use testimonials, pictures, poems, or whatever helps you get your story across.  We'll even publish your story on our blog so you can share it with others. Driver Solutions will announce the winner on November 14^th via Facebook, Twitter, and the blog.

There are just 2 weeks left to nominate someone for the contest, so don’t miss out on a great chance to thank your special truck driver!

Nominate your favorite truck driver today!

I nominate myself to win the package, I had to borrow money from my family in order to go to truck driver training school in Little Rock, Arkansas. Needless to say, my family had to make 2 car payments for me. I was so cash strapped that I had to quit smoking while in the school. I've successfully kicked the habit.

The rest of my training with USA truck was pretty difficult for me financially, I had to blow my entire first bonus check just on food. I would have been better prepared if I would have been able to go to the grocery store and by some cheap canned goods. Oh well, now I know the deal, I just need a microwave now so I can eat cheaply enough while I pay my uncle back for the 2 car payments and the 800 dollar cash advance he gave me to survive untill my school started all the way until I got my first paycheck. Now I get to go home and take care of some other little things and buy the trucker road atlas. Im just so cash strapped that any little bit would help. I can make it now, even as broke as I am. I've gotten used to going without for some time now. Miss a meal, no big deal, I've missed many and can miss many more.

Anyways, I did the best I could to finish all training as fast as I could so that I can start earning. Money to pay back all my debts. Im proud of myself and everything I've accomplished. I've learned alot and its been fun.

Your Name: Larry Wardlow
Truck Driver: Larry Wardlow

Hi Larry,

Thanks for shairng your story.  We know it can be hard in today's economy to make it work with so many monthly payments.  We're glad we were able to help you get a new career started as part of the Driver Solutions program so you can begin paying back your debts.

We wish you the best! 

- The Driver Solutions Team

My father has been out of work for two years. Knowing full well that is true for many people out there these days it saddens me how difficult it really is. He was a contractor and when the bubble burst so did our sense of security. My family and I went from doing all right to each of us individually falling below the poverty line in a matter of months. We all have scraped and saved for one another and given whatever we had to whoever needed it most.

While I am proud of us for helping each other, I know it kills me father. He is of the mind a good father takes care of the family and it's his responsibility to support us. Obviously this has been impossible with no income.

A few weeks ago he got wind of a great opportunity and the chance to get a good paycheck in North Dakota. So at 57yrs old he is embarking on a new career as a truck driver. He has left us out here on the west coast and headed to drive all day for 6 weeks before his first break in the frozen Midwest.

We all couldn't be more excited for him but its a very bittersweet moment for my family. Knowing we won't be seeing him until likely Christmas and we won't have the first paycheck until after the first of the year.

This gift would do so much for all of us, and give my wonderful, sweet, strong father an opportunity to have some home while he's away from home.

Thank you, and best wishes to everyone!

Your Name: Kelsey Mabbott
Truck Driver: Dennis Mabbott

Hi Kelsey,

Thank you for nominating Dennis in our Truck Driver Appreciation Contest.  You bring up a great point and it's not uncommon for a someone to start a new career in truck driving later in life.  At Driver Solutions, we see people come through our truck driver training program that are well into their 50s in age.

We wish Dennis and your family the best!

- The Driver Solutions Team

Driving trucks is something I always wanted to do. When I was a kid, I used to help my dad out on the farm an be at awe over the big trucks. Its was from then on I have always been fasinated by them.

When I was 12 yrs old, my dad passed away from a job accident and I was devistated. After I had gotten married I was laid off from a furniture retailer after being with that company for ten years. My wonderful wife told me 'You always talk about it, do it baby'. So I made the call to Drivers Solutions an went to trucking school in indianapolis, IN. A year has passed an I still enjoy every bit of my career, I'm with USA Truck and I'm about to enter there Driver Trainer program. Dreams do come true and if my dad was here, he would be so proud of my accomplishment.

Your Name: Timothy Seay
Truck Driver: Timothy Seay

Careers in trucking go beyond the driver’s seat.

Trucking jobs provide drivers with new responsibilities and can open the door to a lifetime of employment opportunities. Deciding to pursue a trucking career can be a life changing decision, and sometimes it can be fun and comforting to look at familiar stories for inspiration and advice.

Most families are familiar with Dr. Seuss, who wrote stories like The Cat in the Hat and How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Dr. Seuss has traditionally been most popular with younger children due to his catchy rhymes and the unique drawings in his stories, but if you look deeper into his book Oh, The Places You’ll Go!,  you’ll see that it’s easy for truck drivers to identify with the characters as well. The storyline of Oh, The Places You’ll Go! covers the journey through life and its many challenges, which new truck drivers can easily relate to.

Here are a few lines and sections from Oh, The Places You’ll Go! that apply to trucking:

"Oh! The places you'll go! You'll be on your way up! You'll be seeing great sights! You'll join the high fliers who soar to high heights."

Most entry level drivers begin in an over-the-road position. As an over-the-road driver, you will travel to different places every day, going anywhere and everywhere your truckload carrier needs you to.  This often means being out on the road for 2-3 weeks at a time before heading back home for a few days. During the first year of truck driving, you'll see countless great sights, learn a lot about the trucking industry, and refine your driving knowledge.

“I’m sorry to say so but, sadly, it’s true that Bang-ups and Hang-ups can happen to you.”

As a new truck driver, you will face many challenges and be forced to make some hard decisions. The first year of your trucking career can be quite intimidating if you do not have experience, and as with any career, you will have good and bad days. You will probably get stuck in traffic a lot, drive in bad weather, and face many other unexpected delays.

"Whether you like it or not, Alone will be something you'll be quite a lot. And when you're alone, theres a very good chance you'll meet things that scare you right out of your pants. There are some, down the road between hither and yon, that can scare you so much you won't want to go on."

The lifestyle of a truck driver can be a big adjustment. You must be comfortable being behind the wheel of a truck for extended periods of time and must be able to make the adjustment of being alone and away from family members. But being alone doesnt have to mean being lonely. To decrease the feelings of isolation, make sure to talk to family members and friends on the phone, take advantage of connecting with others online, and socialize with other truck drivers on your breaks.

"And will you succeed? Yes! You will, indeed! (98 nad 3/4 perfect guaranteed.)"

Truck driving is a great career choice to make, and success in the field is attainable no matter what the challenge. Even though there are ups and downs, there can be great rewards to those who stick with it. The trucking industry has great job stability, and in the first year of driving you could make up to $40,000. Plus with advancement and bonus opportunities available, you can make even more as you continue your career.

It's common to get frustrated during the first few months of starting a big adventure like truck driving, but keeping a positive attitude, having a good support system, and tapping into all of your learning resources will help you perservere.

"You can steer yourself in any direction you choose..."

Are you ready to make a career change and conquer the challenges of truck driving? Let Drivers Solutions help you get on the road to success. Just complete the online application to get started.

**Dr. Seuss image from: Seussville.com

My father is the ultimate trucker - a living legend in my town.  He goes by the hand of "long legs". He has been a trucking icon for years week in and week out getting most loads as well as being a safe driver. He never asked for much. The only this he asks for is a reliable truck so he can do he can do what he loves. I think he deserves this because he is one of the very few people that have positive things to say about trucking even in time of economic crisis and is a inspiration and a great example when it come to hard work dedication and doing what you love.

Your Name: Prentis Martin
Truck Driver: Johnnie Martin

Several big reasons that many people decide to pursue entry level truck driving jobs include the ability to travel, great job stability, and the possibilty to earn between $35,000 and $40,000 in the first year. But actually finding a job can be frustrating if you don't know where to start. The key to finding an entry level truck driving job and starting your career on the right foot is to choose the best truck driver training program.

Before you jump into any commitments, you need to decide if you are ready for an entry level trucking job, and should ask yourself several questions:

• Do you meet the Department of Transportation’s minimum qualifications and medical requirements?
• Will you be able to control one of the most powerful machines on the road?
• Are you willing to travel for several weeks at a time as an over-the-road driver?
• Can you adjust to the truck driver lifestyle?
• Are you willing to spend 3 weeks at CDL school to get the specialized training you need?

If you answered yes to all of these questions, you may be ready to start your truck driving career. But now you may be wondering, where can you find the CDL training you need AND job opportunities?

At Driver Solutions, we work with a network of the top trucking schools and trucking companies to offer great CDL training and help students start their careers succesfully.  Through our company paid CDL training program, we will work with you to get the best CDL training possible. Best of all, Driver Solutions qualifies you for a job opportunity BEFORE you begin CDL training. Driver Solutions reviews your information, qualifies your application, and makes sure that you’re qualified for an entry level trucking job all BEFORE you begin truck driving school.

When you complete your truck driver training in as little as 3 weeks, you will be qualified to earn your CDL license. You'll be on the road in no time!

Let Driver Solutions take the stress out of finding an entry level driving job. Complete our online application to schedule a time to speak with a Driver Agent about your options for getting started. 

At some point during truck driving school, you're going to be faced with mastering the pre-trip inspection in order to get your CDL.  This is a very important piece to training and is something that has been known to create a setback for some students.

With over 100 items to remember, it's no wonder it takes some truck driver training students awhile to become confident in their abilities to complete a pre-trip inspection properly.

So, how do you master this important part of CDL training? 

In addition to using pre-trip inspection videos and pre-trip cheat sheets, students form groups to learn this together.  Driver Solutions asked some of our Facebook fans (a group that includes past graduates and other truck drivers) to share their top tips. 

Let's check em out below (note: spelling is corrected in some entries):

• Practice for the real world. Always check that nobody pulled your 5th wheel while your sleeping and always check the trailer axles that they're locked, especially if you have auto-slide. - Adrian Hoesli
  
  
• Study it in sections. Not all at once. And you cant study it enough. Thats alot to learn in a short time. - Richie Gray
  
  
• Acronyms helped me the most - WACOFOE, PASS, SSS, ABCDEFU, and MARKS PJ GAP, the rest I broke down in sections and practiced on our pretrip truck. - Steven McGraw
  
  
• I agree. The acronyms are the best way to go but also make sure you look at the photo pages and know where the parts your talking about are located at. The state instructor failed someone for not knowing where a part was at. - Doug Shaffer
  
  
• Study with a group of 3 or 4. practice with your group every day. why?.. your group can help you if your struggling and in return you help them. My group passed pti easily because we practiced as a team. - Rodney Chalfont
  
  
• Repetition. Get a small group and start from the beginning. If you forget in the middle have someone there to coach and hint. Then, start back from the beginning. Eventually it'll be stuck in there. Took myself and two others a week to have it down. That was only two hours every evening. Grab a flashlight and let your future be your motivation. - Joe Moore
  
  
• Make a game out of it with a small group at the hotel. - Clay Williams
  

Do you have any tips for mastering the pre-trip inspection?  If so, share them in the comments section below!

Hi Tracy,

Driver Solutions would like to thank you for this entry in our Truck Driver Appreciation Contest.  We're glad your husband was able to get a career going as a truck driver.  When know the time away from home isn't always easy, but it sounds like he has plenty of people that care and support him.  We wish you and your family the best.
- The Driver Solutions Team

My husband lost his job after 19 long dedicated years at a paper mill. He always talked about becoming a truck driver but never wanted to leave his family. Now his boys are 18 and 15, the oldest, Corey is leaving for the Air Force and Kyle still in school, he has pursued his dream but with big consequences, he is missing all of Kyle's football, basketball and baseball games.

He has always said he would do anything for his family and he misses us so much out on the open road, he is a wonderful husband and a great father, he is a man that would give you the shirt off his back if you asked him. His uncle was told that he has 6-12 months to live, he has terminal lung cancer, John is very close to him, he lives down the street from us, it is very difficult for him to be gone and not be able to see his uncle George during his dying months. I am holding this family together the best way I can, but I know John is doing his part out there and I know he is thinking about us always.

Your Name: Tracy Walczak
Truck Driver: John Walczak