Class B Job Already Lined Up: Quinon's Experience

From Laid Off to a Class B CDL Career

When Quinon Williams graduated from the Class B CDL program at New Sound CDL School, we asked him to look back on his experience and share what brought him here, what helped him during training, and what advice he would give someone who is thinking about getting their CDL.

Quinon, who lives in Renton, came to New Sound CDL while looking for work and ready for a better opportunity. He had gotten laid off from his previous job and was on the hunt for a new job. He came across an opportunity to become a garbage truck driver, but needed to get his Class B CDL to qualify for it. He wanted to move quickly, and fortunately enough our class B course is only two weeks. Imagine that, in two weeks you can be fully qualified for a great new job with good pay, benefits, and opportunity to provide a good living for you and your family. 

So choosing the Class B program made complete sense for him, seeing that he’d immediately be able to get to work and start building a stronger future.

When asked why he went with this program, he told us there’s “good money in truck driving and a great way to support my family,” Quinon said.

Why Quinon Chose a Class B CDL Career Path

Like we mentioned above, Quinon was interested in getting his CDL because he had an opportunity lined up and needed to obtain his license to take the next step. That is one of the reasons CDL training can be such a valuable path for many students. Sometimes the opportunity is already there, but you still need the right training, preparation, and license to be ready for it. Given the high demand for truck drivers of all types, finding a great job is well within reach for our graduates. 

For Quinon, earning a Class B CDL was not just about finding another job. It was about better financial security for him and his family, strong retirement options, and putting himself in a position to move forward after being laid off. 

When he chose New Sound CDL School, he said the school’s reviews and high student pass percentage stood out to him. Like with anyone else who’s investing in CDL training, Quinon wanted to know that he was choosing a place with a strong learning environment and a track record of helping students succeed. So reading the reviews of graduates who 

Zero Manual Transmission Experience

Before starting class, Quinon’s biggest challenge was that he had never driven a vehicle with a manual transmission before. That can feel intimidating for a lot of students, especially when you’re also learning how to operate a commercial vehicle, understand safety procedures, and prepare for the CDL test.

But after going through training, Quinon said that what felt like a challenge at the beginning became something he was able to confidently work through.

“My challenge was that I had never driven a manual transmission vehicle before,” Quinon said. “After the training, I had no problem in just 3 weeks.”

That’s something that we hear often from both prospective students and new students - they’re not sure if they can actually learn everything in just a few weeks. Yet one thing we always preach is that you just have to come ready to learn, and we’ll help you with the rest. CDL training is designed to teach you the process, build your confidence, and help you develop the skills you need one step at a time.

His First Day at New Sound CDL School

On his first day at New Sound CDL, Quinon quickly saw that students are expected to put in the work. His first impression was simple: if you show up ready to learn, practice, and take the training seriously, you give yourself a real chance to succeed.

“You’re expected to put in the work and if you do, you can’t fail,” Quinon said.

That mindset matters in CDL training. Instructors can teach, guide, correct, and support you, but students still have to study, be involved, stay focused, and keep practicing. Our CDL school is very hands-on, and the more effort a student puts in, the more confident they usually become.

Instructor Support That Helped Him Improve

For Quinon, the instructors made a real difference during training. He described them as supportive and said he received helpful feedback while learning. One day while out practicing on the road, he stalled the truck while trying to shift into gear. With his instructor’s guidance, he was able to stay focused and quickly get it started again and moving. Our instructors are used to things like that and are prepared to help students get over these obstacles.

We understand that it’s one thing to learn something in the classroom, but it’s another thing to apply it while driving, shifting, watching traffic, staying alert, and managing the vehicle safely.

Quinon appreciated that the instructor was there to help him work through those moments. Instead of letting mistakes turn into frustration, he helped him learn and keep improving.

Learning to Drive in Real Traffic

One of the most helpful parts of the program for Quinon was getting out into traffic and actually driving. He said that being placed in city driving helped him adapt quickly and build confidence.

That is a big part of CDL training. Students need time behind the wheel in real situations, not just classroom instruction or parking lot practice. Driving in traffic helps students learn how to stay alert, manage nerves, follow proper procedures, and become more comfortable with the vehicle.

For Quinon, it was one of the biggest parts of his growth during training.

“What helped me the most was being able to get out in traffic and drive,” he said. “They put you in city driving pretty quickly so it forces you to adapt and excel.”

Overcoming Nerves Behind the Wheel

The most challenging part for him was learning to drive in traffic while also overcoming nervousness and staying alert at the same time. That’s something many of our CDL students can relate to.

When you’re learning to drive a commercial vehicle, there’s a lot happening at once. You are watching traffic, listening to the instructor, thinking about your turns, paying attention to your surroundings, and trying to stay calm while operating a much larger vehicle than most people are used to.

Quinon’s experience shows that nerves are normal, but they don’t have to stop you. With training, repetition, and instructor support, students can become more comfortable and more confident as they continue practicing.

Preparing for the CDL Test

Quinon said New Sound CDL School gave him the information he needed to prepare for the CDL test from day one. But he also understood that simply receiving the information is not enough. Students still have to study, stay diligent, and take the process seriously.

“All information needed to successfully pass my exam was given to me day one,” Quinon said. “Being diligent and thorough in studies will produce a successful exam.”

That is strong advice for future students. The school can provide the tools, instruction, and support, but success also comes from being consistent and doing the work. Studying early, paying attention during training, and asking questions can make a big difference.

A Job Opportunity After Graduation

Before graduating from the Class B program Quinon already had a job lined up. His goal is to drive a local Class B garbage truck, giving him a chance to start working in a field with better financial security and strong retirement options.

For him, this new career path is about supporting his family and creating a more stable future.

That’s one of the reasons many students choose Class B CDL training. Class B drivers may pursue local opportunities with garbage trucks, dump trucks, box trucks, buses, and other single commercial vehicles. For students who want to stay closer to home and work toward a steady local career, Class B can be a strong option.

Advice for Future CDL Students

When asked what he would tell someone who is thinking about getting their CDL but feels nervous or unsure, Quinon gave advice from experience.

“I was in the same position but don’t be afraid,” he said. “Step out on faith and you can achieve anything.”

He also shared a practical tip for students who want to get started as quickly as possible: make sure you get your CLP, or Commercial Learner’s Permit, before starting school if possible. Having that permit ready can help students begin driving sooner once training starts.

Training moves quickly, so the more prepared a student is before class begins, the easier it is to take advantage of the hands-on driving time.

Would He Recommend New Sound CDL School?

Quinon said he would recommend New Sound CDL School to other students because the school gave him the tools he needed to succeed.

“NSTS gave me all tools to succeed and I did,” Quinon said. “They have great instructors and have a great learning environment.”

For students in Renton, Fife, Tacoma, Pierce County, Seattle, and nearby communities who are considering CDL training, Quinon’s story is a reminder that a new opportunity can start with one decision. There may be nerves, challenges, and new skills to learn, but with the right training and the willingness to put in the work, students can move toward something better for themselves and their families.

New Sound CDL School offers Class A Manual, Class A Automatic, and Class B CDL training in Fife, WA for students who are ready to start working toward a commercial driving career. Call us today with any questions. We’re glad to help!

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