To School, or To Do On My Own, That is the Question...

Discussion in 'Trucking Schools and CDL Training Forum' started by RubberDuck473, May 2, 2021.

  1. RubberDuck473

    RubberDuck473 Light Load Member

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    You know how Life has a bad habit of happening and throwing a wrench into well laid plans? Well, that's what happened to me last July. Had to quit driving (5 years otr experience btw) because of Life and family emergencies and having to take care of sick family members. Which happened at the absolute worst time, because my license expired last December, and I was nowhere close to being in a position to get my CDL renewed, so I downgraded to the standard Class C.

    Well, all the family crisis (crices? I dunno lol) are said and done with (in a good way), and I want to get back on the road. Which brings me to my question: Since it's been 9 months or so since I last drove, and I need to get my CDL and endorsements back, should I venture into this by myself? Or would it be best to find a school and go that route? I'm 98% sure I could pass all the written tests with flying colors with just a little review, as well as the driving test....but the whole parallel parking part has me worried, because it's either pass/fail (or a huge chunk of points counted off for messing it up) and I really don't want to take that risk without having some practice runs under my belt. I'd rather go in 100% confident and get it done the 1st time then have to wait and try again etc etc.

    So, all that being said....suggestions? Comments? Advice? Thanks ya'll!
     
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  3. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    Which state are you in? Some states will upgrade your Class-C back to CDL if you get an updated physical.
    If you do this, several companies will hire you and refresh you without going through school again.
    Some companies have hired driver that have been off the road 20 years and those drivers did just fine after a few days.
     
    Tonythetruckerdude Thanks this.
  4. Kyle G.

    Kyle G. Road Train Member

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    Maybe it's too late, but I thought license expirations were waived for awhile in most places because of the "pandemic?" I would ask your DMV about that before you start from scratch.
     
  5. RubberDuck473

    RubberDuck473 Light Load Member

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    The Great (to some lol) State of Texas.
     
    Chinatown Thanks this.
  6. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    Yeah, I agree, Texas is a great state!
    Find out from the DMV if a new physical will upgrade your license to a CDL.
    If so, dozens of companies will hire you right now.
    Which city are you near in Texas?
    There's a couple of places in Texas that have a one or two day refresher and road test.
     
  7. RubberDuck473

    RubberDuck473 Light Load Member

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    I live in Tyler, which is 90 miles east of DFW. I'd love to get back with the company I was last with out of Fargo because they leave you the eff alone and let you drive and have awesome home time lol.
     
  8. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    Which company is that?
     
  9. RubberDuck473

    RubberDuck473 Light Load Member

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    Magnum LTD
     
    Chinatown Thanks this.
  10. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    Yeah, Magnum will re-hire you if you get your license upgraded to a CDL-A.
    Magnum has a cdl school in Coon Rapids, MN but I don't know if that would apply to you.
     
  11. kemosabi49

    kemosabi49 Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    Have you called and talked to them? If you left on good terms it may be worth your time.
     
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