I'm a 23 year old woman and choose CRST as the trucking school to go to. I had wanted to start with Schneider but they don't have their own training facility. I'll be going to their school in IA next week. I've never used a stick shift vehicle before or had the opportunity to learn; I am curious as to how difficult it is to shift with a big rig and if there are any tips you might have for me? Also, what should I focus on most while going through the school and if you have any tips there as well?

My uncle currently drives for penske and my father drove for P.A.M. and I just love driving and being on the road so this seemed the perfect job choice for myself.

You will be better off not having bad habits from sloppy auto shifting to break.

Pay attention to your Instructors, mouth shut, ears open, and like everything else in life, fact check things you hear.

Talk is cheap, and driver trainers have a habit of talking...

Best to not expose any BS you discover, just get your qualification and get a job.

My wife and I both knew how to drive shifts before we started cdl training. I believe that it actually hurt us in the long run. Observe the instructor when they instruct other students. Unlike LBF I say to ask questions after listening to what is said. Don't be afraid to ask for more time.

Thanks. : ) Thats what everyone has been telling me, I got in Sunday and am already picking up on a lot of things and talked for a while with an older guy who's already done the training. I'm trying to talk to as many people as I can during my studying to see what I can expect and if I have any questions. And of course I'll use this site as well to help me along. : )

how is the room situation, is it ok, do you have your own or bunking

wow I really feel sorry for you! CRST is the worse company only one as bad is SWIFT!!! You should have gone with Gordon Trucking Industry anywhere except CRST they have an horrible rate for women being sexually abused while working for them!!! Please be very careful!!! I tried working there it's not a good company and their equipment stinks!!!

My advice is to anyone coming into CDL training is if you want to get it done in the time allotted, you need to take it seriously. That starts from the first test they give you in the class room. You have to get an 80 percent or higher, or else it may take you longer before you can get behind the wheel.

If not CRST then where? I have spoken to CRST, Driver Solutions (C1 Trucking School), and CR England but not sure which one should do. I keep reading over all the paperwork they give me and it is either an 8 month or 1 year contract.

I've never driven for either one so my advice is worth what you paid for it NOTHING!
I've heard (&seen) good and bad RE: CRST
I've NEVER heard any good about CRE! I've heard that CRE has armed security and keep dispatchers locked away from drivers, if true that means alot.
You do understand that by going to a "FREE" company school you will be a company slave for atleast 1 year and will be treated and paid like one. If you choose to quit they will bill you THOUSANDS for the training. Is there any way possible that you could borrow the money and pay your own way?

No offense meant, however shame on your father for not teaching you how to drive a stick shift.. Both my daughters were not allowed to get their license until they had the ability to drive a stick... When they asked me why they needed this skill? My answer was "you never know when you may be on a date with an A-hole who owns a stick shift car and if he tries to take advantage of you out in the middle of no where, I want you to be able to kick him in the nuts and drive his car to escape"...
True Story, to this day both my girls can drive a stick and handle their men....

Timberwolf