Hello, and a few questions from a newbie

Hello everyone! I have been checking out this forum and I am amazed how much information is here. Hopefully I can learn from the more experienced members here and perhaps one day contribute some wisdom of my own.

Although my initial career path was IT, for the past three years I have been driving for a local company (5 ton cube truck, no air). Because of the fact that I was able to set my own hours, work as much or as little as I wanted, and had very little supervision, I soon realized I liked driving as a profession and started inquiring about a career as a commercial trucker. To that end, I signed up for a local training company that has been in the business for over 25 years and has a solid reputation, (I am currently waiting for my loan to go through).

Anyways, I was wondering if I could ask a few questions:

1) What can I expect to find in terms of employment, once I am finished my training? Are bigger companies more or less likely to hire rookies than smaller ones or is it the other way around?

2) I am going to assume that most driving schools just teach the basics and the real learning starts once you actually land a job. Do most companies offer a support system to ease rookies into their job, or will I be 'thrown to the wolves."

3) What would you all say is the biggest mistake new commercial drivers make and what steps can I take to prevent such a mistake?

4) This one I am somewhat reluctant to ask, but I feel I must anyways. Although I have never had a DUI or had my license suspended for any reason, my current driving record is not perfect (a couple of minor traffic infractions and a couple of minor fender-benders more than a year ago. My prior driving record has been nearly flawless). Assuming I am also one hundred percent drug and alcohol free, how much will this impact my finding a job once my training is finished?

 

Trust me, I am one hundred percent drug free, have been for almost two years. I drink, of course but very rarely and never drive drunk.

I checked my driver's abstract and according to it, I only have two infractions, one of which carries three demerits (you are allowed six, before penalties). The truck training program I am considering taking has a professional driver improvement course, which once completed would reduce my demerit points to zero.

I am fully aware that most driving schools want your $$$, and will say/do almost anything to get it. That is why my next step is to phone some local transportation companies and get their feedback. Also, I still have plenty of questions for the driving school , since I have not committed to anything yet.

Again, I welcome any advice/input/criticism from veterans out there.