Testimonials
Success Stories
Steve and Janet Kraft drive as a team. They graduated from Central Tech in March 2008 from the class taught by Mr. Monachella and Ms. Cisco. Here are their comments:
"Central Tech was recommended to us by the recruiter at our current company. Once Steve researched some of the schools mentioned we decided Central Tech was where we wanted to go because of their study program and extensive driving range - it covered all the maneuvers needed in real world over the road truck driving."
Steve had prior truck driving experience delivering construction materials to job site settings. “The computer lab and the bookwork made me a better educated truck driver. The skills we practiced made me better prepared for the situations I would encounter in over the road driving and dock to dock pickup and delivery.” Janet never planned on being a truck driver, but when they were deciding their next career path it sounded fun and sort of romantic (of course they were in sunny Florida at the time; since then they’ve seen all kinds of winter weather!). Janet said “I was happy that we both had to go through truck driver training because I probably would not have done it by myself. The very comprehensive course offered at Central Tech prepared me for handling a vehicle larger than anything I had ever driven before. The course taught the skills and maneuvers needed for real life truck driving. The very positive teaching style made it easy to learn and not feel intimidated. The driving course is awesome; you have room to learn how to handle how the truck moves, as well as learning the shifting tempo. Once we mastered the truck handling we got plenty of real road miles both loaded and empty. I don’t think any other driving school offers this level of training. When we left Central Tech Truck Driver Training I felt like a real truck driver and knew I could handle the job.
The biggest challenges they have faced? Steve said "sleeping when the truck is moving to get proper rest while on the road, and working out the details of the team schedule and operation." Janet said "backing up at truck stops without getting nervous." Since she learned to drive a car in Florida, she has been challenged with learning to drive in all types of weather from beautiful blue skies and the sun in your eyes to snow and ice on the road with limited visibility.
The Kraft’s’ advice to someone wanting to make a career change to truck driving? Steve: "Research many trucking companies to find out rate of pay, benefits, home time policy, anything that will be important to you. Over the road truck driving is not a 9-5 Monday-Friday job and you have to decide within yourself if you have what it takes: patience, flexibility, self-discipline. You are responsible for planning your routes and always being on time for pickups and deliveries. Manage your time and if you think you will have extra time take it when close to your destination just in case something happens to delay you." Janet: "Go For It! Do your homework, then get the best training you can to be the best truck driver you can be. Stick with a company for 6 months to a year- you won’t know if it’s a good fit without giving it some time, plus the longer you are there the better the benefits and pay get. Sign up for the Truck Driver Training at Central Tech. Do yourself a favor and get training from the best of the best - then you’ll be ready to hit the road!"
"Hello, this is Eric Devore returning your call, I'm on an overnight stop in Wichita, KS, and I thought I'd give you a call back." That is how the conversation started with Eric Devore, a graduate of the Professional Truck Driver program at Central Technology Center. Committed to his profession and the safety of himself and others on the road, Devore waited to return the call requesting an interview until he was safely off the road and able to concentrate on the conversation.
With excitement in his voice, Eric was eager to tell of his training at Central Tech and say how he has succeeded as a professional truck driver because of the training he received at Central Tech. "I owe everything to Central Tech for the way they trained me." Eric said he had always had an interest in the trucking industry, but did not pursue his interest until he lost his job and wanted to go into a different line of work. "I heard about Central Tech through my father, and I'm so glad he passed the information on to me."
He began his training on January 15, 2003, and graduated the class on February 14, 2003.
As a way of promoting driver's abilities, the American Trucking Association holds driving contests each year. In 2007, Eric competed and received the Rookie of the Year award. This year (2009), he topped all drivers in the five-axle class, earning first place. "I competed in the Oklahoma State Truck Driving Championship in Oklahoma City and earned first place for the tractor-trailer five-axle tank class. Most importantly, I earned a perfect score on the pre-trip inspection." He said he found out later that a perfect score has not been achieved since the truck driving championships began in the 1930's. "On top of receiving a perfect score, I also did the pre-trip inspection in record time. I did it in 6 minutes, 43 seconds; we have 8 to complete the inspection."
Devore said he is proud to be a part of the Central Tech tradition, and wherever he goes, he wants people to know about the truck driver training program. "It's the best in the nation and everyone should know about it." Not only was it the excellent training he received at Central Tech that helped him succeed, but also the atmosphere of family that embraces Central Tech. "I have to say thanks to all of the Central Tech family for helping me succeed. I owe all of my success and confidence to Central Tech." While in the Truck Driver Training program, Devore said he really appreciated the way his instructor, Mark Brown, took him under his wing. "I really looked up to Mark Brown," Devore said. "I've been able to take everything he taught me to heart and I have really been able to succeed with my career as a professional truck driver."
Eric Devore offered to return to Central Tech to complete the interview and show off his hardware earned at the competition. As he arrived, the heat radiated off the hot pavement of the driving range on the Truck Driver Training facility. Braving the heat, Devore proudly walked across the pavement and stood next to one of the trucks he trained in as a student. "I just love talking to people about Central Tech," he said. "It was such a great experience. The training I received has really helped me to succeed as a professional truck driver - and there's a difference between a truck driver and a professional truck driver." Mark Brown was quick to agree saying, "That's what we strive for around here - more professionalism in the industry."
Terry Amiott graduated July 11, 2008, from
Mr. Monachella's class. On the day after 
graduation,
his wife gave birth to a baby girl. He was home with them for the weekend, and on Monday started his new job with a company hauling in the oilfield. He had a trainer for 3 days (his trainer calls him DC because he can double clutch). On the first location he went to, he had to back around a U shape and it took him 2 tries. His female supervisor said that was pretty good since it took her 3 tries the first time; she’s been driving for 15 years. She also said he must have gone to a good school. After the first 3 days, they gave him his own truck.
The biggest challenges he has faced are the roads – he hauls mostly on dirt roads and some paved roads of course, but the dirt roads get slick when wet. Most of them have the red clay dirt which is really slick.
Terry says that Central Tech Truck Driver Training changed his life. He’s got a great job and makes good money, but he’s still home every evening about 7-7:30 p.m. That way he gets to spend time with his family.
What advice would he give to someone wanting to make a career change to truck driving? Listen and learn all you can while in school. Once you get out on the road, there’s no one to tell you what to do, when to do it, or how to do it.
My name is Danielle Jones and I graduated from Central Tech in June of 2003. Mark Brown was my instructor.
Trucking was a career choice I never thought I would make, but my previous job as a Medical Secretary, for Arkansas Children’s Medical Services, had taken an emotional toll. My friends encouraged me to consider driving, but I did not have much confidence; that is, until I attended Central Tech. Mr. Brown instilled the confidence I needed to succeed. His calm demeanor and vast experience as a driver himself helped me to embrace driving as a reality and a career that anyone could be successful at. I took away from Central Tech skills that were admired by my subsequent trainers at Schneider National. In fact, my over-the-road trainer cut me loose to drive solo earlier than usual, as she considered me advanced above those she normally took out.
Years later I am still driving, but as an owner-operator leased to Dart Transit; and with over a million miles behind me I have a perfect DOT record with no tickets and no preventable accidents. This I attribute to God first and Central Tech training second. Drivers must make life and death decisions every time we get behind the wheel. Should I pass? Are the roads too slick to drive on? Is my speed okay? How’s my log book? Can I pass a DOT inspection? Whenever these and other questions arise I fall back on my Central Tech training and the knowledge passed on to me by Mr. Brown.
My advice to someone wanting to drive, check with Central Tech and then afterward put each and every day in God’s hands; He will always steer you in the right direction. God said "do not fear" 365 times, once for every day of the year.
Seminole Nation WIA Program Participant Completes Truck Driving School |
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By Jennifer Johnson
The Seminole Nation Workforce Investment Act (WIA) program is pleased to announce the success of program participant Lester Bettelyoun III. Lester grew up in the Seminole area and began work experience with the Food Distribution program. Lester stated, “It was difficult to find a job. I knew the economy was bad, so I began thinking about my career options.” Upon hearing about the Central Tech Truck Driver Training program, Lester began the process of applying for school.
The requirements for the program were quite rigorous. Applicants had to be at least 21 years old, have a good driving record, pass a controlled substance tests, have no felony convictions and meet minimum DOT requirements. Central Tech Truck Driver Training courses are PTDI-certified and utilize classroom instruction, range and road driving as well as practical application of skills used in highway driving. Classroom study is a minimum of 104 hours and behind the wheel driving is 52 hours minimum. The program lasts twenty-three days and on site testing allows students the opportunity to acquire an Oklahoma class "A" Commercial Driver’s License.
Lester began the program in May of 2009 and graduated June 6th, 2009. During his course, recruiters would regularly visit the school to discuss career opportunities. Upon graduation, Lester became employed with the South River Resources Company then transferred to CUDD Oil and Gas Wells Company where he is currently employed. He currently travels between Oklahoma and Pennsylvania to work at various well sites.
Lester shared, “The WIA and Job Placement and Training Program really helped me out a lot. They are the best type of programs because they helped me go to school.” Lester has obtained HAZMAT certification, doubles, triple and tanker certifications. His advice to individuals considering a career in truck driving is, “Do it! It gives you a lot more opportunities. It’s hard to leave family, and I work at least 80-100 hours a week, but I’m making really good money.”
(This article published in the Seminole Nation Newspaper April 2010.)
Student Reviews
The web based program offered me the best opportunity to complete training even faster. I studied the book and took the tests in a couple of evenings and a Saturday. I jumped right into training and felt comfortable with all the training. Top of the line training. Instructors are world class. Facilities second to none.
---Karry J., Tulsa, OK
I moved to Oklahoma just to attend this school. The benefits that were offered here far outweighed any other school (even company owned schools). The process from zero experience to licensed CDL driver with all endorsements seemed flawless. The professionalism and respect showed by all the instructors really took me by surprise. I always felt safe, and had good direction with an instructor (or five as it was usually) only a CB call away!
---James H., Drumright, OK
I came into this program scared to death. Once here the instructor(s) explained everything to me. Taught me to control those fears and I ended up graduating in the top of the class.
---Randy S., Bowlegs, OK
Listen to instructors, they know their job and have been in your shoes. They are here to teach you a lot in a short period of time. This is the best truck driving school in the nation and a lot of trucking companies strictly hire graduates from Central Tech.
---Gregory G., Drumright, OK
After looking at several driving schools before visiting Central Tech, I knew this would provide the best training because of the amount of trucks and practice area they have.
---Johnny R., Edmond, OK
The classes were fun! Great instructors who knew instantly how to handle the different personalities of the students. They care about our success and worked hard to make things happen.
---Daniel S., Vian, OK
I think it was a very good training program. I couldn't of asked for anything better. I've already had several job offers which means to me the school has a good standing in the industry.
---Christopher A., Vinita, OK
Before attending Central Tech, I knew that I wanted to get into the trucking industry but was not sure how to get started. Central Tech taught me not only how to drive the truck like a professional, but how to act and what to look for as a professional driver.
---Monte S., Stillwater, OK
A very helpful group of teachers and staff. My instructor, Mr. Olinghouse, had 35 years experience, and worked on weekends for an owner-operator. Very professional in appearance and expertise. I would recommend this school for anyone wanting to become a professional driver.
---Olan M., Henryetta, OK
The training was awesome. Staff extremely knowledgeable and helpful. If you're looking for a new career and you are thinking trucking, Central Tech Truck Driver Training is the only way to go.
---Harold N., Locust Grove, OK
I looked and talked with 3-4 schools, but after looking at the driving range at Central Tech it was a no brainer, and the cost was about 1/3 of all other schools I researched. Thanks for everything!
---Roy S., Stillwater, OK