I did the ‘Z’ endorsement at DC at the end of February and began the in-class ‘A’ training March 9 - both well done and both done with Mike.
Though the circumstances were less than favourable when Covid hit, I can’t complain about the way it was handled. The instructors, especially Mike worked hard during this time with what they had to bring everything together and finish anything online that we didn’t finish in the classroom.
We began driving lessons again at the beginning of August when the instructors were given the go-ahead. A lot of equipment in male dominant industries is made for the big boys. As a smaller female(5’4), I drove all of the trucks and found that I fit best and was most comfortable in two out of four trucks, so there are options if you’re smaller - male or female.
I didn’t have any trucking experience, had never driven a manual transmission in my life and drive a little Chevy Spark, so believe me when I say that there is a huge difference between the first and last lesson if you follow instructions, work hard for it and if it’s for you.
The instructors are awesome! I was definitely pushed to do more than I thought I could at times, especially in the beginning. They all are very supportive and each had different things to offer to the training.
Kevin taught me to be the most thorough in PTI for a safer road and explains in detail why you’re doing what you’re doing in any given task. He also effortlessly put me the most at ease during lessons behind the wheel, which allows for a better performance. Glen quizzed me more early on in PTI, which forced me to retain more of what I was being taught, making my PTI more efficient. In lessons, he gave me pointers to make my shifting smoother and more efficient and to be more aware of my surroundings. Adam taught me more often in the beginning lessons, pushing me, but also allowing me to be where I needed at times. He also put me most at ease for my road test. He was basically the foundation for my training and a staple throughout. He helped me drastically improve my 90 degree backing technique each backing lesson and challenged me to try “blindside” backing as well.
If you’re looking for the best place to get your AZ license, this is the place.