American Truck Driving Academy, Opelika, Al

by Money Maker
(Columbus, Ga)

I would rate it a 9 out of 10. I went to American in Opelika, Al and was pleased with the whole school from the admissions staff to the instructors.

I was trained and passed my cdl test in 3 weeks. I graduated on a Friday and was in orientation with Trans Am on Monday.

Thank You American Truck Driving Academy.

Comments for American Truck Driving Academy, Opelika, Al

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May 24, 2017
Rating

WHINEY LITTLE WUSSIES NEW
by: Michael Ray Wilson

WTF DO YOU WANNA DRIVE A TRUCK FOR ???? I COME FROM A FAMILY OF TRUCKERS AND IF U THINK THIS SCHOOL SUCKS, HAHA...LIFE ON THE ROAD WILL EAT YOU ALIVE !!!!!! I BELIEVE THE STRUGGLES I GO THROUGH TODAY ...ONLY EXIST SO THAT I AM PREPARED FOR SIMILIAR STRUGGLES IN THE FUTURE!!!! I AM PLANNING ON ATTENDING THIS SCHOOL ASAP AND AM ANXIOUS TO GET ER DUNN....

Sep 20, 2016
Rating

Good or bad depends on the person and how bad you want your CDLs
by: Troy

I arrived at the hotel in Opelika Alabama on August 14th. We were all shuttled to the school on August 15th for our first day in class. The class lasted 3 days and we took our CDL learner's permit test on the 4th day. Out of the people taking the test 9 passed I was one of them.

The next day after the test I was on the backing field learning maneuvers. My first thought was,all this equipment is old and about broken down. Flat tires hard to get into gear seats will not adjust, damn what the hell have I got myself into.
But then I learned and saw over the next few days that some of these students have never been in a big truck or even driven a stick shift.

I understood why they had this kind of equipment for us to learn on. Would you put your kid with only his or her learning permit that has never driven an automobile before behind the wheel of your new car. No I don't think so that would not be the smart thing to do. I will say this. Even though the school was not the best it could be, all of the instructors there are top-notch and make sure you learned everything you needed to know to get your CDLs.

It was always a team effort with these instructors. They would help students one-on-one if it was needed and trust me it was needed a lot with some of the students.

So keep this in mind getting your CDLs is not an easy task. And I know it will be harder for some than for others to accomplish this. So in my experience this school is a great place to get that done.

Sep 17, 2016
Rating

Good or bad depends on the person and how bad you want your CDLs
by: Troy

I arrived at the hotel in Opelika Alabama on August 14th. We were all shuttled to the school on August 15th for our first day in class. The class lasted 3 days and we took our CDL learner's permit test on the 4th day. Out of the people taking the test 9 passed I was one of them. The next day after the test I was on the backing field learning maneuvers. My first thought was,all this equipment is old and about broken down.

Flat tires hard to get into gear seats will not adjust, damn what the hell have I got myself into.
But then I learned and saw over the next few days that some of these students have never been in a big truck or even driven a stick shift.

I understood why they had this kind of equipment for us to learn on. Would you put your kid with only his or her learning permit that has never driven an automobile before behind the wheel of your new car. No I don't think so that would not be the smart thing to do. I will say this. Even though the school was not the best it could be, all of the instructors there are top-notch and make sure you learned everything you needed to know to get your CDLs. It was always a team effort with these instructors. They would help students one-on-one if it was needed and trust me it was needed a lot with some of the students.

So keep this in mind getting your CDLs is not an easy task. And I know it will be harder for some than for others to accomplish this. So in my experience this school is a great place to get that done.

Jul 09, 2016
Rating

school
by: david corley

One shot i was there basically april 2015 & the equipment was just as crappy from some of the other comments sounds like it has gotten worse

Jul 08, 2016
Rating

Just read it(lol)
by: Anonymous

I'm only giving 3 stars because of the great instructors. Especially Eugene, Gene, and Dexter. I don't know if they're still there but they're awesome... Just in case any one of them read the comments its "OneShotGA" in Dexter voice lmao... Gene, I'm still traumatized from all that hard right and left and backing back perfectly to far back for a perfect fail lol... I forgot the guy's name who was on straight back and offset but he was cool too. As far as the ppl in the office, they are TERRIBLE except Tara!They're not grateful at all for your business. Hell, you'll be lucky if you get a greeting. As for the cellphone policy, you can thank our class the FEB 2015 week 2 lol... We were taking pictures sending it to CR England to show how bad the equipment is out there... Every truck on the backing field was raggedy as he//. Especially Godzilla😂😂. Maybe the equipment is better now but I seriously doubt it. Whatever you do, do not wear anything fancy because your axx is going to be walking on dirt and mud(if it rains). I drove but if you're using school transportation you are sh*t out of luck unless you buy everything you need on Monday's. My actual drive training times was less than a hour because they felt I knew enough to get me by passing the road test. Crazy huh? Even with requested road training I was refused.smh... Overall the school and equipment was shitty, instructors were cool, office ppm were horrible, oh and that hotel is trashy as hell unless you pay extra for private room. They're a lot nicer! I personally would not recommend this school to anyone unless you're local. GL!

May 25, 2016
Rating

American Truck Driving Academy (J & C)
by: 10 Year Driver

Im a professional driver 10 years and running, thanks to what was then called J & C Truck Driving School Incorporated, now ATDA. Jim Wellbourn headed the school with only 3 great people. I knew when I passed my test and got my CDL that I had attended a great school. After training with my first job at Swift, watching the knowledge base of students in orientation with me, I realized just how great this school IS. Several students did not know or understand Half of what I learned at J&C. Orientation was simply a followup from their great teaching. I would recommend anyone seeking employment as a professional driver, to travel far if needed, to attend this school. 5 Stars, 2 thumbs up, 2 big toes up! I owe my career to these great professional people.

Mar 28, 2016
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A cdl school is what you make it
by: Monroe Brown

I didn't like the school when I first arrived only because I had a preconceived notion of what a school should look like. But as time went on I realized just what the school was for to get u to pass your cdl test. I came with no knowledge of tractor-trailer driving but with the help of Mr LEW one if not the best instructor there and Johnny one if not the best instructor there they got me where I needed to be and for that I would like to say thanks. And I can't forget Joe who was more than a instructor he turned into a real friend. He never ran away from a question I had and he always gave me good advice and insight involving these trucks. As I type this I'm on my first road trip I graduated on the 21. I start with Swift on the April 4. Thanks American

Feb 04, 2016
Rating

attending now(Feb,2016)
by: Chris

They have added another bathroom. Nothing else has been added, in fact, it seems it has deteriorated more since the last credible reviews.(the ones saying nice facilities are a joke) You can now only practice blind-side parallel as half the field has huge holes, and they evidently cannot afford a dump truck or two of gravel. "The Beast" as mentioned in an earlier review is still in service. The buildings are literally falling apart.

If you are lucky you will get to do three or four maneuvers a day(stand in line for two hours/maneuver). The instructor(Eugene) for your Permit uses a test from some other company's(which has shutdown itself) website from June 2010, a lot of which is no longer correct/pertinent. He just says "XXXX is the answer for "my" test YYYY is the answer you will use at the DMV". No overhead projections, no pictures of what you are supposed to be learning, of course, no props, bringing in an S-cam drum or a couple old gladhands is out of the question. He basically just tells you the answers to the tests. Unless you are fairly good at memorizing you may have a bad time first test, as nothing is explained as to why something is done.

They evidently do not have any computers or printers in the office(note-do NOT go to office without permission, you will be kicked out). Handouts are all hand drawn and copied from copies of copies to the point of in-eligibility Not sure how they managed to steal the permit test, maybe they went to a local kinkos to print that.

Cell phone policy has not changed, if they see you with a cell phone they kick you out. microwave situation has also not changed. The one thing that has changed is CR England has more students attending, so instead of 1 micro for 40 it is now 1 micro for 60.

Avoid if possible, if not get CDL prep on your android and get your permit before attending.

Dec 15, 2015
Rating

American Truck Driving Academy
by: Anonymous

I have read some of the comments, both pro and con.
One thing I can say about the school is they are very effective in helping students their CDL and I was one of them. I needed a job and CR England sent me to this school and now I'm working making a good living.
The equipment on their backing range, was older trucks, but they were there to practice your skill and this helped tremendously.
I would probably give the school 4 stars. The instructors know their job and do their best to help each individual student, even the whiny ones who like to sit around and complain, and don't even get in a truck to practice.
Overall, you listen, practice, you will get your CDL and go to work.

Dec 12, 2015
Rating

Avoid at all costs
by: Bama

I was in the classroom for 3 days and got my cdl permit which was great, but the classroom instructor teaches nothing and only gives answers to the permit test which makes him look good. Absolutely nothing was taught about shifting, log books, etc... My first day on the maneuver field was shocking. I saw that it had giant mudholes and a truck was broke down and stuck in one of these holes. Another truck was literally dragging a trailer that mas completely missing tires and rolling on the rims but the students were expected to continue using the truck and trailer and were threatened to be kicked out of school if anything was said about it. The school has only 3 trucks to practice manuevers and all 3 are very dangerous and hazardous. The instructors sit around all day and socialize and play on their phones and expect students to instruct one another. The school has a very outdated dangerous truck for over the road driving that would not pass a D.O.T. inspection on any given day. They even nicknamed the truck "The beast". Its a one of a kind clunker that should've been sent to a scrapyard a decade ago. This school is all about making money and doesn't care for the future of its students and it doesn't invest a dime into upgrading the facility at all. The instructors are very unprofessional and seemingly inexperienced in their field and the equipment is dangerous and very poor. I would've given it a half star for an overall very poor facility and experience if I had the option. It deserves 2 thumbs down without a doubt.

Sep 01, 2015
Rating

CDL and going to work
by: Anonymous

I see a lot of people crying like little babies. These are probably the ones who failed the drug test and the other ones who just sit on their butt and do nothing.

I'm working now because of this school. Mr. Harvey, Mr. Dexter, Mr. Gene, Mr. Lou, Mr. Hubert, I probably left out somebody, but these guys cared about me and how I was doing.

Thanks to them I graduated and went to work.

Good bunch of people and a good school.

Aug 27, 2015
Rating

American Truck Driving Academy, Inc.
by: Anonymous

I have read some of the comments from other people who weren't to happy with the way they were treated.

I found out one thing about this school. They want you to get your CDLs so you can go to work. I was running low on money to eat and somehow one of the Instructors found out, and was able to help me out.

The equipment on the backing field was older, but I didn't expect to be in a new truck anyway.
They do everything they can to help you prepare for the Test, some people don't listen, some people just want to sit around an complain, and you can't forget the people that just don't care.
All they want to do is go to the hotel and party.
I got my CDL and went to work. A job is what I needed and a job is what I got.

Aug 27, 2015
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by: Matlab

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Aug 21, 2015
Rating

reviews
by: Anonymous

The only trainer that's really bad about yelling at you is Lou

Aug 21, 2015
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THIS IS A NOT A GOOD SCHOOL
by: Anonymous

The treatment is terrible. The cost is not worth it. It is a waste of time and money. If I can give this company no stars I would. The classroom is too small for 30 people in a small and old trailer. The trainers will yell at you like you are kid when you mess up.

Aug 13, 2015
Rating

THIS SCHOOL IS NOT WORTH ATTENDING
by: Anonymous

This school is an absolute joke ... I would not dare step foot back on the grounds of that school . They run the facility just like you would run a prison . My time there was awful and full of lies and other bull . In my time there I was treated like crap from the instructors and others except Dexter and Mr Harvey ... I bust my tail off for along time only for them to cheat me out of passing my drivers test . I over heard a instructor telling another student that they pay the examiner extra money to pas only certain students . You are not allowd to use your cellphone to check on your family at all or you will be kicked out there is also only 1 bathroom for 30+ students . I was told that if we enter the office without permission the owner will shoot you . I changed from going there to entering into the Tech School because the school is really a joke . Standing in 100 degree temperatures with old truck that has no air is bad for you but as long as the school got there $4000 they can careless what happen to you ... SO MY ADVICE IS TO NEVER ATTEND THE SCHOOL

Aug 05, 2015
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reviews
by: David Corley

I'm wondering if the good reviews are done by employees I found out after I started training with a company that treats you better than CR England that this school doesn't train you the way federal regulations require them to if they did you'd be there for about 3 months maybe a little less but you'd definitely be in the classroom longer than a week being taught a majority of the regulations before you took permit test & start backing & driving. Plus hard to learn backing properly when there's 40-70 people waiting to do maneuvers. Just shows the standards CR England has not to mention the driver managers for England treat some people like crap at least that was my experience.

Aug 05, 2015
Rating

place is a joke!
by: Anonymous

Coming to a school to learn a new trade, is just for that TO LEARN!...when your living off unemployment and having to pay bills plus use money to drive and eat while staying up there to LEARN to only walk away with nothing....to be treated different from the woman, to stay in a rat motel, to be treated like a child, to use old worn out equipment to LEARN on, only to find out you wasn't LEARNING the proper way! Damn joke, that place and the roach motel needs to be shut down period!

Yours truly,
Very pist off

Aug 04, 2015
Rating

Training at American Truck Driving Academy
by: John

Great School. Great bunch people training us. Graduated in four weeks and I'm already at work.

Would recommend this school to anyone who wants to learn how to drive a big truck. They train you hard over and over again to make sure you do right on the first time you go to the state and test.

Great equipment, well maintained.

These guys really care.

Jul 29, 2015
Rating

Training
by: Anonymous

I received great training at American Truck Driving Academy. Everyone from the Office Staff to the Instructors were the best.

I had never driven a Big Truck before and had never shifted a standard transmission, so needless to say, I was skeptical of them being able to train all of us, much less myself, in four weeks and have us to work in the 5th, but they did.

It was hot, but they made sure we had plenty of water to drink. The even had fans on us as we sat under the gazebo, waiting for our turn in the truck, and when we did the alley dock, we had an air conditioned waiting room, with sofas and all. Sure, not everyone was happy, and some did whine like little spoiled children, but all in all, their system of training worked.

These are probably the best all around people I have ever come in contact with.

I Thank them for training me to get my CDL and for my job. I am able to provide for my family like never before.

Yes, I'm gone a lot, but when I come home to my wife and children, it's like our honeymoon all over again.

I'm a blessed man.

Jul 20, 2015
Rating

needs updating
by: Anonymous

The money CR England gives them

Jul 19, 2015
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Flabbergasted
by: Mike Morton

After reading these comments I wonder how this company is still in business. Really?

Jul 19, 2015
Rating

WORST TRUCK DRIVING SCHOOL EVER!!!!!!
by: Anonymous

I started going to this school January 5th, 2015 and it a minute for me to get my cdl learners license but I eventually got it. But enough about me, time to get to the real deal. THIS IS LIKE 1 OF THE ABSOLUTE MOST SHITTY-EST SCHOOLS I HAVE EVER BEEN TO!!!! I stopped attending in April 2015 for a variety of reasons. First off, some of the instructors will yell at you for whatever reason and all you're trying to do is learn how to drive an 18-wheeler. 2nd of all, the trucks are shitty, not to mention that they break down all the Damn time. 3rd, they came up with this dumbass that we couldn't even be on our cell phones during OUR lunch. DURING OUR LUNCH!!!! CAN YOU BELIEVE THAT? Some people got families to see about and ya'll come with a rule like that? 4th thing is there's only one microwave and one bathroom for 30+ students. SERIOUSLY? Listen, if you want to go to good truck driving school, WARNING: AVOID THIS SCHOOL AT ALL TIMES!!!!! ENTER AT YOUR OWN RISK!!!!!!

Jul 19, 2015
Rating

WORST TRUCK DRIVING SCHOOL EVER!!!!!!
by: Anonymous

I started going to this school January 5th, 2015 and it a minute for me to get my cdl learners license but I eventually got it. But enough about me, time to get to the real deal. THIS IS LIKE 1 OF THE ABSOLUTE MOST SHITTY-EST SCHOOLS I HAVE EVER BEEN TO!!!!

I stopped attending in April 2015 for a variety of reasons. First off, some of the instructors will yell at you for whatever reason and all you're trying to do is learn how to drive an 18-wheeler. 2nd of all, the trucks are shitty, not to mention that they break down all the Damn time. 3rd, they came up with this dumbass that we couldn't even be on our cell phones during OUR lunch. DURING OUR LUNCH!!!! CAN YOU BELIEVE THAT? Some people got families to see about and ya'll come with a rule like that? 4th thing is there's only one microwave and one bathroom for 30+ students. SERIOUSLY? Listen, if you want to go to good truck driving school, WARNING: AVOID THIS SCHOOL AT ALL TIMES!!!!! ENTER AT YOUR OWN RISK!!!!!!

Apr 29, 2015
Rating

Truck driving school or correctional facility?
by: Anonymous

The students that attend this facility come from all walks of life. The owner (the warden), is anti-social. One would think he would interact with the students(the inmates) at least introduce himself to each new class on Monday. The instructors (correctional officers) are good people and work well with those who want to learn.
This morning was an absolute joke.

Apparently someone broke into the classroom the previous night and stoled a surveillance camera. Rather than reviewing the tapes and doing their due diligence they cast blame on the students by telling them that someone was going to jail but if they returned the camera there would be no questions. Find out later that someone not a student stoled it. Doubt very much we will receive any apology. Very unprofessional.
Lots of complaints about bathroom facilties. Only one bathroom for 30+ students. A couple porta-potties on the backing field would be a big help. Only one microwave for students to share at lunch time. Need another microwave. Need microwave to be at least 1000 watts. Takes 4-5 minutes to heat up water or food.
Lots of idle threats from instructors which I'm sure comes from the warden. Treat people like children and they act like children. If the facilities are fit for dogs then you get dogs. Overall morale is very poor. Leadership reflects attitude.

Apr 29, 2015
Rating

Go at your own risk
by: Tamara

My husband is at this three ring circus. He has been lied to and jerked around. Only two instructors deserve the title. If you have a GA CDL permit going in, you DO NOT have to wait x amount of days to do the driving test. Some of the so called instructors kept telling my husband GA holds on a permit for 14 days, another said my husband had to be there 4 weeks! Lies!! Atlanta DMV says Ga has NO hold on permits! Test when you feel ready! This school gets the same amount of money if you're there one day or one hundred days! Some of the instructors are just lying jerks that are clueless about their job! If you're a smart person, catch on quickly, can figure things out on your own, give a shot.

Apr 19, 2015
Rating

needs updating
by: David Corley

The instructors at the school know what they're doing yes you have to basically cram the first week for your Alabama or Georgia permit tests as long as you pay attention & study the instructor Eugene teaches you what you need to know.

As long as you get you permit the first week you get to start learning backing maneuvers as early as your first Friday yes the facilities need to be upgraded especially the classroom yes it's a pain in the ass for having one bathroom to use I'm guessing they recently got the contract with CR England to train their students the first couple of weeks I was there which started March 30th we had about 20 new students same the next week but they got it reduced to 10 a week from CR England but they also get students that come there on their own. You can bring your own food and drink which I'd suggest because they only have a soda/snack machine just not allowed to have them in the trucks. The cell phone policy does suck especially if you have a family because unless you go somewhere for lunch you're not allowed to use them but was never told I'd be shot. They do need newer trucks to practice maneuvers but even used rigs aren't cheap but they have plans to add more areas for maneuvers which will help because as of right now you're lucky on some to get 1 rep in the morning & 1 in the afternoon also learn you're pretrip inspections because when you take your road test you can't do your maneuvers until you pass pretrip. They now have a dedicated instructor for pretrip her name is Christin listen to her she knows what she's doing she got me prepared in 2 days I was there a total of 3 weeks passed my road test yesterday. If you're from Georgia practice all maneuvers you'll have to do straightback back offset left or right mandatory then either parallel driver or passenger side or alley dock on the road test. Listen to your backing instructors Gene, Dexter, & Harvey they know what they're doing yes they'll be hard on you if you're not listening to what they are telling you but if they see you are getting the concepts they will answer any question you have and give you good advice for when you're on the road. Beware of Lou don't necessarily agree with his method but understand why just not everyone can learn by be yelled at but he has helped students learn how to do things the right way. I was there just under 3 weeks yes they have maneuvers class on Saturday yes it sucks but take advantage of a extra day to learn. If you're wanting a school with a fancy classroom and newer trucks this school isn't for you if you want a school to teach you the basics to get your class A CDL then go here also the hotel CR England sends you to isn't the greatest so if you can afford to pay for your own hotel or live close enough to stay at home and drive to the school everyday do that the school runs off Georgia time don't ask me why they just do you have to be there by 8 am Georgia time.

Apr 18, 2015
Rating

disgusted
by: Anonymous

Instructors I have no bad comments, as far as managing staff well put it this way, we were all told no cell phones period even on our lunch breaks or we were kicked out, we were told no going to office without announcement or we will be shot by the owner. We were told no food or drink because there was a scrp of paper in the back field truck.one bathroom for 40+ students, no hand soap or towels to dry off.They threaten to kick you out or shoot you. I do not recommend this school and suggest you visit any place you will be attending before signing up.

Jan 20, 2015
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Trash
by: Anonymous

This school suck

Jan 18, 2015
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Class-B ?
by: Anonymous

Do they train you for your Class B license to drive Dump Trucks? Please answer as soon as possible. Thank you

Nov 14, 2014
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Find Somewhere else to go!!
by: Anonymous

First of all if you will be taking your CDL test in Alabama you will have a 2 month wait at the DMV to take the test.

So these people will take you to a third party company to take it. But if you are not there with the company that they work for basically they will take your test and set you back further to take the test.

Basically these people did all this to my husband and tried to put him at fault cause he stood up for himself. They are liars and theives. I suggest people in Alabama to go to Southern Union they are Crediable.

Nov 14, 2014
Rating

Find Somewhere else to go!!
by: Anonymous

First of all if you will be taking your CDL test in Alabama you will have a 2 month wait at the DMV to take the test. So these people will take you to a third party company to take it. But if you are not there with the company that they work for basically they will take your test and set you back further to take the test. Basically these people did all this to my husband and tried to put him at fault cause he stood up for himself. They are liars and theives. I suggest people in Alabama to go to Southern Union they are Crediable.

Apr 14, 2014
Rating

Training process
by: Anonymous

What are the requirements for at this school? Do they help you attain your CDL learner's permit as well? I'm looking for to getting my CDL.

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