Imagine showing up to class as the new guy. Filled with nervousness and anxiety, having zero to no knowledge of the curriculum that will be laid before you. GREEN is how I showed up to the Oceanside 160 truck driving school. My 1st day I was thrown so much information. The lead instructor Richard handed me 2 sheets of paper and told me to memorize everything that was on both sides of each sheet, to prepare for a test the following day (pre-trip). I shook my head and said to myself this is impossible, who can retain this much information. So I decided to talk to one of Richard's instructors named Daniel. Daniel told me calm down and trust the process. He assured me that 160 would give me all the tools needed to pass DMV. However I would be responsible for reviewing and simulating all that I learned when not in class. He said that the 120 hrs training I had remaining would FLY BY and it's my responsibility to study, study, study and prepare. Daniel would then take me on the road to an area they called the kiddie pool. There I would have my first shot behind the wheel of a 18 wheeler truck. I went from stalling the vehicle and grinding gears, to double clutching and downshifting. Once I complete the kiddie pool, I moved on to driving through the city and on the freeway. However, my instructor changed. It was a guy by the name of Winston. This guy took his time with me. it was with this instructor that I would learn to shift gears smoothly. I learned to maneuver through traffic. I would learn how to prepare my vehicle to make proper turns and control my speed. Every morning I would show up to class. He would always tell me Dontae what's the word of the day and that word was consistency. I could hear him now " Dontae why is my truck not running", at every intersection " left - right - left " and while performing skills " right to bend, left un bend ". But I can't leave out the lead Richard. This man shows up every day ready to work, gray shorts, reflective shirt, and a trucker hat, sipping on a monster energy drink. This man was hard on me. 160's policies and trainings was in-forced. He would tell me every time I'd mess up, "that not what I taught you, follow instructions and pass" - "spend more time on pre-trip, air-brakes and off the phone". I knew then if I did what was taught, I would pass ( Consistency ). Short Staff these 3 men prepared me with what I needed to be 1 & DONE STUDENT! I know my review was long, but I think there's so much that just needed to be said. Thank you Richard, Winston, Daniel, & Erica for using your skills to launch my new career Dontae - MR. One & DONE read more

Concerns Over 160 Driving Academy's Temporary Suspension of PTO Accruals On June 15, 2025, 160 Driving Academy will implement a temporary suspension of Paid Time Off (PTO) accruals for all employees. This decision affects staff across the board--from dedicated CDL instructors and frontline support personnel to management and possibly even corporate-level employees. The policy was announced as a cost-management measure by CEO Steve Gold, but the communication failed to provide transparency about the underlying causes or to acknowledge the real human toll such a change imposes. PTO is not merely a benefit--it is a foundational component of employee well-being. For the individuals who perform physically demanding, safety-sensitive, and emotionally taxing work every day, paid time off is essential. It supports mental health, prevents burnout, and sustains the level of excellence required in commercial driver education and operations. Suspending PTO accruals sends a disheartening message to the very people who uphold the mission of the organization. It undermines morale, retention, and trust--especially when the decision is made without open dialogue or a clear plan for reinstatement. We urge 160 Driving Academy leadership to reconsider this move and to engage employees in a transparent conversation about the company's financial health and the shared path forward. Supporting your workforce is not just a gesture of goodwill--it's an investment in the future of safe, skilled, and resilient commercial transportation. read more

I just got my Class A drivers license through 160 Drive Academy thanks to Erica Gorman who got the wheels turning for me! Juan the manager at the trucking school run a great program, he tracks your progress and assigns instructors to work with you on your weaknesses. Jaime was very helpful in trimming the fat off my pre-trip for testing at the DMV. Richard was great at pointing out all the road hazards for my road test. Then there's Winton the SKILLS Master, just follow his instructions and trust the process! Finally there's Mr.Mark the Double Clutch Master! I was nervous about driving on the road in a manual but after going on the road with him he couldn't of explained the process any better and after my first day with him I couldn't wait to get back out there! Thanks to all at 160 Driving Academy! You all help me start paving my way! read more

Jaime was a great mentor from the first day I met him!! He took his time and his knowledge to help me!! He gave clear understanding about the right way to pass the test!!! And Juan came in as head coach, aiding also his knowledge and experience ,very helpful and responsive!!! Paul from San Bernardino yard, came down and taught me the manual transmission in 4 hours!! Winston keep us in informed and up-to-date with dmv rules and procedures every day!!! Make sense, and Richard was why I passed pretrip and airbrakes!! Great team effort I would say !!! Thanks 160 read more

Offering a 5 week Class A CDL program. Week one is classroom. Week two, take the written test and get your learner's permit. Week three, four, five, out in the range getting your skills and driving ready so you are proficient for the DMV Test. Meet you at the DMV with the truck on the day of your test, and take a picture and celebrate with you once you pass! $5K all in and you have your CDL. read more

I am a recent graduate of 160 Driving Academy. I was also a "One and Done" at the DMV. They had professional instructors throughout the process. This was most definitely a program that you will get out what you put in. If you approach it with seriousness and carry it throughout the whole program you too can succeed. Roc Ivorri read more