He will have to demonstrate his ability to drive a truck, a driving test is very seldom waived, though once in a while it does happen. The days of getting a CDL and learning how to drive on the job are probably mostly over. Driving a truck isn't driving a car or heavy equipment or farm machinery. Some skills are common to all of these but there are some skills specific to each. I knew about backing and off-tracking from operating farm machinery. I also can deal with a skid without thinking about it, I've driven in conditions where a truck just wouldn't go. What I didn't know how to deal with was the speed a truck will run, but I learned to not follow too closely and to watch for closing up distance and those brake lights coming on. It took about 100,000 miles but I now see everything at once without being distracted by something unexpected. I'm still learning and probably always will, I want to improve my abilities.

Without knowing more about his background, I can't comment on what he is trying to accomplish, it will be difficult with or without school.

Some states require so many hours of instruction before being eligible for a CDL, other states allow operation without a license for people involved in agriculture. You don't need a CDL for a straight truck without air brakes and under 26000 GVW in most areas.

Well, I am looking for a trucking job again. The company decided to get out of the freight business earlier this week so I already turned in my truck and applying everywhere. I have learned alot in these months and I now hope to get into a lease purchase program and become an O/O.
Its only been a week and I miss being behind the wheel. I love driving these monsters. I guess that is why I am so good at it. One thing I am proud of is that I can now put the truck in the hole in one shot. I have been able repeat it several times. Anyways, wish me luck.

Driver, you need to get a bigger horn, I can't quite here the one you are tooting!!!

You will need luck if you are going lease op. That is not an O/O in case you did not know.

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My childhood dream of becoming a truck driver turned into a nightmare!

sorry about that. I am not one to brag. I just feel proud that I was able to learn the basics so quick. I still have a lot to learn and I know nothing compared to many experienced drivers. This site has really helped me learn a lot about the business. Thanks for having it and everyone's input.

Nothing wrong with taking pride in your acomplishments. And bragging doesn't make you any better or worse driver for that matter. It's just more about how you may be perceived by your peers I guess. Besides that, you wouldn't be the first do that on this site. Short story...

Years ago, in the reserves, i was doing my monthly training as a cook. I took a can out of the storeroom with out "logging" it, and I got jumped on but good by my active duty counterpart. A few hours later, an active duty peer did the same thing, but when caught by the guy who jumped my stuff, said, "Oh yeah, I forgot." So the bossman says, "No problem, I got it". Needless to say much to my shagrin.

Kind of a lateral analogy, but the point is sometimes it matters less about what ya do or say, and more about one's place. So go practice yer blindside already!

Having no schooling will make it very hard if not impossible to find a job. With the exception of Central Transport who will hire anybody at any time.