Luckily, we are here to help you out. In this article, we aim to simplify the selection process by highlighting key factors that you should consider when selecting a commercial truck driving school.

Here’s what you need to do in order to find the best commercial truck driving school in Calgary for you:

1. Research

Begin by thoroughly researching different commercial truck driving schools in your area. Look for schools with strong reputations, high pass rates, and positive reviews from former students.

Consider factors such as the school’s history, the qualifications of its instructors, and the types of vehicles used for training. Researching multiple schools will help you make an informed decision and find the best fit for your needs.

2. Visit the School

Schedule a visit to the schools you are considering. During your visit, pay attention to the school’s facilities, equipment, and overall learning environment. Meet with instructors and staff to get a sense of their experience and dedication to student success.

A personal visit will give you valuable insights into the school’s culture and whether it aligns with your learning preferences.

3. Check Accreditation

Ensure that the school is accredited by a recognized accrediting body. Accreditation demonstrates that the school meets certain standards of quality and integrity.

It also ensures that your training will be recognized by employers and government agencies. Checking accreditation is essential to ensuring that you receive a reputable education that meets industry standards.

4. Compare Costs

Compare the costs of different schools, taking into account tuition fees, additional fees, and any financial aid options that may be available.

Consider the value of the education you will receive, rather than just the cost. A higher tuition fee may be justified if it includes additional benefits such as job placement assistance or advanced training programs. Comparing costs will help you find a school that offers the best value for your investment.

5. Read Reviews

Before making a final decision, read reviews from past students about their experiences with the school. Look for reviews that provide detailed, specific feedback about the quality of the training, the professionalism of the instructors, and the overall learning environment. Reading reviews will give you a well-rounded perspective on the school and help you make an informed decision.

These steps will help you find the best commercial truck driving school for your needs, ensuring that you receive a high-quality education that prepares you for a successful career in trucking.

The post Finding The Best Commercial Truck Driving School – 5 Things To Do appeared first on Fastrack Driving.

But for more help & better understandability, we are here with this blog where you will get to explore the list of reasons why the physical ability test is important for truckers if they are entering or starting their career in the trucking industry.

So, let’s review this post for better help as well as understandability:

Helps in Ensuring Driver Safety

The physical ability test helps ensure that truck drivers are physically capable of handling the demands of their jobs. It assesses their strength, flexibility, coordination, and overall fitness, reducing the risk of accidents caused by physical limitations.

Test Reduces the Risk of Musculoskeletal Injuries

Truckers are susceptible to musculoskeletal injuries due to the physical nature of their work, such as loading and unloading cargo. The physical ability test evaluates a driver’s strength and flexibility, ensuring they can safely perform these tasks without risking injury to themselves or others.

Actively Help in Promoting Overall Health & Well-being

The physical ability test encourages truckers to prioritize their health and fitness. By requiring regular physical assessments, trucking companies promote a culture of wellness among their drivers, leading to improved overall health and well-being.

Compliance with Regulatory Requirements

In many jurisdictions, physical ability tests are mandatory for commercial truck drivers. These tests ensure that drivers meet the physical requirements set by regulatory bodies, ensuring compliance with legal obligations.

Enhancing Job Performance

Physical fitness is closely linked to job performance. A physically fit truck driver is more likely to handle the physical demands of the job efficiently, leading to improved productivity and performance.

Minimizing Workers’ Compensation Claims

By ensuring that truckers are physically capable of performing their duties, physical ability tests help reduce the risk of workplace injuries. This, in turn, minimizes workers’ compensation claims and associated costs for both the trucking company and the driver.

Identifying Health Issues

Physical ability tests often include medical screenings that can help identify underlying health issues. Early detection of conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or heart problems allows for timely intervention and appropriate medical treatment.

Promoting a Positive Safety Culture

By prioritizing physical fitness and conducting regular physical ability tests, trucking companies foster a positive safety culture. This sends a clear message to drivers that their well-being and the safety of others on the road are paramount.

Enhancing Public Perception

Physical ability tests contribute to improving the public perception of the trucking industry. By ensuring that drivers are physically fit and capable, these tests help build trust and confidence in the professionalism and safety of truckers.

Bottom Line

The information above conveys to everyone the impression that, with the right training from the top commercial driving school in Calgary, such as Fastrack Driving Academy, they can drive commercial vehicles on the road without any issues.

They will then have the opportunity to ask them all of these and other driving-related questions at their convenience to become better drivers and travel the roads safely and hassle-free.

The post Reasons Why Physical Ability Test is Important For Truckers appeared first on Fastrack Driving.

They are unaware of this fact and to let them know about that we came up with this blog. Through this truckers will get to know about commercial driving school tips for them to stay active.

1. Should Try Stretching Exercises

Before hitting the road, truckers should perform stretching exercises to warm up their muscles and improve flexibility. Simple stretches like neck rotations, shoulder rolls, and leg stretches can help prevent stiffness and promote blood circulation.

2. Take Regular Breaks

Make it a habit to take regular breaks during long drives. Use these breaks to stretch your legs, walk around, and do some light exercises. Even a short walk or a few minutes of stretching can help alleviate muscle tension and improve circulation.

3. Utilize Rest Stops

When stopping at rest stops, take advantage of the available facilities. Many rest stops have designated areas for exercise, such as walking trails or fitness stations. Use these amenities to engage in activities like walking, jogging, or bodyweight exercises.

4. Carry Exercise Equipment

Consider carrying portable exercise equipment, such as resistance bands or small weights, in your truck. These compact tools can be used during breaks or rest stops to perform strength training exercises and maintain muscle tone.

5. Stay Hydrated

Proper hydration suggested by the professional truck driving school in Calgary is essential for overall health and maintaining energy levels. Keep a water bottle within reach and drink water regularly throughout the day. Staying hydrated can help prevent fatigue and keep you alert during long drives.

6. Improvise the Intake of Healthy snacks

Bring along wholesome snacks like granola bars, apples, and almonds to help you stay away from junk food and fast food. These wholesome snacks help reduce cravings for high-calorie or sugary foods and offer prolonged energy.

7. Should Practice Mindful Eating

Choose balanced meals and pay attention to portion sizes as part of your mindful eating practice. Choose entire grains, lots of fruits and vegetables, and lean proteins. Steer clear of processed foods and sugary drinks in excess.

8. Use Technology

Take advantage of fitness apps or wearable devices to track your activity levels and set goals as per the recommendation given to them by the instructors of truck driver school in Calgary. These tools can provide motivation and help you stay accountable for your exercise routine.

9. Prioritize Sleep

Adequate sleep is crucial for overall well-being and maintaining energy levels. Establish a regular sleep schedule and create a comfortable sleeping environment in your truck. So, to make their health feel better they should at least take 7-8 hours of quality sleep each night.

In Summary

Staying active as a trucker is essential for maintaining physical and mental well-being. By incorporating these tips suggested by a commercial truck driving school in Calgary like Fastrack Driving Academy into your routine, you can prioritize your health and make exercise a part of your daily life. Remember, even small steps toward staying active can have a significant impact on your overall fitness and longevity in the trucking industry.

Stay committed, stay active, and enjoy a healthier and more fulfilling trucking career.

The post Commercial Driving Schools Tips for Truckers to Stay Active appeared first on Fastrack Driving.

This is the time when people decide to enroll in the commercial truck driving school in Calgary and learn expert tips to survive their crucial first year of truck driving.

So, to help navigate this critical period successfully, we’ve compiled a list of expert tips to guide everyone through the first year of truck driving.

1. Invest in Quality Training

Before hitting the road, invest time and effort in a comprehensive truck driving training program. A solid foundation of skills and knowledge will not only enhance truckers’ driving abilities but also boost their confidence on the road.
For this, they should seek out reputable commercial truck driving school in Calgary like Fastrack Driving Academy that align with industry standards.

2. Prioritize Safety

Safety should always be the top priority for any truck driver, especially those in their first year. Develop a safety-first mindset, adhere to traffic rules, and maintain a safe following distance. Regularly inspect their truck and ensure all safety equipment is in working order. Remember, safe driving not only protects them but also for those sharing the road with truckers.

3. Effective Time Management

Time management is crucial in the trucking industry. Plan the routes efficiently, account for potential delays, and prioritize rest breaks. Establishing a consistent schedule will help them meet delivery deadlines without sacrificing their well-being. Use technology, such as GPS and route optimization apps, to streamline the planning process.

4. Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle

Truck driving can be physically demanding, with long hours on the road and limited opportunities for exercise. However, prioritizing a healthy lifestyle is essential. So, truck haulers should remember that they should stay hydrated, choose nutritious meals, and incorporate simple exercises into their routine to promote physical well-being. A healthy driver is a focused and alert driver.

5. Stay Connected

Truck driving can be isolating, but staying connected with family, friends, and fellow truckers is crucial for mental and emotional well-being. Embrace technology to communicate regularly, and consider joining online communities or forums where truck haulers can share experiences and gain valuable insights from seasoned professionals.

6. Adaptability is Key

The trucking industry is dynamic, and situations on the road can change rapidly. Cultivate adaptability as a key skill. Be prepared for unexpected weather conditions, traffic jams, and mechanical issues. Develop the ability to assess and respond to challenges calmly and efficiently.

7. Continuous Learning

The learning process doesn’t end after obtaining the CDL. So, to get safe during the drive in the first year on the roads truckers should stay informed about industry updates, regulations, and new technologies.

For this, they can even attend workshops, webinars, and industry events to enhance their knowledge and stay ahead of the curve. Other than this, truckers should remember that continuous learning is a cornerstone of a successful trucking career.

8. Master Efficient Pre-Trip Inspection

Before hitting the road, truckers should even master the art of a thorough pre-trip inspection. This inspection makes every trucker familiar with every aspect of their truck, from tires and brakes to lights and fluids. A comprehensive pre-trip inspection not only ensures safety and compliance but also helps prevent breakdowns and delays during the whole journey.

9. Be Mindful of Hours of Service Regulations

Adhering to Hours of Service (HOS) regulations is not just a legal requirement; it’s crucial for the safety and the safety of others on the road. So, truckers should get familiar with these regulations and plan their routes accordingly to ensure they get adequate rest.

Conclusion

The information gives this idea that if truckers get the training from the best commercial truck driving school in Calgary like ours then they don’t have to worry about any of their year while driving on roads.

The post Expert Tips to Survive the First Year of Truck Driving appeared first on Fastrack Driving.

Within this industry, truckers are the backbone, because they ensure that products reach their destinations in a timely and efficient. With that, one peculiar piece of advice that experts often give to truckers is to use flickering lights while driving on roads during their training at commercial truck driving school in Calgary.

This may seem counterintuitive initially, but as we delve into the reasons behind this recommendation, it becomes clear that there is a method to the madness.

So, to know about that in detail let’s have a look at the reason why experts recommend using flickering lights through this blog:

1. Helps in Reducing the Accidents Occur on Blind Spots

Trucks, by their nature, have larger blind spots compared to smaller vehicles. Flickering lights, when strategically used, can help mitigate this issue.

By catching the eye of drivers in adjacent lanes, truckers can reduce the likelihood of being in someone else’s blind spot, ultimately contributing to safer highway driving. With this, truckers and others get the ease that they will not fall into unwanted situations.

2. Act as a Good Communication Tool

Flickering lights can serve as a communication tool on the road. Truckers often use their lights to convey messages to other drivers. For instance, a series of quick flickers might signal that it’s safe for a vehicle to merge in front of the truck.

This non-verbal communication helps in fostering better understanding and cooperation among drivers, leading to a more harmonious flow of traffic.

So, truckers during their training sessions should know well about this language and try to use flickering lights from the start to not fall into this kind of problem.

3. Helps in Adapting to Better Driving Conditions

Different driving conditions require different visibility strategies. Flickering lights can be particularly effective in foggy or rainy conditions, where a steady beam of light might get diffused. This intermittent nature makes this very important for truckers to know about flickering lights and avoid falling into bad driving situations.

4. To Manage the Nighttime Driving Challenges

This truckers know really well that nighttime driving poses its own set of challenges, and reduced visibility becomes a significant concern. Flickering lights can act as a beacon in the darkness, guiding other drivers and alerting them to the presence of the truck. So, truckers should learn about this during training and be a better professional to drive freely on the roads.

5. Will Get to Manage Fatigue Situations in a Better Way

Another problem truckers face is that they often face long hours on the road, which leads them to get fatigued quickly. To resolve this problem, flickering lights help combat drowsiness in two ways. 

• Firstly, the dynamic nature of flickering lights can keep the trucker more engaged, reducing the risk of monotony-induced fatigue. 
• Secondly, the noticeable lights can attract the attention of other drivers, providing an additional layer of safety in case the trucker’s alertness is compromised.

6. Helps Truckers in Enhancing their Road Visibility

The reason that experts advise truckers is that they should use flickering lights to enhance their visibility on the roads. The sheer size of trucks can make them challenging to notice, especially in adverse weather conditions or low-light situations. 

At that time, flickering lights can attract more attention from other drivers, making it easier for them to spot the truck on the road and drive conveniently without getting into any trouble or accident.

Final Words

These interesting reasons give this idea to truckers that if they keep the advice of professionals in their mind during the training time at commercial truck driving school in Calgary, then they will be able to know the importance of flickering lights. 

So, if you feel like knowing more about the importance of flickering lights and want to be better in driving then you should get in touch with Fastrack Driving Academy right away.

The post Why Experts Advice Truckers to Use Flickering Lights While Driving? appeared first on Fastrack Driving.

But why this one and what are the benefits of learning from a driving academy? To help you understand, we will be discussing the various aspects of commercial driving that are taught at a commercial driving academy in this article. 

From federal regulations and laws to hands-on training in the operation and maintenance of commercial vehicles, students at these academies are provided with the knowledge and skills needed to safely and effectively operate large vehicles on the road, we will be covering almost every single aspect so you can properly know what you can learn from a driving academy. 

Here are all the things that you will be learning from a driving academy: 

Federal Regulations And Laws

Students are taught about the federal regulations and laws that pertain to commercial driving, such as hours of service, weight and size limits, and vehicle maintenance requirements. This includes knowledge of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and the Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations.

Hands-on Training 

Students receive hands-on training in the operation of the specific type of commercial vehicle they will be driving, such as tractor-trailers, buses, and tanker trucks. This includes instruction on how to safely and efficiently operate the vehicle, including backing up, turning, and navigating through tight spaces.

Defensive Driving Techniques

Students learn defensive driving techniques to help them anticipate and respond to potential hazards on the road, such as sudden stops or lane changes by other vehicles so they can avoid mishappenings. 

Map Reading And Trip Planning

Students will also learn how to read maps and plan efficient routes for the trips that they would be going on while taking into account factors such as traffic, weather, and road conditions along with many more things.

Vehicle Inspection And Maintenance

Students learn how to properly inspect and maintain their commercial vehicles, including performing pre-trip inspections, checking fluid levels, and identifying potential mechanical issues.

Summary – What Can You Learn From A Driving Academy?

In short, a commercial driving academy is a place that provides training for individuals that are looking to become professional commercial drivers. The curriculum includes instruction on federal regulations and laws, hands-on training in the operation of specific types of commercial vehicles, defensive driving techniques, map reading, trip planning, vehicle inspection and maintenance, and obtaining a commercial driver’s license. The students are also required to pass a physical examination and drug test before beginning the training. Upon completion of the program, graduates will have the knowledge and skills needed to safely and effectively operate commercial vehicles on the road.

The post What Can You Learn From A Driving Academy? appeared first on Fastrack Driving.

1. DRIVE DEFENSIVELY

Truck drivers are encouraged to practice defensive driving, which involves being constantly alert for possible dangers and changes in traffic or road conditions. Drivers are urged to lower their risk of collisions and injuries by anticipating potentially hazardous circumstances and making wise choices when operating a motor vehicle. Drivers who practice defensive driving are less likely to get in collisions, which means you don’t have to worry as much about exorbitant repair costs, claim settlements, and rising insurance rates.

2. ESTABLISH A PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE

Your drivers’ safety is largely dependent on the safety of the vehicles they are operating. Without routine maintenance, such as brake pad and oil changes, trucks and tractor trailers are more prone to breakdown on the road. 

Make sure your vehicles are in excellent condition so that drivers may prevent breakdowns on their routes by doing proactive repairs and routine maintenance.

3. PRE-TRIP AND POST-TRIP INSPECTIONS SHOULD BE COMPREHENSIVE

Increasing driver safety via maintenance goes hand in hand with employing rigorous vehicle inspections to make sure all trucks are secure before drivers take to the road. The DOT mandates pre- and post-trip inspections, but not just any inspection will do. Use technologies that guarantee all inspections are complete and correctly documented to safeguard the safety of your drivers.

4. SET UP TOOLS TO REACT TO ALTERATIONS IN THE STATE OF THE ROADS

Road conditions may be unexpected, particularly for long-distance drivers who put in long hours and travel across several states or regions. Traffic and bad weather are the two factors that are most likely to affect the safety of drivers on the road. Vehicles continually stop and start in bumper-to-bumper traffic, which raises the risk of accidents. Additionally, inclement weather, such as snow, ice, hail, or rain, can impair a driver’s sight or make the roadways slick, all of which increase the likelihood of an accident.

5. DASH CAMS CAN BE USED FOR COACHING AND REWARDS PROGRAMS

Incentives and rewards for drivers who exhibit safe driving behaviors and practices are crucial components of creating a culture that puts safety first. Building up coaching and reward programs is one of the simplest methods to guarantee safety in your fleet. You may utilize actual film to demonstrate drivers how to increase their road safety by deploying dash cameras to your fleet.

If you think this article help you in some way or the other, let us tell you that there’s lot more to learn and explore in the field of trucking that only a decent commercial truck driving school in Calgary can teach you about. So, why wait? For a brilliant coaching like this, enroll at Fastrack commercial driving academy®, Calgary.

The post Keeping Truck Drivers Safe: 5 Essential Tips appeared first on Fastrack Driving.