Completing Written Tests

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by egander1, Nov 27, 2012.

  1. egander1

    egander1 Bobtail Member

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    Sep 22, 2012
    south texas
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    Would it save me anytime or money if I study and take the CDL written tests prior to attending a trucking school. The reason I ask is several years ago I went to the DPS office and took and passed all the written tests but wasn't at the time didn't have access to a vehicle to practice or test with for the license.

    If it saves time or money I don't think I would have any problem passing the written tests. I would appreciate any feedback or experience you might have on the topic. Thanks.
     
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  3. deepstroke

    deepstroke Bobtail Member

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    Jun 20, 2007
    chicago, il
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    Not likely to save either. What it will do is put you at the head of the class. As long as you dont try to be a 'know-it-all', your instructors will likely like you better since they wont have to spend as much time on you and will free a bit of their time to spend on students who need it. That is to say that you get instructors who know what they are doing.

    It is hard to find a job without experience unless you go to work for one of the mega carriers who hire students. But they wont hire you unless you either go to their school or to an 'approved' school. Go to Crete's website. They have an extensive list of schools that they approve. They are all schools that have received accreditation from a national certifying entity. Most other carriers will also use the same list.

    Schools will not likely discount tuition just because you come to them with your learner's permit. But then again, maybe you'll get lucky and find one that does.

    Keep in mind, once you are done with school and have your CDL-A in hand, you will still have to go through an 'internship' of sorts. This usually lasts 6-8 weeks. Check out the various carriers; you'll get paid to learn and most will reimburse you the cost of your schooling over the time that you work for them. Once you have at least one year and definitely two, you will become employable by just about anyone. This is usually not the companies setting that rule, it is their insurance company. The more experienced a driver they hire, the lower the cost of their insurance. Only the mega carriers can afford to self insure. A single wreck can cost multi-millions, so to carry enough coverage is expensive.

    I would encourage you to study for the state tests. Most states publish a study guide and it is usually available at no cost. There are several online practice tests that will also help. Then start studying the 'Green Book'. The rules and regulations published by the FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Adminstration). Just those chapters dedicated to the driver and the operation of the truck. Know these rules, it will keep you out of trouble down the road. Know them better than the officers that enforce them.

    And finally, PROTECT YOUR CDL. Tickets, warnings, out of service violations, etc, will make you unemployable to anybody other than your current employer, if they retain you, but not your are their bi tch. Good Luck! :biggrin_25523:
     
    Last edited: Nov 28, 2012
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  4. egander1

    egander1 Bobtail Member

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    Sep 22, 2012
    south texas
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    Thanks for the info.
     
  5. maverick88

    maverick88 Light Load Member

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    Nov 21, 2012
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    Just ask the school, the school i am starting with on Monday, the first 3-4 days are used for getting you ready to take the written test and DOT drug and physical. The drug and writtem test around here cost about 200. And is built into the tuition, but you pay for it out of pocket bring them a reciept and they remburst you. So will it save you any money? NO might save you a coupel days in class. LOL
     
  6. Nexus

    Nexus Bobtail Member

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    Nov 26, 2012
    Southern IL
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    If you think outside the box...yes - it will save you money. As stated above, it will save you time in class but not necessarily money on the test itself. If you fail to pass it and get sent home on your own dime - you are out that money plus money from the job you just lost. It may be in your best interest to at minimum study now, if not taking the entire written test in advance. I was told it's in my best interest to take the test in advance by the school. When I get a chance back in IL where I live...a quick truck test and I have my CDL-A here.
     
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  7. TripleSix

    TripleSix God of Roads

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    124,501
    Apr 10, 2009
    Copied in Hell
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    just adding my thoughts.

    at the entry level companies, they will have a huge orientation class. Huge. I've seen up to 40. At companies that don't take rookies, you only see a couple. In my last one, there were only 3. Why am I bringing this out? Because in the big orientation company ,( it was Swift at the time), THEY SENT ALMOST HALF BACK HOME! The rookies waiting for a trainer will be starving. But it's better than being sent home. Nexus made good points. I just want to stress what Nexus already said. Study like your life depends on it. Study the CDL test. You just don't want to pass, you want to excel. Read the regs book when they give it to you. If you choose to flatbed or pull tanker or hazmat, study the materials pertaining to those fields.

    one more thing, some trainers are decent people while some of them get this godlike perception because they think they have your entire life in their hands. These will demand worship from you. Hold your tongue and bide your time. It's rough, but you can make it. God will usually stay in the truck. Get out of the truck and go meet other drivers. Tell them who you are, a rookie. You may run into another moron, but most of the drivers you meet will be extremely supportive of you and will actually want to help you. Help and support when you need it most.

    forgot to mention, most of the recruits at Swift were sent home because they couldn't find the gears on their road test. They didn't have to back, they had to drive around the block.
     
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  8. egander1

    egander1 Bobtail Member

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    Sep 22, 2012
    south texas
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    TripleSix thank you for your thoughts. Very helpful.

     
  9. egander1

    egander1 Bobtail Member

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    Sep 22, 2012
    south texas
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    Nexus, I like to over prepare so I am leaning heavily to do what I can before going to a class even if it costs me a bit or doesn't save money or time. I like to be ahead whenever possible. Thanks for the advice.

     
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