160 Driving Academy of Salt Lake City - Bountiful, Utah

M. A. P.

Would strongly urge potential drivers to seek training elsewhere as this is quite possibly the worst program available.

What is supposed to only be a 4-week program takes as long as two months to complete, with some students saying they were there for multiple weeks without a single day of training from the instructors. Students are only given a script to read from in order to learn the pre-trip inspection, but the script is riddled with inaccuracies and much of the most crucial information is missing.

Each day consisted of the following: show up and clock in, read the script while practicing the pre-trip inspection on whatever trucks were available, which only lasted about 10 minutes as students taking the driving instruction would load up and depart, leaving the majority of the students behind to "read the script." The instructors were never present, either going with the driving students or hiding out in their trailer.

What little instruction occurred usually consisted of the instructors yelling "stop! stop!" at the drivers and muttering things nobody could hear due to the noise from the construction site that was merely 50' away from the driving academy lot.

I really can't emphasize how little actual instruction there was, as the instructors were detached and would merely scowl at people asking them questions, then bark at them to "read the script." Dropouts were constant, and some students had been there for weeks, wasting time each day to get out of heavy lifting at their regular, warehouse jobs.

Please find a more reputable company to train with, as these people are not the least bit invested in helping you succeed, and exercise blatant favoritism while utterly ignoring everyone else.

M.

Quite the racket they have going here. I have a very close friend that just attended this school and was excited to get his cdl and get to work. He busted his azz studying the course and passed the classroom. Then came the skills test, and this is where they hook you. They don't give the students any time on the course for practice. Just put them in the truck and then they are overly strict, or outright deceptive when it comes to grading their performance. They will fail the student and force them to pay an additional fee (plus truck rental) to retake the test. Here's the thing. This friend that I mentioned is more than capable and has better spacial awareness and backing skills than a large majority of experienced drivers. How do I know this? Because I have personally trained dozens of students myself. I've had my cdl for over 25 years and over 2.5 million miles. I worked with this friend and observed as he negotiated the cone course that I set up and he passed easily.
Quite the racket they have here.
I would recommend checking out some of the many other cdl schools available. Stay away from these unscrupulous people.

Brayden D.

I knew it was a good program from the moment I started interacting with Kristina when she was getting me registered. She was respectful and joyful, fun to talk with and I could tell she wanted me to excel in the program. she took care of everything for me and helped me through the process. Then for my week of online training, Craig was amazing, to say the least! He was extremely knowledgeable as well as personable. He made the class fun and taught me exactly what I needed to, and was able to form an amazing rapport through the camera. Then once I got to the yard I got to meet Jeff and Moose, let me tell you, you won't meet another pair of guys as amazing as these two! They are very professional and help you get the skills you need and when things seem like you aren't going to pass or you're not cut out for this. You turn around and here comes one if not both of them to help break it down and help you understand. On top of their amazing teaching skills, they are just all-around fun people to be around! If your kind of teacher is someone who is knowledgeable yet so fun and personable to be around, then these two are your guys. They can form a good rapport with every single student that comes through, including myself. Every single person involved in this program that I interacted with has left their mark on my life. I find myself thinking that it's a little bittersweet now that I have graduated just because I won't have the privilege of being a part of such an amazing program. All of it will be an experience that I will not soon be forgetting. If you are looking for a program to get your CDL I HIGHLY recommend 160 Driving Academy, trust me you won't regret it! And a final thank you to every single staff member of 160 Driving Academy!

Bryce D.

There's too much to say here about my experience with 160. We had a good time learning what was important for the test and getting ourselves out there into the world.

Using the principles that 160 taught me while working hard and making friends I did very well on my state test. Taking that work ethic with me into the trucking world set me up for a better tomorrow. I'm making more money than I ever have before and I'm super grateful to all of the staff that I interacted with. Local and national reps from 160 were all amazing to deal with and I couldn't praise them more for their efforts. Jeff who runs the office was amazing from the first day to work with. He handled all the financial stuff and got me crushing in the classroom. He was also great to just chat with, a very nice guy. A special thanks to Brad and Moose who run the salt lake yard at my time of attendance. They were thorough with answers to all of my questions and were particularly good at telling me what I was doing wrong. It isn't a bad thing. It set me up for success. And for that I'm grateful very much so.

Ronald D.

Can't give enough thanks to the folks over at 160 Driving Academy of Salt Lake City. I walked in a complete novice & they gave me the keys to be successful. Deanne the Branch Manager was my introduction to the school & she's such a kind person & was there to provide support & answers to any questions I may have had. The lead instructor Ryan as well as instructor Mark are top notch and aren't afraid to get you out of your comfort zone so you can be successful. They'll crack jokes with you all day but take safety very serious & I know I'm going to do great because of the knowledge & game they've given me. Definitely recommend if your looking to get your CDL driving training from good people who know their craft.
TEAM ONE AND DONE!

berkach B.

Before I decided to get my CDL certificate I read many reviews and did my research and in the end 160 Driving Academy was the best choice. The instructors not only made the experience comfortable for me but they took the time to help me understand all the basics of driving and also shared their experiences and techniques with me. All the staff were great and were always helpful with any questions that I had, they also were very positive when it came to me testing for the final exam. I would highly recommend this school to anyone seeking their CDL. I give many thanks to Ryan, Deanne, and Dustin you all made my experience wonderful.

Troy S.

160 SLC was a great experience Deanne in the office is great she is the reason I joined 160. The instructors at the yard they are great at what they do Dustins pre-trip is great and easy to learn. And I want to give a personal thanks to Ryan, he really knows is stuff and has good patience he is the perfect instructor for learning manual. It's because the staff I was able to get it ONE AND DONE!!!!

Mitchell H.

Everyone that is a part of 160 in SLC is FANTASTIC!! Not only do they teach you everything you need to pass your test, they’ll take you out on the road in real life situations and teach you everything you need to know.
The instructors at the yard, Ryan and Dustin, are top notch. They want to make sure you’re comfortable with everything before turning you loose on the road.
Not only are they great teachers, but they are great people, who I’m genuinely happy I got to meet, learn from, and build friendships with!