Beginning the Long Awaited CDL Process

Sorry about the incomplete post. I was trying to start the thread and was falling asleep and didn't finish.

I will definitely chronicle my training in detail. I agree with you that anyone looking to begin a career like this needs as much real time information as they can get.

My training will be through a private driving school. I haven't finished my post titled "How it all began...". I think I was typing using the "Force" or something. I'll settle in and finish that up.

Snow is one of the reasons I moved to the south. I was born and raised in the NE, and my best friends live in Albany and Rochester. I don't mind the cold, but I decided that I like long summers.

 

You Betcha!

I've been waiting a while and now it's about to begin. I feel like a kid again.

It's important that all of us help one another. I will always be there to support you, and I look forward to your enlightened words of wisdom and support as I begin my adventure.

I appreciate your support and friendship.

 

Thanks so much. I appreciate the vote of confidence.

I've read a lot of your posts even before you trained with Swift. It seems like I almost know you.

I'll do my best to make a valuable contribution to the industry. Hopefully I'll get to meet you out there one of these days and we can grab some lunch or at least a cup of joe.

 

Thanks Everett!

I'll do my best to be successful as a Big Truck Trucker.

Oldnewbiegonnabe, yeah, he did it right!

 

So now I have my DOT card in my wallet. Time to satisfy the second Millis requirement and take the test for my CDL permit.

I went down to the local Department of Motor Vehicles and picked up a Commercial Drivers Manual. It was time to study up!
Here in Georgia, to receive a learners permit, you must pass 3 different portions of a written test (on the computer, actually): General Knowledge, Air Brakes, and Combination Vehicles and you must score 80 % or better to pass. I read the manual cover to cover and began taking practice tests that are readily available at many different websites on the internet.

Once I was sure that I could pass, I went to take the tests.

The first test was General Knowledge, followed by Air Brakes, and Combination Vehicles. General Knowledge is most lengthy of the three. As you are asked each question, once you make your selection, it asks you to confirm your answer. Sorta like that TV show "Who Wants to be a Millionaire": Is that your final answer? You have the opportunity to change your answer. Throughout your testing, the computer keeps track of how many more wrong answers you're allowed, and displays it on the screen. I have discovered a new source for stress. Is that your final answer? YES!

So after studying the manual for the better part of a week, followed by an hour and half of shear terror, I was awarded my CDL Learners Permit!

Now that all of the requirements for Millis had been met, I submitted my application. Word was, if you don't hear something back after a few days, call them. Well, I waited a few days and called only to find out my application had been rejected simply due to the large number of applications to attend their school. They are very nice people and told me that they receive hundreds of applications daily. Once 3 days went by, I was at the bottom of a pretty big pile. But they said don't worry, you can apply again in 6 months...

So the lesson here is if you apply to a company when you submit an application, follow up with a phone call. Stay on top of the pile!

This all took place in July. I decided afterwords that I would prefer to choose who I wanted to work for. So a private truck driving school seemed to be the best way to go.

If you elect to go to school on your own and money is not something you have in great supply, look into WIA grants or scholarships. Depending on your situation, if you qualify you may be able to attend school at no cost! Because I relocated from the north, I qualify to receive funding for school because I was self employed for the last six years and have been unable to find employment here in Georgia. I submitted my application in late July.

I will caution you that the process can take while. The minimum wait is around 4 weeks, but in most cases it takes a little longer. In my case, there were 2 paperwork foul ups that were not my fault. The error was corrected and the paperwork re-submitted. Unfortunately, re-submitted paperwork doesn't go to the head of the line.

After waiting for about 10 weeks, I reluctantly decided to withdraw my application with the WIA. My decision was based entirely on the time of year. It's already October and the holidays are coming. I'd prefer to get this career change moving.

So school is paid for, and I start on Monday. I'm going in with my permit and DOT card. Hopefully it will work to my advantage.

-Wedge

 

All three are brothers. I stay in touch with my friend in Albany. I used to see him often before I moved south. His two brothers live in Rochester. I haven't seen them in quite a while, but I keep tabs on how everyone is doing.

If I get up to your neck of the woods, I'll most certainly let you know. Can't pass up an opportunity to meet you and swap some story!

 

Znine, Thanks for the support.

I'm a Mechanical Engineer.

I designed robots for pharmaceutical research and development. I was with the company from it's inception and worked my way up to manage all of the engineering activities. The company was acquired in 2000 by a mid west competitor. I stayed on until they decided to fold up the division and take it back to Wisconsin. I was offered a position with another company that required relocation to the west coast, but with having 2 kids in college, one finishing H.S. and a three year old home, I turned it down and hung up my slide rule.

I started the construction company so that I could stay local until the kids were finished with school. When the bottom fell out of the construction market, I decided to get out while the gettin' was good and headed south.

I tried getting back in to the game but no takers. I've been out too long. There's not much point in pursing the high power stuff at this stage. I don't need big money anymore so I'm going after something I've always wanted to do but couldn't afford to do.