3 questions

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by 1278PA, Mar 8, 2016.

  1. 1278PA

    1278PA Road Train Member

    1,170
    1,026
    Dec 5, 2015
    0
    1. I live in PA and my regular drivers license is going to expire in a few days. I can pay online and renew it but i was thinking of going to the DMV and getting a new picture. But if I'm going to get my cdl in a few months does it matter about the picture? I will have to surrender my regular license anyway and have a new picture for the cdl right?

    2. Should i get my permit before i go to the company sponsored cdl training? Not sure what to do i'd hate to waste $100 on the permit and end up having to take the permit test again in the companies state and pay again.

    3. A lot of these companies have different locations for training do i get to choose what location to go to? or do they just train you at the closest one nearest where you live?

    I notice the companies i'm looking have locations in Indiana and Illinois in the cities. I prefer to go to their Wisconsin location. I read a lot of positive reviews about the hotels and training in Wisconsin is much better. Less people per instructor like 3-5:1 vs the other locations in the cities of indiana and illinois are more like 8 or 10:1 Also those city terminals are like revolving doors of people coming in and it's more like bunk house vs a hotel. I prefer not to go to a ghetto bootcamp if i don't have to lol

    thanks
     
  2. Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.

  3. rachi

    rachi Road Train Member

    4,246
    5,231
    Feb 25, 2010
    SoCal
    0
    No, you dont get to pick where you do orientation. Why are you worried about the pic on your driver license? Bad hair day?
     
    taxihacker66 and Mudguppy Thank this.
  4. 1278PA

    1278PA Road Train Member

    1,170
    1,026
    Dec 5, 2015
    0
    Not worried just wanted to update it that was taken 4 years ago.

    And yes i think i might have had a bad hair day
    [​IMG] g
     
    taxihacker66 and rachi Thank this.
  5. rachi

    rachi Road Train Member

    4,246
    5,231
    Feb 25, 2010
    SoCal
    0
    In my opinion i would take care of as much stuff as possible, permit, etc, before heading to orientation. In some cases after orientation they will fly you out or rental car to a specific terminal to pick up your truck. Its not uncommon to not have enough trucks where you do orientation.
     
  6. rachi

    rachi Road Train Member

    4,246
    5,231
    Feb 25, 2010
    SoCal
    0
    Lmao
     
    1278PA Thanks this.
  7. ZVar

    ZVar Road Train Member

    10,911
    23,828
    Sep 10, 2010
    Flint, MI
    0
    Actually I'd ask wherever you go to schooling at. They have a 'system' and it's best to follow it so it prevents headaches later.

    -Steven
     
    Chewy352 and gentleroger Thank this.
  8. gentleroger

    gentleroger Road Train Member

    7,450
    20,265
    Jun 1, 2010
    0
    One, renew license by mail.

    Two, call company you're going to train with and see if they want the learners permit in hand before you arrive (my guess is yes, but I also thought Peyton would play one more year so what do I know)

    Third, start reading the cdl manual and take online practice tests for all endorsements NOW. If you have the basics down the more advanced stuff comes easy.

    Fourth - read the posts in the "essential for new drivers" thread.
     
  9. Moosetek13

    Moosetek13 Road Train Member

    14,674
    18,450
    Nov 1, 2010
    Burnsville, MN
    0
    That wasn't just a bad hair day...
     
  10. TruckerVinny

    TruckerVinny Medium Load Member

    375
    253
    Dec 10, 2015
    Ohio
    0
    Groggy thoughts from my ten hour break: Your drivers license number won't change it will just be upgraded to a CDL Your school will guide you through the permit/endorsement testing process. I made sure to get mine in my [​IMG] home state as step one before involving a company. Then at orientation at whatever company you get on with will have a reimbursement schedule.
    I went to Clark State Community College in Springfield, Oh. I recommend a school affiliated with a state college. They are better but not the only route.
    My orientation was like the 30th AG Reception Battalion at Ft. Benning. You'll hate it and enjoy it at the same time. School=basic Orientation=AIT.
    [​IMG]
     
    Last edited: Mar 8, 2016
  11. CrappieJunkie

    CrappieJunkie Wishin' I was fishin'

    3,982
    18,764
    Mar 9, 2014
    In a van down by the River.
    0
    1) dont worry bout it. Your cdl permit depending on state will piece of paper. Mine was. Once you get cel they will print new liscense with photo.

    2) Get it before you go. Or call company see what they want you to do.

    3) They pick where you go. Though I will say that when I went to orientation with Shaffer they had two terminals about exact same distance from ke and let me choose.
     
  • Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.