160 Driving Academy of Portland

"Matt was awesome! He gave me good information and was patient with me. Michael was always available and informative. Tyler, David and JT were great driving instructors. I can’t forget Jeff, encyclopedia for truckers. Jeff was always sweet and funny and had an answer every time! Appreciate the instructors!"

"This is a school first and foremost, if you think they are gonna let brand new students drive new trucks and destroy clutches and transmissions trying to learn how to drive then you have a fairytale idea of how a school operates. Second stop being stubborn and risking failure just to get your manual. Automatics are where trucking is going. If you can figure out the manual fine but don't make the mistake that just because you can drive a manual car that it translates to a truck cause it doesn't and all those bad habits you have will make it that much harder. These guys get you to get your license period. They give you the pre-trip and aside from showing us how to do it and how to perform the air brakes, you need to practice and memorize it. You can't expect for them to memorize it for you and if you can't memorize a two-sided sheet of paper then you can't expect to pass this test. They show you the skills and work with you on performing the skills to what the state tests you at but you need to practice those as well. There is no one size fits all cheat code to backing it's a skill you grow. If your struggling ask for help. They can't read your mind and they cant be everywhere at once. What I had the most fun doing was skills in week 3. Michael told us that no back is ever the same. So he had each of us get in the truck and screw up the 90 and had the next person fix it. It made us more prepared for our test and it was a lot of fun messing up the starting position for the next student. When it comes to driving that is where you will get the most in depth instruction. Michael drove me on manual trucks and taught me everything I needed to know to pass my test first time. He didn't get frustrated and broke it down to a very basic way of explaining what the truck required to shift smoothly. This kept me and the other guys calm and confident behind the wheel. These guys do everything they can to help you pass all you have to do is put in the effort and don't expect them to perform a miracle and not have to do any work yourself. As far as waiting for drive time I waited patiently for my turn to get going on the road and perfected my pre-trip and backing so when I went on the road that was my only focus. I was able to absorb everything and was shifting that truck at the end of my 160 hours almost as good as Michael did when he took me out for my first drive. Use your time wisely if all your gonna do is complain and want someone to hold your hand the whole time then don't waste your time. This isn't the career for you. Thanks to all the 160 Portland instructors for what you guys do."

"I'm a recent graduate and I learned a ton from all the instructors. They were all great in their own ways and brought different life/career knowledge to their teachings. If you want to get your CDL and become a truck driver YOU have to put in the work, listen and follow directions, and practice. That is something no one else can do for you. There is also a high volume of students cycling in and out of here, so if you are struggling to learn something you need to speak up for yourself and ask for help."

"Great experience with this school. First I'll start with Ed's zoom class. This was my first class I've ever took online. Ed was great! He was very informative and most of all never hesitated to answer a single question. In the yard the instructors were good. Laid back and really get you prepared to pass the test. If you're not a go getter or need your hand held this might not be for you. Only two complaints. Need more drive time and need better equipment. The truck I drove was horrible. The seat left such a bruise on my back I contemplated suing this place. That's nobody's fault but corporate. They need to do better. But thanks 160 for getting me to where I wanted to be."

"Michael was an amazing instructor and very knowledgeable, laid back and helped with any question I had definitely would recommend this school because of him. Matt was extremely helpful over the road, really puts you through the obstacle course but really helps build your confidence behind the wheel. I enjoyed every time I got behind the wheel with him as my instructor! Overall great school, definitely have to ask questions and be proactive, no hand holding which I liked. I passed my first time back in July!"