I'd like to set the record straight on what will happen on the training bus providing you get through the initial investigation process:
Do's:
On time at your reporting location (20-30 min. before report time)
Sit up close and pay attention
Listen to your instructor
Ask questions if you don't understand something requested of you
Read your training manual every night
Don’ts:
Debate your instructor
Think because you have a CDL you will automatically pass
Be ashamed to resign if you feel the job is not for you
Listen to negative remarks from other students
Be in denial when your instructor documents an unsatisfactory performance
You will be assigned an instructor and a report depot. You will not be placed at a depot near your home intentionally. It's chosen at random and if it ends up that way, good for you.
The first couple of days on the bus you will be observed for any bad habits you may have brought to the training bus. This is the case with students who may have driven a bus or a large vehicle, school bus etc... in the past.
You will also be taught the skills that must be performed satisfactory by the final evaluation done by your instructor. You will be evaluated every day on your performance either Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory on routine items such as:
Air Brake Tests, Mirror Positioning and Use, Right and Left Turns, Highway Driving, Parking, Straight Line Backing, Bus Stops etc... After the first couple of days, you may be taken to Manhattan to see how you perform in the most challenging conditions. You may return the next day to Manhattan in preparation for your final evaluation from your instructor. Heavy-abrupt braking, excessive speed, rubbing or mounting a curb, unable to park, any use of the trolley brake (A brake used by the instructor) by the instructor to avoid contact between another vehicle etc... or prevent you from mounting a curb will result in an automatic failure.
There will be 3 decision days, Day 7, 9 and the final opportunity on Day 10. Do not put pressure on yourself to have to qualify in 7 days. This is a mistake. The extra 2 or 3 days of training either for the Day 9 release or Day 10, might be just what you need. Those who receive an Unsatisfactory on Day 10 will resign or be terminated by Management, period! This is serious and an Instructor wants to see you are capable of operating in passenger service without the instructor being there with you any longer. Should you qualify and get through the training bus, you will be assigned according to seniority a Bus Depot where you will begin to learn the routes with an operator from that depot. Midway through the 4 weeks learning the routes, those who must take a NYSDMV Road Test will do so at this time. Failures to this DMV Road Test could result in your termination. When you successfully qualify from the training bus, you are absolutely ready for your Road Test with DMV.
In closing, you will be the best at what you do, the best! The training department is a proud place and only the best move forward!
Hope this helps.
All the best!