Reviews of HDS Truck Driving Institute (Driving School)

Rahat Khan

I am a current student and Most definitely don’t recommend this school or the company for anyone. All the instructors except Dan are bunch of lazy bums and liars that only shows up to school to keep their chairs warm and not help any students. You will never see any instructors in this school being helpful unless is DAN most of them are just bunch of lazy truck driver that aren’t even qualify to teach. #ThisSchoolSucks! #DontSignUp.

C M

I was in the 160 program. Had a great experience there and was very happy I chose HDS! The instructors they have there are great! I would recommend HDS to anyone that is thinking of getting their CDL! As for the other side DSW. I had the worst experience. First the driver managers just place you with who ever and aren't there to help you! Even after I requested a none smoker. I got placed with one anyways. The driver trainers don't really care about training you properly. I had to become pushy to get hands on with the Qualcomm system. Both driver trainers didn't have seat belts for the top bunks but expected you to get sleep so you can take over driving. My understanding of how training was supposed to go was that the trainer was to sit next to you and guide you through things for the first 2 weeks at least. They rushed me into team driving so they can make money off of the miles you both drive. The other thing was that there was a communication issue with both drivers I had. The second was was by far the worse! I don't know what qualifies him to be a trainer in the first place. He was very cocky. Had very bad habits and bad attitude. Demanded respect but wouldn't give any in return. His bad temper got him in a fist fight over what really was a misunderstanding and could have been avoided easily. I couldn't understand anything he was saying due to heavy Spanish accent. Please dont take this as racism. I'm of Hispanic decent but I'm not fluent in Spanish and English is my first language. It was vice versa in my trainers case. The second trainer spent a lot of time texting and get this watching videos off his tablet while he was driving. There was no way I could get any rest when I knew he was busy texting let alone watching videos. When we were in class the instructor preached about professionalism but I guess that didn't include hygiene! Second driver trainer spent a lot of time pouring urine out of the passenger window because he didn't want to stop at a rest area and no 90% he did not wash his hands let alone want to shower! Overall I dont regret going to the HDS school but i do regret seeking employment with DSW . The one thing I did learn from this experience was what to ask for in advance when I got to another company for employment. The next company I go to I'm sure will be a much better experience. It can't get any lower than what I went through with DSW!

Loren Rector

By far the best truck driver training in Tucson AZ.

Mckeen L

Just finished the 160hr program, pass my CDL test on first try. I came in with rough idea on how to drive manual transmission, the instructor luisa really took the effort to teach me proper shifting I have her to thank for that. but It's good place to acquire your endorsements for Bus or Hazmat, even a forklift certification that last 3yrs which I think they are making all students get for future jobs. But in all was a good experience for me at the school im not picky about things

Samantha Vasquez

Get out while you can! They claim to be family friendly... That is an outright lie! My significant other found a better job with another company. He was owner operator with HDS for about 3 to 4 months; he turned in his truck and now they are trying to charge him $40,000 for walking away. Mind you his lease states that it needs to be within a year, again it has been a couple of months. Go with this company if you want to lose money, and never see your family again.

Phillip Romero

Very respectable the staff are 2nd to none.

Ricardo Ibarra

Great environment great teachers great truck

Christopher Brown

Recent 2nd time graduate from the school. 2nd time because my physical expired and couldn't renew it so my CDL expired and had to start fresh. Got a sleep study done and didn't have the required amount of data on my CPAP machine so that's why it expired. Anyways, both times I went through it I had a good time. But the 2nd time around some things changed and it didn't go as smoothly as the 1st time I went through it back in September of 2014 but still went ok. Only complaint is that wasn't enough trucks to accommodate all the students and the night class usually gets the short end of the stick. But that's ok I still passed and got sufficient seat time for yard skills and driving so I passed my CDL test with flying colors because I had experience on my side this time lol. The school was pretty great, but for future students either slim down on class sizes or get more school trucks so that way students aren't just sitting around waiting for their turn to do a yard skill or go out driving. Other then that HDS does a pretty good job. As for working for DSW, no complaints here. Well, except one. Whenever I get into California, it seems to take weeks for me to get a load going out of California. I hate California with a passion, because I don't make as much whereas I make more going all over the U.S. Other than that, I have no issues with working for DSW. I know most of the dispatchers because I worked there before and they're cool and willing and able to help you out as best they can with whatever problem or issue you have. As for home time, that's never a guarantee no matter what company you drive for really. That's just the nature of the business.

Rahat Nabi

Wow, I was really disappointed at this school and the unprofessionalism of the Instructors so I went to the office to asked for help and spoke to Romana. Instead of Romana helping me, she and the other instructors "blackball" me. Long after I graduated from the school Romana contacted my Manager and his Supervisors On 3/14/19 and shared confidential information w/ them that I had shared with Corey and Romana before signing up for the school. Romana tried to accused me of several other things for example she told my supervisor that I was lying about the fact that I served in the military. I tried to contact Doug who's is suppose to have open door policy but he is never able and all that staff refused to share his Info w/ the students. I asked for his number from "Taylor, Diane-and front office" I was denied. I referred at least three of my friends to this school before which I regret now and will never be doing any kind of business w/ this people and Romana you should most definitely focus on doing your job instead of gossiping and sharing students confidential information with others and leave me alone. Thanks All.

blackwings89ra

All around great school

Regina McGrew

I would recommend this school to anyone looking to get their CDL Class A driver's license. I was a stay at home mom for 20 years and became a truck driver in a month! The staff and instructors really care about their students. HDS is a first-class institute that has an environment that is conducive to learning how to drive trucks. I had so much fun! I made a lot of wonderful new friends along the way. Now my 20 year old son wants to attend HDS and become a truck driver himself!

A Google User

Loved school, loved the instructors.

LaTanya Homer

The ones saying the school sucked were clearly never there and never put the effort into learning. All the instructors are experienced OTR drivers. I went in with no experience whatsoever about CDL and took the long program. I’m now out on the road. It’s a great school if you put the effort in

Diana Arnold

Night school instructors are very knowledgeable and professional. My husband and I went on to work for DSW as team drivers.... We couldn't have picked a better school nor a better Co. to haul for.

Taylor Cramer

Really love the CDL class the staff is very knowledgeable and friendly building is very clean and has plenty of vending machines and bathrooms making it very convenient for break time

jesus martinez

I graduated here on the 160 hour program and got my cdl in about 6 weeks. Most of the instructors are helpful to those who ask for it and seek their help. Luisa and Dan are very good instructors and I heard only praises of them from other students while I was there. They do not baby you here or hold your hand through the process. Be ready to show initiative and willingness to learn otherwise failure is on you because they do set you up to succeed. The owner Doug Prall is a good man and even if you dont drive for DSW after you graduate they still help you out with anything you may need to find employment elsewhere and there are no hard feelings on their part. If you are thinking about going to HDS hurry up and start making that money. If you need help paying for school look into pima county onestop they paid for my full ride at HDS and they can pay for you too.

tgreen Female

My husband and I graduated from HDS in 2008 the things that we were able to learn have been a big help in making our current truck driving business seccessful. All the training we received at HDS was and has been one of our greatest assets. We now drive for DSW as o/o and would recommend HDS truck driving school to anyone looking for a great place to learn and grow. .thank you HDS Trish and Leonard Green

Bejar Family

Classes are very large.

B Loerzel

I attended this business on 3/14/19. My first interaction was over the phone with Bill. If I could give a higher rating, I would. He was honest and told it to me straight.......no BS or whitewashing in his words. We ended up agreeing on a plan that was factually based upon my experiences with other schools/testing facilities and Bill found, and I feel, went out of his way to accommodate my schedule............THANK YOU BILL! The best was yet to come. I drove down to Tucson from Phoenix and was introduced to my instructor, Cowboy Chris. This guy could quite possibly be their best trainer/instructor! Sorry Bill but this guy gets an even higher rating. Chris provided me the training, ensured that I was capable to perform the required manuvers, and provided insight into what I would need to do to accomplish a pass on the CDL 3 part test. AWESOME DUDE! Overall , if you're looking to get you're CDL and you don't attend this facility, YOU ARE CHEATING YOURSELF!

Google User

Recommend night class, Luisa, Liga & Bob very helpful.

JAZZ n MOTION

I would never attend this school. The classes are way to large for the amount of trucks they have to accommodate, there are people constantly waiting hours to drive and sometimes dont get the opportunity to. Make a schedule, get more trucks, or create smaller classes!