Smith & Solomon Commercial Driver Training

Jay Dee

My experience at this campus was great. The trainers really know what they're doing and they give you all of the tools you need to get your CDL. I passed my DMV tests with confidence because of the training I got from the team here. Hands on training, knowledgeable and accommodating staff made my process easy. Thank you to the entire team. Tom, Chris and Bobi in the yard are all awesome and helpful. Darren, Terri and Bernice in the office are very helpful and they all want you to succeed.

Michael O'Connor

Prior to enrolling for the CDL A training I had no mechanical experience at all, never changed an oil filter or even wiper blades. Huge thank you to all the staff at Smith & Solomon Lakewood Campus for developing the simple process for teaching anyone how to identify, understand & troubleshoot an entire tractor trailer in less than a week. So amazed I was able to pass 1 of the most difficult exams I've ever challenged myself to in my career thus far. Thank you to Terri, Darrin & Berenice, Tom & Chris (pre-trip/road/yard). Appreciate you All! Safe travels 🙏

Robert Pringle

The best and most comprehensive training I’ve ever had. Carlos, Tom , Darren, Al & Chris are the best.I can’t forget to mention Terri and Bernice in the office are very organized and keep things moving smoothly . You will do great if you listen to what they tell you and do it the way they show you. They have a method and Program that works hand down. When they tell you PRETRIP IS CRITICAL they are not kidding , any employer you go to is going to ask you to do it. This is a Skill Based Program so if you are getting it they will know and the earlier you will test. They work with you as much as they can . But it all comes down to how motivated you are to get your CDL. I would recommend Smith and Solomon to everyone looking to get your CDL. From a VERY SATISFIED GRADUATE

Brian W

I'll preface this review by saying that before I started CDL A training at Smith & Solomon CDL Training School in Lakewood, NJ, I've never driven a tractor trailer, had no previous knowledge of how to operate a tractor trailer nor any knowledge of the working components of a tractor trailer. I paid out-of-pocket for my training and this is an unsolicited review. Total time of training: January 3rd, 2022 - February 28th, 2022. From the moment I met Terri(administrator) and asked a plethora of questions about the school and what the training entailed, she outlined the curriculum in detail and reassured me that this particular location has the highest pass rate amongst the other Smith & Solomon locations. Her kindness alone in addition to nformation she provided assured me that I made the correct decision in choosing Smith & Solomon. I started class training on January 3rd and Carlos(manager) was my classroom proctor. One of his first statements that he made to the classroom was, "First and foremost, we have a proven system here and it works. If you just listen, watch, follow instructions, and practice, you WILL pass. We're not going to hold your hand. It's up to you to study, learn and execute." I can't tell you how true his statement is and was, on all fronts. Carlos has an open door policy to address any issues or concerns that may arise and will make your necessary appointments for you at DMV, Indentogo, etc. After the first week of classroom, you'll proceed to yard training skills under the tutelage of Tom. This is what everyone clearly waits for; the chance to maneuver and drive the tractor trailers. First week of yard training consists of learning a different sections of the tractor trailer on each of the 4 days. Again, listen, watch, ask questions. Tom takes his time and thoroughly explains all of the components from the 5 lights on top of the tractor to the weather stripping on the trailer doors and every thing in between. After the first week of yard training, you'll then start with straight-line backing. Again, Tom will show you this maneuver. If you listen and watch, you will have no problem in executing this maneuver with ease. Trust me, Tom will know if you've listened to him or not. If he notices that you're not getting it on the first or second try, he will slowly explain it to you again. Take your time, let the engine RPM drive your truck, and slowly tweak your steering, you'll master this within your first handful of attempts. If you can do this, then after the first week it's on to the next maneuver. There are 3 maneuvers in total that you're taught. Straight-line, parallel, off-set backing. If you successfully complete the maneuver(s), you typically spend 1 week in each section before moving on to the next. This is only achievable by you and only you. Tom won't advance you to the next maneuver if you're unable to master the preceeding. Tom will show you how to fix a maneuver instead of starting over. Listen, listen, listen. This helps exponentially; especially when it comes to your big DMV test day. In my 5th week, I graduated to the road driving skills. Al was my driving instructor. Al was on vacation during my first week of driving and Darren(Linden) was covering. Al finished up my last 3 weeks of driver training and helped me hone my skills tremendously. Darren is an amazing instructor. He's very calm, cool and patient, even if a student is having difficulty driving the truck, especially with a manual transmission. He puts you at ease and kindly instructs you what you should and should not be doing while driving. When Al came back from vacation, it was a seamless transition from one driving instructor to the other. Again, Al was very calm, cool and patient. If Al doesn't talk to you while you're driving, do no take any offense; it simply means that you're driving just fine. If you have any questions, just ask. In closing, I passed all DMV tests on first try. 8 weeks total training time. Thank you tremendously and forever grateful to Terri, Carlos, Tom, Al and Darren. Kind regards, Brian W