2 Months till CDL school: What to do?

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by Western Sky, Feb 3, 2012.

  1. Western Sky

    Western Sky Light Load Member

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    Feb 2, 2012
    Oregon
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    My goal is to attend a CDL school or get hired by a company training program after the 1st of April, about 8 weeks away. I am currently a contractor and have a couple projects to complete before I can leave.

    My question is, what should I be doing in preparation? I've been reading over this forum and trying to learn as much as I can, trying to identify which schools or companies appear to be the best fit. I have requested a copy of my driving record from DMV. Should I start applying to companies yet?

    Any words of wisdom or advice would be greatly appreciated.
     
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  3. turnanburn

    turnanburn Medium Load Member

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    Jan 25, 2011
    central Vermont
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    Read your state CDL manual. Get a good book like Bumper to Bumper that explains in depth how trucks work. Read posts from/about those who have successfully entered the industry. Do your due diligence very thoroughly, avoiding negativity (you might notice some around here). Learn to recognize the pitfalls and scams that have been placed in your path. Read your CDL manual some more. Pinch yourself. If its a go, then enjoy the ride!
     
  4. girlsdrivetoo

    girlsdrivetoo Light Load Member

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    Feb 3, 2012
    Toledo, Ohio
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    Youtube has a wealth of good videos on pretrip inspections and such. You need to weed through a ton of BAD videos too, but it does give you a heads up on what to expect. Good luck and keep learning all you can!
     
  5. sharp.dressed.man

    sharp.dressed.man Heavy Load Member

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    Dec 10, 2011
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    If you haven't already go ahead and get your permit. I am not going to attend training until May, but I went ahead and got my permit. It will make the next step easier no matter which route you go.
     
  6. Shortthouse

    Shortthouse Bobtail Member

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    Nov 19, 2011
    Peoria, AZ
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    What schools are you looking into?
     
  7. plentygood

    plentygood Road Train Member

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    Apr 24, 2011
    USA / CANADA
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    Get into good shape, physical as well as mental and that will put you ahead of most in the game.
     
    123456 Thanks this.
  8. ecmcintosh

    ecmcintosh Light Load Member

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    Dec 23, 2011
    Murray, KY
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    Everything the previous posters said....and don't procrastinate!!! I leave tomorrow morning for school and still have about a weeks worth of things to do around the house.
     
  9. Western Sky

    Western Sky Light Load Member

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    Feb 2, 2012
    Oregon
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    If I obtain a cdl permit in my home state, will it be good if I attend a school out of state? Also, how does it work if you attend school out of state, without being a resident of that state. in regards to your cdl license? Do you get your license there and then have to transfer to your home state when you get back home?
     
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