2000 NTDC Main Page | 1999 NTDC Main Page | Competition Advice | 1999 State Champions
John Kuiphof | Driver/Sales Representative | Grand Rapids, MI (272)
Why I Get Involved
Why I Compete
Preparing for the Written Test
Practice Everyday
John Kuiphof has been with Roadway for 27 years. Competing since 1990, he has attended the National Truck Driving Championships four times. He placed third in the Twin Trailers class in 1998.
John welcomes any questions anyone might have. He can be reached by e-mail at jdkuiphof@hotmail.com.
Why I Get Involved[ Top of Page ]
Roadway has been very supportive of the NTDC and works hard to make the nationals a great time for all who attend. I have made many good friends all across the country as a result of competing and it is fun to "compare notes" with other employees. Almost everyone I've known who has been involved in the NTDC has continued to do so year after year.
Why I Compete[ Top of Page ]
Those of us who have been competing for awhile were asked to offer some suggestions that might help people just getting starting. I would love to help in any way possible, because I am an avid supporter of this program. Competing is not only a fun event where you have the opportunity to meet a lot of other drivers, but it has helped to make me a better driver. I have found that competing keeps me thinking about safety continuously, and techniques to improve my driving skills challenges me all year long. I have also gained a new respect for the job we do every day - without us America stops.
Preparing for the Written Test[ Top of Page ]
I prepare for the written test by reading through the book "Facts for Drivers" as many times as I can. In Michigan, this book is sent to you from the Michigan Trucking Association when you register for the state championship, so the earlier you register the longer you have to study. In addition, my family drills me on the two hour drive from our house to the hotel where we stay for the event. Our three daughters have really enjoyed asking me all the questions in the book and are quite insistent that I be accurate with my answers. This probably helps me the most because this is usually soon before the test is given.
Practice Everyday[ Top of Page ]
The best way to prepare for the driving course is to practice everyday as you do your job. If you have a P&D run, as I have, you can use lines in parking lots and on the edge of the road to find where your vehicle lines up along the right side. You will also have to practice right and left turns, getting as close to the curve as you can without hitting it. Stopping with the front and back of the truck as close to a line without crossing it is also required. In the front section of "Facts for Drivers" there are instructions for setting up a course so you practice on your own. Roadway has been very cooperative with allowing me to use company equipment and space to prepare for the championships. I use a road tractor because it most resembles the equipment provided at the event.
1999 NTDC Main Page | Competition Advice | 1999 State Champions
