Embarking on a new career path is always a mix of excitement and nervousness. For me, that path led to the Swift Transportation driving academy in Columbus, Ohio. After contemplating a career change into the transportation industry, Swift’s Columbus location seemed like a solid starting point. This week marked my first foray into the world of professional driving, and it’s been a whirlwind of information, new faces, and initial assessments.
One of the first hurdles was the permit test. Despite feeling well-prepared using resources like the High Road training program, there were a few curveball questions, likely specific to Ohio regulations. However, I’m pleased to say I passed on the first attempt. I even tacked on the air brakes and combination vehicles sections, passing both flawlessly, along with the tanker endorsement – in Ohio, there’s no penalty for attempting and not succeeding in an endorsement test, so why not try? I also took a shot at the Hazmat test, knowing I wasn’t fully ready, and as expected, didn’t pass. But again, it was a no-risk attempt to gauge where I stand.
The Swift academy itself is a decent facility with knowledgeable instructors. However, it’s clear that the Columbus location is experiencing some growing pains. It seems recruitment is outpacing the academy’s capacity, unlike larger facilities in Memphis or Phoenix. This has led to packed classrooms and instructors working incredibly hard to keep up with the demand. What’s been surprising is the number of students who have already dropped out. Incredibly, some left upon learning about the mandatory drug test – a requirement that seems like it should be obvious from the outset of pursuing a professional driving career.
This initial week has been heavily focused on classroom learning. Due to the high student volume, there’s been a significant amount of self-study involved. We’re assigned readings and materials, while instructors manage administrative tasks and student support. While most students are engaged, some chatter amongst themselves, making focused study challenging at times. However, overall the learning environment has been manageable. Today was a highlight – our first trip to the driving range. It was primarily for observation, watching pre-trip inspections and students practicing maneuvers we’ll be learning next week. This practical exposure was invaluable. Seeing the trucks up close and witnessing the procedures firsthand solidified much of the classroom learning and has boosted my understanding and anticipation for hands-on training.
Student attrition has continued beyond the initial drug test revelation. Several individuals left mid-week, seemingly due to classes running slightly over schedule. One student in particular voiced constant complaints about timing, eventually leaving. Another departed today, citing dissatisfaction with an instructor’s guidance. While I can’t speak to the specifics of his situation, his general negativity throughout the week made me question his claims. He was in a class ahead of mine, so my interactions were limited, but others from his class shared similar sentiments about his attitude. Thankfully, the majority of my classmates maintain a positive outlook, even if some are a bit talkative during study times.
My initial nervousness from a couple of weeks ago has largely dissipated. I’m feeling much more comfortable and genuinely excited about progressing through the program. I’m particularly eager for next week when we begin practical range exercises. I understand there’s a steep learning curve just to pass the state exams, not to mention becoming a proficient driver. Personally, I would have preferred training and testing on automatic transmissions as that aligns more with my future driving preferences. However, I recognize the value of learning to operate a manual transmission as a versatile skill to possess.
Looking ahead, I plan to provide more frequent updates as the training intensifies and becomes more hands-on. The coming weeks promise to be significantly more engaging as we move from classroom theory to practical application on the range and eventually on the road.
