Getting your CDL

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by doglover44, Sep 17, 2014.

  1. doglover44

    doglover44 Light Load Member

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    Apr 30, 2008
    Ohio
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    How did you get your CDL Did you go to school or have someone teach you ?
     
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  3. Tonythetruckerdude

    Tonythetruckerdude Crusty Deer Slayer

    2,904
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    Dec 8, 2012
    hunting...../ retired
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    My uncle taught me...but back then there wasn't anything called a CDL.....when the time came I got a chauffeur's license , then I was grandfathered into a CDL....
     
    Giggles the Original Thanks this.
  4. Giggles the Original

    Giggles the Original Road Train Member

    i went to driving school in 1991. school was from Jan.til March. we trained in the mountains in Colorado. still not enough training IMO, i drove solo after my Trainer Period , then met hubby who ACTUALLY TAUGHT me how to drive... he was/is an EXCELLENT teacher.
     
  5. HotH2o

    HotH2o Road Train Member

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    Bunyan Springs, Colorado
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    The first time I got my CDL was Feb 1996. Pretty much self taught. I worked for a company that hauled ag products. I was given a truck and a trailer and put on one of the boss' plots of land and was told when I could back that trailer around the yard without stopping I'd be ready. My forward driving consisted of spotting trailers in the fields during harvest season. Mostly dirt roads. When I got my permit I went out with one of the mechanics every day for about a half hour. Took me about 3 months before I felt I was ready to take my road test. Passed it the first time. Back then they didn't make you do all those Mickey Mouse skills they do now. Straight line backing and then pulling forward and stopping with the front bumper within 2 feet of a cone.

    I let my CDL go in 2001. Stupid mistake but hey, we all make them. Went to a rinky dink truck school in 2012 and got my CDL back.
     
  6. lfod14

    lfod14 Road Train Member

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    I went to school for it. The problem with doing it on your own is without professional training most companies won't go near you. The trucking industry is no different than other professional careers that require training. Knowing how to do it (even if your good) isn't enough. You need a piece of paper saying you paid somebody to teach you. Doing it on your own is fine if your already set up with a job, but unless that's your situation go to school. I've yet to see a school that doesn't finance, and community colleges are very affordable.
     
  7. WitchingHour

    WitchingHour Road Train Member

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    Broomfield, CO
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    I found it on the ground, picked it up, and BAM! Just like Green Lantern's transformation, I became a truck driver. It's like the CDL sought me out.
     
  8. Giggles the Original

    Giggles the Original Road Train Member

    some got theirs from a cracker jack box no doubt
     
  9. browndawg

    browndawg Medium Load Member

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    Dec 20, 2013
    Rock Island, IL
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    I got mine from Governor George Ryan trucking school in Illinois, cost me like 8,000 dollars but I did not even have to go to the DMV as it came in the mail.
     
  10. carolinacrazyhorse

    carolinacrazyhorse Bobtail Member

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    Mar 13, 2014
    tatlers ridge nc
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    i was born to it,..raised in it...dad,g'pa,uncles an cuzions taught me...skool of hard knocks it was called...
     
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