Newbie here

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.

 

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.....

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

What part of Florida?

 

ocala/gainsville

 

its been about a year and half.

 

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.

 

Yep its not easy to get hired out of florida Im 50 miles north of ocala and have experiance and its hard