How CDL School Approaches Effective Driver Training

The Art of Effective Decision-Making: Balancing Research, Reality, and Execution

At CNS Driver Training Center, we are dedicated to making the roads a safer place for both truck drivers and anyone else on the road.

Great sentiment, but how do we approach this goal?

Glad you asked!  

The challenge lies not just in teaching the right methods but in ensuring they are executed properly.

We will explore three fundamental aspects of effective training (and decision making):

1. Identifying what truly deserves your attention.
2. Balancing research with real-world application.
3. Bridging the gap between knowing and doing.

Let’s dive in.

Identifying What Matters

Decision-making starts with identifying the right questions.

Data tells a story, but preconceived notions can easily shape that narrative. Without realizing it, we often cherry-pick data to support what we already believe.

The key is to begin with an unbiased question.

For example, in the trucking industry, instead of assuming why new drivers struggle with pre-trip inspections, ask: What are the barriers preventing effective pre-trip inspections?

While I may not have an answer right away, this gives us a good starting point to research the question.

At CNS Driver Training Center, our question is: How do we have effective CDL training that creates safe drivers?

Balancing Research with Real-World Application

But how do we research properly?

A common fallacy in research is assuming correlation equals causation.

For example, the decline in piracy over 200 years coincides with an increase in trucking. Does this mean trucking eliminated piracy? Of course not. False cause fallacies can waste significant time and resources.

To mitigate this risk, leaders should:

• Engage trusted advisors who can provide unbiased perspectives.
• Conduct regular peer reviews to identify blind spots.
• Maintain a healthy skepticism while evaluating data.

Research can be categorized into two types:

• Quantitative research: Hard data and numbers, free from emotional bias.
• Qualitative research: Subjective insights from conversations, interviews, and experiences.

Both types of research have their place. Numbers provide objectivity, while personal stories add context. The challenge is balancing these without allowing bias to misguide decisions.

At CNS Driver Training Center, we implement proper research to refine our CDL training programs.

Quantifiable research example: Every time we have a new students go through our CDL training program, a year later we are sending out a survey and we’re asking for feedback. We’re asking:

• How many miles have you driven?
• What type of vehicle are you driving?
• Have you had any reportable accents? So on and so forth.

Qualitative research example: we are building and eventually implementing our own proprietary theory knowledge training courses. With this, we are asking after each theory knowledge course for new drivers to share a couple things such as what’s their confidence level of what they just learned on a scale of 0 to 5:

• What’s the most important thing that I took away from this?
• If there was a barrier to them doing this, what would it be?

Now, our instructors don’t just know that they pass their theory knowledge, but when “John Brown” comes to begin training, his instructor is going to have a report of what he’s nervous about, what he feels he knows, and we’re going to check it out.

He’s also going to have a report on what he feels like he is unconfident in being able to do, because maybe of lack of accountability, maybe because it just wasn’t explained. This is going to augment or adjust the way that we do individualized CDL training.

These efforts ensure our training remains relevant and effective.

From Knowing to Doing: Bridging the Execution Gap

Teaching is not the same as execution. Many want to make sure our new CDL qualified drivers apply what they learn.

In teaching, the Kirkpatrick Model is a time-tested evaluation framework that provides a structured approach to measuring training effectiveness:

1. Identify Key Performance Indicators (KPIs): Define the ultimate goal. For pre-trip inspections, the KPI might be a high pass rate in DOT inspections.
2. Determine Behavior Changes: Identify necessary behavioral shifts to achieve the KPI. For instance, new drivers may skip inspections due to time constraints, so training should emphasize the long-term cost of neglecting pre-trips.
3. Develop a Teaching Strategy: Based on identified barriers, tailor training methods to ensure engagement and retention.
4. Deliver Training Effectively: Adapt teaching styles based on learning preferences. For pre-trips, hands-on training is far more effective than theoretical lessons.

To further close the execution gap, our CDL school prioritizes:

• Standardized yet adaptable training: While our curriculum maintains consistency, our instructors tailor conversations based on individual trainee needs.
• One-on-one instruction: Unlike group settings, individual coaching allows students to ask candid questions without fear of judgment.
• Regular advisory board feedback: Industry partners provide candid insights into new driver preparedness, helping us continuously refine our approach.

Continuous Improvement and Adaptation

Finally, decision-making is not a one-time event.

Our training and management team must regularly revisit our strategies to ensure ongoing effectiveness.

Are we a perfect CDL school? Of course not, there’s no such thing! Research findings are probabilities, not promises, meaning anomalies will always occur. That is why it is so important to check in quarterly or annually to allow time to adjust and improve as needed.

Moreover, experienced professionals often resist change because past methods have led to success. However, growth requires balancing confidence with humility—speaking as if you are right but listening as if you are wrong. This mindset helps filter valuable insights from the noise.

We pledge to be a better CDL school for each incoming student

Now is the time to receive one-on-one CDL training with CNS Driver Training Center and get your CDL license.

Learn more about all levels of truck driver training. If you have questions about our CDL training packages, give us a call at 717-496-9145 or email us at support@cnstrains.com.

Don’t just take our word for it. With nearly 300 positive Google Reviews, we have a proven track record.

“I had David Contestabile as my CDL instructor and was very pleased with his ability to learn his students strengths and weaknesses. He is straight to the point and really makes it easy to improve in the areas where it is needed. Thank you, Dave for utilizing your many years of experience to train others to be confident, knowledgeable drivers.”

Adam Shoemaker

“From the first phone call to schedule the training to when I walked out with my permit stamped “passed” everyone was nothing but professional and VERY helpful. They were able to schedule my training and test in a way that worked perfect for my job and home life. I had the pleasure of working with three different instructors Daryl, Jeff and Sherry. Each one of them brought their own real-world knowledge and experience to the table and by the end of day three I was 100 times more confident then when I walked in the door. I recommend this program to anyone who needs that one-on-one instruction and needs a flexible schedule.”

Tom DeWess

“Great facility, all the staff I dealt with were very professional. Great communication and response time. Great knowledgeable trainers, they have the heart of a true teacher. Patient yet firm and direct. Special thanks to Dave, Marty, and Darryl.”

Seth Burkhart