Got my permit and all endorsments. Need time behind the wheel! What to do now?

**TTTran** · 08.16.2012

I'm tired of not being able to keep up on bills so i have thought about trucking! People just cant afford to pay the prices needed to build custom cabinets and furniture anymore (myself incuded). So i finally decided to go to a CDL training school, got though the first week with no problem. Got my class A permit with all endorsments ,and have an appointment next week for fingerprinting. On the final day of my first week i was dropped out of school for a felony 9 years and 3 months ago. I have now filed the paper work with the courts and awaiting my court date to have it dropped, however the longer i keep waiting the further i get behind and not sure if any other schools will let me in either. All the "BIG COMPANIES" i have applied to with reimbersment programs tell me that it wont be a problem,so im not understanding why i was dropped from class. Is there a way around all this if i cant get back in school? No companies will hire you without time on the road or behind the wheel! Any thoughts on this? Would be greatful for some advise !

**ChromeDome** · 08.16.2012

The large company's require a training school. Either the one they contract to or another. This is like high school drivers ed. It helps them with insurance.
The smaller company's have to deal with insurance with experience. They normally require anywhere from 1-5 years ORR to be considered.
There are exceptions to this, but they are hard to find.
After CDL school, you normally have to be back in a seat within 6 months or they will have you start over. You may get lucky and get on with a refresher program from one of the company schools. They focus on the driving part more than the classroom.

Watch out though. MANY of the large carriers recruiters will say whatever they need to just to get you to show up. Then 3 days in you will be kicked to the curb for the past discretion. With no warning. Try to get that removed from your record ASAP.
Good luck.

**Puppage** · 08.16.2012

Sorry for the stupid question......what are endorsements?

**ChromeDome** · 08.16.2012

Air brakes (have to have for A license) Combination Vehicles (have to have), Hazmat, Doubles, Passenger, Tanker, etc.
The endorsement tests are all written. So you can take them when you get your learners permit. The only test for the actual license is the driving test. But you have to have some of the others in order to get the licence. Like Combination and Air brakes.