Hey from snowy but soon to be flooded Winnipeg

So I realized that after spending the majority of my downtime on this site, I should become a member, as I find it very informative and although I'm not one for internest social like sites(I can't stand Facebook) I definatly see being a member on this forum is a good thing.
So a short lil bit about me. First off, I'm not a truck driver, infact, I'm only 17, but that said, its not too far off I am one of those lucky kids however, who's dad had been a driver, much of it OTR. So I have spent some time in and around trucks, and seen most of the US and Western Canada. I recently made a descision to start making descisions, i guess you could say, that will move me along a path that will land me leading the lifestyle of an OTR driver, and no sitting in a small confined space taking breaks only evry 3-4 hours constantly scanning a wall won't do lol. I want the real deal, and am very motivated to get it, hence why I found TTR.
Outside of that I am currently not in school, but pondering that as although I'm 2.5 years behind, I have heard some rumors that in order to even get a Class 1 Liscence in my province you need grade 12. The learners books I bought at my insurance co. doesn't mention anything about it, but I heard from someone at work evidence to the contrary. If I had any question I could ask that would be it. Do you really require a diploma to obtain a Class 1 liscence? or was this fellow just trying to mess with me(he did also tell me for every hour i worked late they cut my pay in half, and for a second I bought it, as I'm kinda of new to that job and y'never know what they might try)
So this post has gotten long so I'll wrap it up with a quick lil bit of what I plan on. Save up money(alot of it) and take a $6300 course at the Arnold Bros Transportation Academy(the one ran by the trucking co. as far as I know) if possible, and do my time in doody duties until I can go OTR if anyone can tell me about this academy and the diploma thing that would be wonderful. Thank you very much for taking the time to read this, its well appreciated

-TOTD

 

Ok sounds great, just wanting to make sure of everything, as I've found it's good to think ahead, rather than get there and realize I did something all wrong. I do have a few backups and options regarding the diploma so I should be fine. As for abt school their website outlines a good package and seems well worth it, but there's still time to look. and I think we may actually get some luck with the flooding this year, as It seems to be a slow melt, but hopefully it won't turn a bunch of towns into floating islands again.
Again thank you for all the information, I really appreciate it

 

Thank you all for your input and the warm welcomes
I'll definatly keep my eyes open for options besides arnold bros, because while from what I know it's good to be with a bigger company, being stuck for a year could be a bad thing if I ran into problems with a dispatcher or anything that could arise. I've seen how bad dispatchers can be a problem, I remember that was when my dad taught me every bad word in the book haha And I'll definatly take your 2 cents Cpt Canuck, as it will hopefully translate into decent paycheck one day

thank yall again for reading and the advice, it's much appreciated

 

Thank you for the welcome Gears, I'm sure you'll definatly see some questions or maybe a joke or two on here for sure. Awsome 387 by the way Always been a fan of Peterbilt