Al Hanley CDL Expert Returns for Back-to-Back Episodes of the Dave Nemo Show to Talk Training Trainers With Jimmy Mac

Al Hanley CDL Expert Returns for Back-to-Back Episodes of the Dave Nemo Show to Talk Training Trainers With Jimmy Mac

Al Hanley Asked Back For Rare Back-to-Back Shows

In a rare occurrence, Al Hanley, Co-founder of CDL Expert, was asked to return for consecutive episodes of the Dave Nemo Show. Hanley joined the conversation from his third-party examiner refresher training class in Northern Florida, where he is being recertified as a third-party tester. The discussion covered vital topics such as instructor development, CDL training methods, and educational philosophy. Let’s dive into the highlights of this insightful discussion.

Al Hanley on Training Trainers and CDL Instructor Development

At the beginning of the episode, Jimmy Mac and Al Hanley talked about the importance of training trainers within the CDL industry. Al emphasized that he always tried to attract top-tier instructors who were not only technically proficient but also genuinely cared about their students’ success. That is why they had a structured six-month instructor development program to ensure trainers were well-prepared to educate students. Hanley explained that simply having a CDL doesn’t qualify someone to be a trainer; they invested significant time and resources in developing their trainers to ensure quality instruction.

CDOR: The Structured Training Methodology

Al Hanley also touched on the CDOR system, which stands for Comprehension, Demonstration, Observation, and Repetition. This system ensures that students understand and master essential driving skills through a step-by-step process.

• Comprehension: Students first gain knowledge of each task, such as backing a truck or understanding hazardous materials regulations.

• Demonstration: Instructors demonstrate proper techniques to show students how to apply their knowledge.

• Observation: Trainers observe students executing the tasks, offering feedback to ensure students are learning correctly.

• Repetition: Students practice the skills repeatedly until they can perform them confidently.

This system is a cornerstone of CDL training programs and allows both instructors and students to track progress efficiently.

Callers from the Road Join the Conversation

During the episode, Jimmy opened the phone lines to let listeners engage in the conversation. A retired trainer named Lonnie from Illinois called in to discuss his experiences in the trucking industry and offered additional insight into training. He described the various roles a trainer plays: teacher, coach, mentor, and instructor. Lonnie highlighted the importance of adapting teaching methods to fit the needs of individual students, something Al had also emphasized earlier.

Another caller, Sean from Canada, shared a frustrating experience. Sean explained that his company wanted him to become a trainer, but they didn't provide him with adequate training to do so. Al and Jimmy acknowledged how critical it is to properly train instructors, stressing that teaching is a skill that goes beyond driving competency.

A Weekend of Recertification and Reflection

As the episode wrapped up, Al Hanley shared that he was spending the weekend in Florida getting recertified as a third-party tester. This reflects the ongoing need for even experienced professionals to stay up-to-date with industry standards and regulations. Jimmy, on the other hand, mentioned he was hosting a book party, and Al took the opportunity to recommend one of his favorite books: Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance by Robert Pirsig. The book resonated with Al because of its themes of personal growth and mastery, which align well with the philosophies of training and education in the CDL world.

Conclusion

Al Hanley’s back-to-back appearances on the Dave Nemo Show provided valuable insights into the trucking industry's future and the role of education in shaping the next generation of drivers. From the importance of instructor development to the structured CDOR system, Hanley outlined how CDL Expert prepares students for success. The episode also featured thought-provoking discussions with callers, adding further depth to the conversation about CDL training and mentorship.

For those interested in pursuing a career in trucking or improving their skills as a CDL trainer, it’s clear that the right training program is essential. To learn more about CDL certification and training, visit the CDL Expert website for additional resources and insights.