Newbie here

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by INFALLIBLE1, Feb 2, 2011.

  1. INFALLIBLE1

    INFALLIBLE1 Light Load Member

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    Feb 2, 2011
    Central, FL *ocala*
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    Names Robert 21 years young. After many years ive decided to get my CDL. Been driving box trucks and cab and chassis's since i was 16 to 19 then started a cabinet business for a year and a half. Just recently left my job with Lockheed Martin to get back on the open road.

    Done alittle reading online for my state (FL).

    From what i can tell i need to study for my skills test (either at the college for 5k) or self study using this package http://www.cdl-course.com/faq-fl.html

    Then go to a state testing center and take the skills test. http://www.flhsmv.gov/ddl/cdlsites_state.html

    Then find someone to drive for.
     
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  3. Rerun8963

    Rerun8963 Road Train Member

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    ova-hereee
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    yes, you can "study at home".....but that would be the reading only...and by the way, that would be mostly for the general knowledge, air brakes and combo written exams.....not the driving skills....sure you can read how to back up a truck, but you have to ACTUALLY back up a truck for the SKILLS tests

    do you have a tractor-trailer rig for the whole lot of backing skills you WILL NEED to practice BEFORE you take those skills tests...???

    the school will provide books, learning materials, videos, and trucks to practice with... then come test day, a truck will be provided for you all included in your tuition.....
     
  4. INFALLIBLE1

    INFALLIBLE1 Light Load Member

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    Feb 2, 2011
    Central, FL *ocala*
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    Have spent a good amount of time in a truck on the backroads. Never backed a tractor trailer combo. Plenty of 40 foot cab and chassis and 35 foot goose necks. I figured they would be about the same backing
     
  5. American-Trucker

    American-Trucker Road Train Member

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    Charlotte, North Carolina
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    If you want to actully get a job after you get your CDL....Go to a school! Its hard enough for a new driver to get a job out of FL never mind not haveing a certificate from a school....





    American Trucker
     
    Jarhed1964 Thanks this.
  6. Rerun8963

    Rerun8963 Road Train Member

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    but how long ago was that...???

    do as you wish, school can be a bore, but many trucking companies "might" not even give your application a second look with out some sort of schooling...just a thought....i wish you well and good luck
     
  7. xlsdraw

    xlsdraw Road Train Member

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    Nov 17, 2010
    Lake Alfred, Florida
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    What part of Florida?
     
  8. INFALLIBLE1

    INFALLIBLE1 Light Load Member

    90
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    Feb 2, 2011
    Central, FL *ocala*
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    ocala/gainsville
     
  9. INFALLIBLE1

    INFALLIBLE1 Light Load Member

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    Feb 2, 2011
    Central, FL *ocala*
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    its been about a year and half.
     
  10. Flying Dutchman

    Flying Dutchman Road Train Member

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    Northern California
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    In all honesty, if you have the skills, you have the skills. To some of us, it just comes naturally. But the skills only come in handy at the DMV. The schooling is what gets you a foot in the door as far as an OTR job.

    Just like any other industry that requires the great & mighty college degree....that piece of paper proves nothing about who you are as a person, your work ethic, or your skills, it proves that you learned how to pass the tests. I'm not a fan, but that's how it is.
     
  11. fallinangel

    fallinangel Medium Load Member

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    Dec 30, 2010
    Branford Florida
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    Yep its not easy to get hired out of florida Im 50 miles north of ocala and have experiance and its hard
     
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