My trials and tribulations.

Good advice.

 

There ya go! Get the license, get with a GOOD trainer, focus on methods for getting to and from shippers/receivers (GPS, Google, etc.), pay close attention to what happens at shippers/receivers (they're all different with respect to procedure but you can still get the gist of what to expect), be patient, take your time. We newbies have a bad habit of trying too hard, too fast.

 

20 weeks? That's a ridiculously long time. I assume you want to make money at some point right? Good advice here from some others.

 

That's what I was thinking AZS. Why the hell would he do that when he could just go to a three or four week school, get his license, and go with a trainer otr. At the very least he will be getting PAID while he is with the trainer instead of milking it for next 5 months. He's going to have to get a full time job while he's doing it! Go to the three or four week school and for any reason if you don't feel comfortable or need a little more teaching then most schools will help you. I highly doubt you will though. Don't know if this will make you feel better or worse but my wife went through the three week course and was more than capable of continuing her training over the road. It really isn't rocket science. Ask around to some other newbies and I think you will find the driving part was their major concern when they were going into it but on day one with their otr trainer they realized that was the easiest part. I think you just have some newbie jitters, which is understandable. If you are going to go for the trucking career I strongly recommend you get going and get on the road as quick as possible. This way you will start to generate some income. It's bad enough it takes some time to get the money flowing. You don't want to do anything to hinder that. Keep in mind this is just advice. Don't do anything you are not personally comfortable with or cannot do.

 

Hey Freighttrain, have you looked into any Gov. funding? Another option is Central Ref. My wife and I drove for them and they are a really good company. They have in house schooling with very minimal money upfront. After you get your license with them they will send you with a trainer and your making money. Pretty decent pay and their equipment is always new. Check out the Central threads on this site. I think you will find pretty positive posts for the most part. "PM" me if you have any questions.

 

Freight Train,
If the driving school is accredited you may be able to qualify for a student loan to pay for your tuition. The workforce investment act might be of help. A web search under WIA for your state would probably let you know if Michigan has funds available as well as the criteria for tuition assistance. Good luck