A Newfoundland truck driving school takes students along the paths of safety and patience as they prepare for a career behind the wheel. And this is achieved through many hours of training – 390 hours to be precise.

Keith Parsons has been training drivers at Canadian Training Institute (CTI) in Bay Roberts since 1992. He said a driver’s focus should be on safety and control in all situations, including snow, fog, rain, at night, or while stuck in traffic.

“Never be in a rush. Be quick to listen, be slow to speak. And be very, very slow to anger,” he said.

The training seems to be working. Student Jaden Petten said the thing he’s learned during his three weeks at CTI is being patient. “Do one thing at a time,” he said.

Parsons noted a cool demeanor is especially important when people cut you off in traffic.

“You have five primary controls – a steering wheel, gear shift, clutch, brakes and the accelerator – to drive a truck. If you can’t control yourself, if you are combative on the road, you are an accident waiting to happen,” he added.

Getting ready for the job market

Luanne Dominix, CTI’s assistant director, said besides earning a licence, the goal is to get students ready for the job market.

The facility is one of three schools that offer mandatory entry-level training (MELT) on the island. The mandated training is 112.5 hours in length, including air brakes training. This equates to approximately six weeks of training.

“The MELT hours are not enough. They would be adequate for someone who has had experience in the field,” Dominix said.

CTI trains students on trucks with manual transmissions. The course spans 13 weeks and includes in-class training, and 50 hours of driving on the road. Students also learn backing, coupling, uncoupling, pre-trip inspection and load securement in the yard.

Besides training on the truck, the school pays attention to soft skills like resume writing and financial management.

“You have to work hard during this program. A former pilot who went through it said it was a tough course. You must be dedicated,” Dominix said.

The last resort

Luanne’s dad Art Dominix, CTI’s director, said it is difficult to find good trainers. “A good trainer must know how to correct students’ mistakes and guide them to success. They must also be able to deal with a multitude of personalities,” he said.

He noted that some students have learning disabilities and sometimes CTI is their last resort to finding well-paid employment.

Luanne said it is incredibly rewarding to work with someone to help achieve their goals. “They roll in with their truck and blow the horn. They show us their ride, what they did and where they are going. It is amazing.”