Pine Bluff Truck Driving School - Pine Bluff, Arkansas

kevin green

I chose this school because it is only 3 weeks long.
And I successfully obtained my CDL in 2.5 weeks at this school. Praise God!!

Another reason I chose the school:
Everytime I called this school they were very polite over the phone answering all my questions. Did not cut me short.
Didn't get that at the other schools I called.

This is less of a review and more what to expect:
The first 2.5 days you will be sitting in class going through the CDL book. The days are VERY long but they give you sufficient breaks making the day more comfortable.
The teacher (James) is outstanding! He goes over EVERY topic fully. And if you don't understand it he will explain it to you 10 different ways if needed until you grasp it. And he will NOT move on to the next section until you/others understand it.
Listen to what he says and not the phone apps say. People who use the apps vs what he passes out tend to fail the test. Most people who say they used the apps to pass the test; took the test 3-7 times. (Ask them) I seen it over and over as you will.
Listen to Jim!

After you pass the multiple choice test administered at/by the DMV you start driving immediately.

The road instructors do a good job. They always answered my questions and helped me when asked.
(Try to get Rooster or Ricky) low stress! They walk in the light!

You will be driving a full week prepping yourself for your future driving test.

After the week of driving you will go to the backing pad section. That is where you learn to back the 53' trailer straight, off-sets, and 90 degree turns. This is not something you will perfect on the first try. Don't let it anger you. You have plenty of time to get it perfected. There is a instructor there at times. I HIGHLY recommend you ask your driver instructor or Buddy to help you.

After you pass the backing pad test you will go back on the road for your final test. You had the entire prior week to practice.
Buddy will make sure you get a pre-test run. This is to get you re-acquainted with the truck you practiced with for the week.
This is needed and a HUGE blessing!

You have the option of temporary living on the school grounds. I highly recommend it! It's there to help you. Once you pass the written; class STARTS at 5 am!
You will have your own room and share a bathroom with the person/room next to you.
The room is fitting for the time of stay. Your room consists of 4 walls and a bed. No more! Nothing!! No tv/nothing!! So make sure your bring what makes you comfortable.

The school has a LARGE common area. The area consists of 4 washers, 4 dryers, cable TV, 2 refrigerators, 2 stoves, 3 microwaves, ice machine, sink for dishes and tables to eat at. (No Wi-Fi) But adequate cell service.

If you are having a hard time testing, driving or backing the school will work keep you long as it takes! They will not quit on you! I have never heard of another school that does that in my life!

You may/may not have a few struggles while you are there. Remember you can leave the school with a CDL in your pocket less than 3 weeks time. Remember that! Let it roll off your shoulders!! Its only temporary!!

If you have any issues see Benita or Buddy. They will do EVERYTHING possible to help you/keep you comfortable.

Recruiters for job placement come SEVERAL times while you are there.
You can be working a week after you leave the school if you desire.
Put your applications in while you are at school. Your phone will be ringing for employment during school!

This is truck driving school; not ministry school, not college and def not a university.

Good luck!.

Jason Davis

The trucks are learners. The student to truck ratio is trying at times as well as some of the instructors, but when u look past them being human, they go farther with their students than the 99% in the educational sector.

Numerous times I have came to my lodging, that they provided for me, to see a instructor still at work teaching double clutching past hours. Simply because they want for better in their students.

Chris Burton has a different way of teaching backing and doesn’t just throw u out there. It’s a explained science and works. He is a dedicated professional and knows more than they give him credit for.

Overall Benita and staff work hard to get you a career. They are likable and tolerant people that deal with little of those who really want to be here versus the lot that is just playing .

I will say government assisted programs that place folks versus those that pay cash is as different as Corn and grits. The want to is a student problem.

I recommend it from the mike, to “the rooster”, the man of faith in Rick…. It’s a tight nit group of people that expect u to succeed and will see you through.

Mike Kelly

Pine Bluff cdl school was a awesome experience they really want to see you succeed. Mack on the backing pad awesome instructor, benita cool and a great instructor also and I can't forget about big Mike the driving instructor all the people there are awesome .. it's all about helping you all you have to do is listen and put in the work I had a really great time thanks to them I'm working doing what I want thank you all at pine bluff I appreciate everything

J Bozz

Had the best experience from enrollment to finish. Buddy and the entire staff is extremely knowledgeable and patient with all students. I was even given the opportunity to start driving the very first day since I came from Georgia with permit already. Many schools have a waiting list to drive their trucks due to trucks not being available. This is not the case with PBTDS. My brothers and many other family members all went to this school and had a great experience like I. Just wanted to say thank you guys for everything.

Justin Walls

Not a bad school overall. The price is very reasonable and if you qualify for the grant through the state its definitely worth it. They have lodging on campus that is included if need be. On the downside the classes are getting larger so more students in each truck, which is less drive time. With that being said you still get plenty of time to learn if you apply yourself. Several of the trucks arent in the best shape and I do believe they should be updated or fixed.
For future students...
You start out the first 2 1/2 days studying to get your permit. I'd recommend anyone paying out of pocket to at least try to get it beforehand. If you are on the grant I'd recommend going through the class. Reason being if you pay out of pocket and you come with your permit you can progress to the next step quicker, if going through the grant the fees are included so take advantage of that. The class room part isnt bad either way and you can definitely learn something. PAY ATTENTION IN CLASS.
Next few days you will be on what is called the green mile. Here you will learn the 10 speed shifting and double clutching. Yes you have to double clutch. Take your time, dont get frustrated. No worries if you've never driven a manual before. Actually it's an advantage if you havent because you learn their way without doing old bad habits.
After the green mile you move to the road. The first road they take you to is a farm road that makes a loop to the highway. You'll really learn the up and down shifting there. Once the instructor and yourself feel comfortable you will get out on the highway. Over the week as you get better they will teach you red lights and driving in traffic. PAY ATTENTION even while other students are driving. You will learn alot this week.
Final week. You learn backing. Alot of people have trouble and its certainly going to be a work in progress. Listen to the instructor, ask questions and practice. Try to watch the other students and well just figure it out.
All three weeks they will preach pretrip inspection. Learn it, sooner than later is better. My advice is to pay attention and show up with a good attitude. Honestly the more you show these instructors you want it and want to learn they will work harder with you to get it. Some people expect if they show up the cdl will be given to them, well it wont.
During my time there 4 different recruiters showed up. Each one telling you about their company. I'm not saying a job is guaranteed but if you are willing to go OTR it's hard to think that you would be turned away. Also for those that pay out of pocket, all of the companies offered reimbursement for school cost to work OTR for them, might be something to consider. Good luck and drive safe!

Stan Keely

I highly recommend this school because of the concern and individual instructions that I received. I was taught by experienced truck drivers in a one on one basis. Every time that I needed and asked for help in areas that I was unsure of I was always given the attention that I needed. I’m 67 years old and passed my tests on schedule because of my training and my time spent in study and dedication. The staff was great and were always encouraging the students to put in the study time and to never give up. Thanks PBTDS for helping me to obtain a cdl!!

Michele Arnold

This place is a JOKE! Yeah you may get your CDL in 3 weeks but all you're going to know how to do is pass the test. In the process, you're going to be cussed at, yelled at, and treated like you're stupid. Instructors sleep while students are driving. They talk about students behind their backs negatively in front of other students, one instructor even stated that one student annoyed her so she wasn't going to help him. The lodging quarters are DISGUSTING! The backing pad is such a muddy, potholes mess that the truck kept getting stuck. Seven people were sharing one backing pad truck. And speaking of trucks....they are horrible! I doubt even the road trucks would pass DOT inspection. I breezed through the written test and pretrip inspection but was having trouble with backing so I asked for an additional day of practice before testing, which I was denied. I feel that I should have been allowed an additional day since it's not required by DOT to test on a certain day. I was allowed some practice time before the test but all that got me was more yelling and more being talked down to by 3 different instructors who happened to be out there. After nearly a week of being treated subhumanly, I could not continue. I packed my bag and left. When I emailed the office about my experience, I got nothing other than "your CDL packet has been mailed". So I'd say they have to desire to change the way they do things or care that I was treated so badly that I quit after 3 weeks. I would not recommend this place to anyone!

Barry Bryant

I want to give a special thanks to Ms. Brenda, Buddy, Rick and Rooster. You are all topnotch instructors. Thank you for the expert training.

If you are serious about getting your CDL's, and willing to work hard and listen to your instructor, I recommend PBTDS 100%.