Signed up for a 3 day refresher course with Jiffy Truck School, DMV Drive test in 4 weeks.

In a previous post I indicated I was looking for a fast track CDL class with one on one training. After searching for local available training I finally settled on Jiffy Truck Rental/School in Redding Ca. I am scheduled to start training on Sept 21 and will get 17 hrs drive/backing training and 4 hours working on the Pre Trip and Air Brake testing.
I have previous experience as a driver as I had my CDL for about 12 years but let it laps about 30 years ago. Things are much different now and getting a CDL class A is a lot more complicated. I now wish I had never let mine laps but I was young and dumb back then. I am now older and a little wiser but do get overwhelmed with the whole process. I studied for about 2 weeks before taking all my written tests and passed first time so I have my CDL Permit with all endorsements accept Hazmat and School Bus.
Once I signe up with Jiffy they sent me a 17 page Study guide with color pictures going over there exact truck layouts so I can familiarize myself with exactly what to say and point out during my Pre-trip saftey inspection. I will be using only one (the same) truck for my entire training and DMV drive test so it should be a little easier to memorize. Also the Trailer being used for testing will be a 24 or 28ft flat bead so it should be a little easier to see when backing and less blind side issues.
I have no illusions that this training is anything but training to pass the DMV test and I will need to learn a lot more after I get my CDL one again.I was told this training course is pretty much exactly what the new mandatory minimum training course will be when or if the mandated min training rules go into effect that are on hold for now.
I hope to get some free seat time with my brother in law who owns a towing and transport company in Northern Ca. My main purpose for getting my CDL now is so I can drive Water Trucks on Fires and to stay legal when driving a Dodge Dually and a 14k lb Goose Neck trailer for farm work and occasionally transporting cars. I may also do some spot local delivery with a Semi and various trailers. I am semi retired and mostly just work in the family Farm business and occasional local freight delivery.
Anyways I just thought I would journal my experience and get any pointers from fellow truckers .

Dave

 

I agree that if I did not have previous experience driving I would probably have hard time learning everything I need to pass the DMV test. As it is I am studying like crazy for the Pre-Trip inspection and in Cab + Brake tests. I think the driving will take care of its self but I am a little nervous about the backing skills portion though.
I have talked to a few drivers who have gone to Jiffy for Training and most only did a One Day session and did a drive test and failed on there first try but passed on a later date. That is why I went ahead and signed up for 3day course. The folks I talked to failed the Pre-Trip or Brake Test and advised me to really prepare and memorize the whole thing cause its the worst part of the DMV Test.
What was your biggest problems in preparing for your test. Any pointers or was it all just a matter of getting comfortable driving a big rig.\
Dave

 

I am curious You say you got Maybe 25hrs total. Are you saying that In the 3 weeks you spent going to school you only got 25 hrs of drive time or you went part time and that was your total. If my math is correct 3 weeks times 5 8hr days would 120 total hours in 95 of those hours were either watching others or in class no wonder you feel like it should have been 6 weeks.
I am not saying there is not a lot to learn besides the driving part but a lot of the class time could be spent with online classes or studying on your own. Of course you have to be dedicated and many cant or wont put in the time on there own unless forced to by sitting in a class room setting.
I am studying everything I can, going over every detail of the pre-trip and every part of the in cab air brake test portion. I have a DMV test day set for the 23 of Sept. and hope to have it so memorize I have it down pat. I hope the 2 full days of driving/One on One training prior to the DMV test will give me enough of a refresher to pass the driving test. On the morning of my DMV test I was told we will do a full walk around/in cab air beak test and skills test + a short simulated drive test before going and doing it for real at the DMV. In the mean time I just keep studying and going over it all at home.

 

I have been doing much of what you did. Practicing and memorizing every step of the Pre Trip and Air Brake tests. I had no problem getting my permit, I studied for about 10 days and downloaded a few practice apps and went and got my DOT physical. Then you have to wait here in CA. for at least 14 days to get a Drive test Date. With all the Covid 19 stuff going on they were backed up about a month. In the mean time I searched for a School that would work with my One on One so every hour of training is actually focused on me learning and not watching some one else go through the motions. The School I chose said they could probably get me ready in 2 days but I chose to go for 3 days just incase I need a little more seat and practice time.
The one problem I am having studying for the Pre Trip and especially the Air Brake test is I was given a study sheet but some of the steps are not the same when I watch online demonstrations. For one the first item on my study sheet is to do a compressor cut out test but no where do the mention a compressor cut in test ? Also some online examples do the in cab inspection after all air brake test where as my instructions say to do it while waiting for the air pressure to come back up after the Spring Pressure test and before the final service and emergency brake stall test.
I guess I will have to address it all with my instructor when I get there since they should know exactly what the CA. DMV examiners want. It is also not clear if when doing the Pre Trip if you have to do both sides of the truck or just say you check everything the same on the both sides when it comes to tires brakes and suspension items.