Question:
Hello to my future trucker friends,starting with Swift Transportation on 10-19-04.Just like to know if anyone have firsthand experince on there road test particularly if you'll be drilled very hard about pre-trip inspection and is road test a long one.Thanks a lot.Keep it between the lines truckers.

Answer:
Don't know much about Swift, but normally the pre-trip inspection that they watch you do, should be a thorough one. Check everything, but don't take too long.
The actual road test should last about 30-45 minutes at the most.

Answer:
How long and how involved your road test will be will depend on a few factors:
1. Are you a new or experienced driver
2. How many there are with your skill level in your orientation group
3. Who exactly is doing the road test and what kind of mood they are in.
If you are an inexperienced driver most likely all they will be looking for is basic competency and to see how safety minded you are. As long as you do not hit anything or scare the tester too bad you will pass. Then when you upgrade to solo driver and take a 2nd road test you will be graded on a higher curve.
The initial road test is usualy only 1-2 miles of driving. A "once around the block" thing and if you are the last to test you may have to park the trailer (ie back)
The 2nd road test is about a 3-5 mile affair and may involve more turns and such.
The examiner may ask you some questions about the PTI but you probably will not be expected to demonstrate a full one since you are likely to have anywhere from 10-20 in your class (or more).
Answer:
Thanks a lot Hoss and uturn2001 for responding to my post.I have very limited experience in the industry.Last time i drove was 9/02.I love trucks very much,i could not stay away from the industry.I will be brief as Hoss mentioned to me about pre-trip inspection of truck and be ready to explain what i'm inspecting at the time should in case examiner asks a question.As what uturn2001 mentioned,i will do my darndest not to hit any curves while i'm operating and be alert.If i'm either the first or last person,i'll make sure i listen carefully to what the trainer wants me to do and respond accordingly.Thank you gentlemen for your responses once again.Will keep you posted on results.

Answer:

Careful on the gentleman thing.....Heads are swollen as is
Answer:
What U-Turn said. On my upgrade road test, I got the impression that the examiner really only wanted to hear enough of a pre-trip to be satisfied that I knew what I was doing.
Answer:
When I took my road test with Swift it lasted about 20 minutes. Got in day cab with trailer all ready hooked and pulled out of yard. Left turns, right turns, stops and double clutch the gears. Use turn indicators. This is what this guy was looking for. Don't float the gears. Save it for your truck. Backed into hole and was done. Not one question about pti.
driverJ- What was your test like?? And how is your shoulder doing??
Codger"Stop holding me back. I'm going to clown college." Homer Simpson