Quality Drivers School - Celadon Trucking - Indianapolis, IN - 2013

That is awesome! The program is very fast-paced, so be prepared for that. I have been studying the Indiana CDL manual as well as everything else YouTube, and web-related that I can find since May. Only thing I can warn you about is make sure you are able to meet the basic physical requirements. If you don't pass, you will be sent home. They will work very hard, however, to get you through the knowledge portion to be able to pass your written tests. I heard of a young woman there who has been there for a few weeks now trying to pass her written. So, don't give up is all I can say! Peace.

 

Well, day 2 down. We had our physicals/drug tests today. I passed, but my blood pressure was running high for some reason. Also, I have to go have a sleep study done within 90 days to see if I need a CPAP machine. Oh joy.

I will say this, everything is fast-paced. If you can't study hard on your own and cram everything in class, you will find this program very hard. That said, they are going to do everything in their power to help you get through the CDL permit testing. Once you have that, things slow down a bit. They give you 2 weeks of driving before you can even be allowed to go for the road test. And, if the instructors don't feel you are ready, they won't release you to go take it. There are some people who have been held for 5 to 6 weeks simply because they needed the extra time to learn all aspects. From what I understand, the contract doesn't change. You still have to drive 120,000 miles for the company once you are off your trainer's truck. I did find out, however, you can "buy out" your contract if that is something you want to do.

Another positive note for Indiana residents, (may be available in your state too) you may qualify for a Work One grant which covers half the tuition of the program - in other words - your 120,000 mile commitment just dropped to 60,000 miles! there was about a dozen of us that applied. We have to have a drug test, and then we will find out if we qualified.

Well, that is all for today, I need to study and prepare for written testing tomorrow. Peace.

 

Day 3
Well, sorry for the lack of posts for day 3 to 5, but it has been a bit of a crazy mess. So, day 3 we took turns going to the Indiana BMV taking our written tests. There were only a few of us that passed all of our requirements, which included me. The Indiana residents also were shuttled to the drug testing site for WorkOne for the grant money. Then we were shuttled back for lunch, then to the BMV to test. Class was just as you would expect, no real order. I was studying my brains out so I could be sure to pass everything, but the gabber's gabbed. Oh well. Most of them are the ones who couldn't pass the tests. And they wonder why.........

Day 4
Thursday was more of the same. Those who didn't pass everything or weren't able to test were sent to the BMV. What a shock, most of the gabber's didn't pass all their tests again. We did have a visit from the Celadon Nutrition Wellness group to explain how they help to teach you healthy eating habits while on the road. Some people got their medical cards so they were able to get their permits today. I, on the other hand, am waiting for my doctor to sign the medical release on one of my medications so I can get my card. It was faxed Tuesday, and when I called today he hadn't even looked at it. I asked the nurse to please make sure he gets it done as soon as he can because I need it for my permit.......

Day 5
Friday was yet more of the same. I called my doctor about every 2 hours until they faxed it back. Unfortunately, they faxed it back at 2:09 and the clinic closes at 3. So, no medical, no permit. I can, at least, go on the range Monday and practice straight and offset backing. It is better than another day in the classroom. We did get our $50 Cash Card for meals over the weekend and I got the paper for my fuel reimbursement.

Weekend
I came home Friday night. I saved the cash card and I am going to use it for when I am on my trainer truck for food or whatever. And that gets you up to date. And now, it is time to go to church. So, I will try and keep you updated about who, what, where, when, and why next week. I won't have my head buried in the CDL manual every night. Peace.

 

There are guys who are late 60's and early 70's who went through the program and are now driving for Celadon. As long as you can pass the medical and have a current valid drivers license, you can get in the program. go over to the CDL section of http://in.gov/bmv and you will find the medical requirements info. I highly recommend that you begin studying the Indiana CDL manual now and start taking the practice tests on here. It will help you a TON for when you have to go test. Peace.

 

No, unfortunately the Indiana BMV is closed on Mondays statewide. So, I have to wait until Tuesday morning. I am hoping they will let me drive to the BMV myself and take care of it rather than waiting until I can get the shuttle ride over & back......

I am back in Indy at the hotel. I didn't want to get up at 5 in the morning to drive down. I have a new roommate this week and I haven't really had a chance to speak with him because we are both in and out of the room trying to get settled in. Anyway - I will have more time this week to post as I won't be cramming my head with information. So, until tomorrow..... Peace.

 

Well, the HEAT was a killer but I got to straight line back today. We also had an opportunity to go over the pretrip on an International ProStar which is what we test in. The range trucks are beater Freightliner Century's and the road trucks are ProStars, which is what we do our BMV test in. Exciting fun! There is a tarp/tent which we use for some shelter from the sun. Doesn't work as well when it hits 90[SUP]o [/SUP]out and you are going through water like it was........ Anyway, I got my medical card today so I can go get my permit tomorrow. I almost had it worked out so I could go straight to the BMV and not have to worry about going to the school first, but that was changed before the end of the day. I am going to go to the classroom and possibly get a ride to the BMV. If I can't get the shuttle ride, then I can drive myself there. I have no problem spending the money to get the permit, if that is what it takes. I just want to get through the training so I can get on the road and start turning some miles.

Well, I think I am going to start working on my pretrip paperwork, so good night, God bless, and peace.