Well I figured it is time for me to start my own thread about my school/training experience. For those of you that do not know, I am going to be team driving with my husband for Interstate. We start school in Tucumcari, NM. on Jan 7th.

To get you up to speed....we have had car issues and didn't think we were going to get to take our own vehicle but I think we are going to pull off taking our car. We don't really want to be stuck in the middle of BFE with no car for 5 weeks. We ended up selling some of hubby's DJ equipment on ebay to get the money to fix the car. I have promised hubby he can get the equipment of his dreams later, after we are making some money!

Last week we both went and had our physicals done. I passed right away but hubby couldn't pass the vision test, so we had to go get him some glasses. After that he passed with flying colors.

So after the day of physicals, we go to the DMV to take our permit tests. I take all of the tests, including the ones to get your endorsements for doubles/triples, combo, tanker...all the good stuff. Well I pass everything and go back to the counter and find out that here in Texas, the tests are only good if I come back within 90 days and take the road test at the same DMV office. All I needed to take was one easy quick section on the Texas CDL rules. Hubby was still in the middle of his tests and they pulled him off the computer and reset him, so he didn't have to take the tests but the one he needed. At least I know that I can pass, but man was I mad! Just so you know at the school we are going to you have to already have your permits. We go to school for 5 weeks then have OTJ experience for another 5 weeks with a trainer. Our trainer is supposed to get us routed back to Texas at some point to take our CDL test. Maybe I will get to take the test at the same DMV, but Interstate said I will probably test out in Amarillo.

I am getting very anxious and excited to go. I need to get a few more things before we go, ie: warmer clothes! But for the most part I am ready to get this show on the road.

We have a friend that is driving for JB Hunt, and we went to see him while he was in town Christmas Eve. I got a tour of his truck and it wasn't so scary this time. I had gone up in my brother-in-laws truck a few weeks ago and it seemed very intimidating. I guess the more I am around the trucks the better I feel. I am starting to believe that I really can do this!

Sorry for the long post....I will try my best to keep this thread updated. I have just loved reading K&J's and Daytona45's posts. They both helped me alot and I hope to help others out there! If you want to know anything at all, just ask. I am not too shy of a person and will try to keep an open door policy concerning my experiences.

See ya on the road!

__________________
No Carb Diet! No Cheney. No Ashcroft. No Rumsfeld. No Bush.
January 20, 2009 End of an Error!!
I think...therefore I'm a...Libertarian!

I'm glad you guys are getting the car thing worked out. I know you will be happier with the car. One thing I learned was long posts are a good thing. I started ours out with "just the facts" and found later that most new people want to hear not only what you did, but how you felt as well. What was hard, what was scary, how you overcame it, etc. Add your feelings to your posts as well as what you physically do.

Good luck on starting school. We will try to get routed by there while your in class to say hello.

Hey Sassy,

I'll be watching for your posts and can't wait to meet you on the 27th! I started really cracking the books this weekend. Good Lord....how do you remember all of the stuff?? I took some tests online and actually did okay...but I'm scared. Here you have to take all of the tests. I have my physical on the 3rd...went yesterday to get my blood pressure checked and it's 134/81. It's passing, but a little too close for my comfort. Hubby gave his notice yesterday, so he's going thru a bunch of emotions right now.

Man this is big!

Please tell everything...I'll be living vicariously thru you!! Good luck!!

Best of luck guys with your schooling!My wife and I were trying to accomplish the same thing with IDC but they were not taking folks from our home state to train. I have decided to go the solo route for a while and will be starting my training next month with Prime Inc. Best of luck and have lots of fun on your journey!!!

Stay Safe,

__________________
"Getting old is mandatory, Growing up is optional"

was a virtual ghost town besides the Mcdonalds, Kfc, and a couple gas stations. There's actually something else there?? Dang. Well good luck and drive safe.

What is your home state and who did you talk to at IDC?

I sure hope you get to stop by. I would love to meet you and your wife. Thanks for the tips about putting how I feel. I think that is what I really love about your posts and I am going to try and do the same. Keep the tips coming!

__________________
No Carb Diet! No Cheney. No Ashcroft. No Rumsfeld. No Bush.
January 20, 2009 End of an Error!!
I think...therefore I'm a...Libertarian!

Thanks for the luck...we need it!

When I first opened the CDL book all I could think was what the heck have I gotten myself into. The pre-trip stuff scared the bejeseus out of me and still does! I think I read and re-read that book at least 30 times and I took the online tests over and over. I am a very "girly" type girl and have no experience with cars (except for getting in and going) much less any experience with trucks! But after reading everything and trying to visualize the truck and being on the road...it just all started to click. Honestly, I think the online tests helped the most and when I took the tests most of the questions I had already seen from those online tests. Trust me, if I can do it you can too!!

Oh! And about your blood pressure....been there also. When I took the physical I was so nervous my blood pressure was 136/80!! The girl asked me if I was on any meds! I told her no but it sounds like I need to be! I guess I was just so nervous because I knew that our future depended on that darn test and I had never had a physical before and didn't really know what to expect. Oh, I had seen doctor's before and all that but never had a true "physical", but it was quick and painless in the end!

So, what next? Well the packing is about to begin!!!! I have to do some laundary and decide on what we are going to take. I am so relieved that we can take our car. Hubby and I both sleep with fans on and I am planning to take our fan now that I can. (Hey that rhymes...I am a poet and didn't even know it! ). I think it is good that we are going to be able to come home for a few days after Tucumcari but before we leave for orientation. I remember reading how much stuff poor K&J had to drag around. Hubby and I both got a big duffle bag for Christmas from my mother-in-law, but it is going to be hard to get everything I need in there. We went to Las Vegas for 4 days when we got married...and we had something like 2 suitcases and a carry-on! LOL!!! I am going to have to leave alot of makeup at home and only take the essentials. The biggest change to me will not having to take 50 pairs of shoes. That alone should save a ton of room! As it gets closer to leaving, I will let you know what I decide to take.

Well take care and see ya on the road!

__________________
No Carb Diet! No Cheney. No Ashcroft. No Rumsfeld. No Bush.
January 20, 2009 End of an Error!!
I think...therefore I'm a...Libertarian!

That was going to be my next question. I guess I'll pack jeans, sweatshirts and t-shirts. I can't imagine needing much more than that.

I'm girly too, in fact, before we leave, I need to go in and get my nails taken off. That's gonna hurt (emotionally). But, I'm taking my makeup....won't leave the house without at least some mascara on. lol

We are on the road with our IDC trainer now----

Things to bring/keep in mind
2 pair tennis shoes/driving shoes 1 pair of warm warm water proof boots.
Rain gear
Long johns
Winter Coat
Beenie
gloves---work/and warm
at least a week of clothes///lots of under garments and socks
pens and notepads.
ipod
im using laptop with sprint air card now
sleeping bags would be easier than sheets and blankets
also shower bag/shower flip flops
sunglasses
Our trainer let us bring loads of food so we save money by using micro and eating boxed dinners.

I know it sounds like allot but its really nice to be prepared

We have chained up 3 times in the first week--and I am so glad we have warm dry gear.

Also a good trick with pre trip

Connect the dots----when looking under the hood go from one item to the next the same time every time in a left to right scan working from top io bottom.

Practice every chance you get even at home just visualize in your head.

Also IDC like the term "Condition Secure" when describing items on pre trip

Good luck and have fun