School?, Find a Job?, Or become an O/O?

Wouldn't you still need to take the written tests? You need to take the general CDL test, the combination vehicles test (for a class A license), and the air test. They aren't going to let you take the pre-trip/backing/road test unless you pass all the written tests first.

 

You also need the permit to go get the license and take the test, as well as have a licensed driver go with you.

 

That may not be true if its within the allowed operating radius that he doesn't need a CDL for. I still say your best bet is get the CDL and go work the oilfields since your close to them and they will hire any warm body with a CDL.

 

So your family owns a farm correct? You have ties with many local farmers? Ask around. See who would give you work if you had a truck. I'd buy a used tractor, say $15K or so, nothing fancy to start out. Buy a cheap hopper bottom and go to work. Find something else to pull in the off season. You will not make a killing the first few years but you will learn alot about business and an old truck will make a good mechanic out of you fast. If it's not for you sell the truck, take alittle loss maybe and move on. Atleast you can say you tried.

 

Smarttowers is not necessarily correct. I know people who have gone to take their CDL test without a licensed driver with them and they got turned down by the DMV. I think that only applies if you are driving for an agricultural purpose and going to take a CDL test does not count as an agricultural purpose. I wouldn't risk it anyway, that's for sure. Scheduling a test is a hassle (as I explain below). Also make sure EVERYTHING on your truck will pass the pre-trip (all lights work, etc.). If something doesn't work, you will not be allowed to take the test and have to reschedule.

And oil companies don't hire anybody...most of them want two years of oilfield experience...or at least of tanker experience.

I would suggest taking the written tests and scheduling the CDL test asap. I took my road test in Williston and had to wait almost 2 months from the time I scheduled it because they have so many people taking them. I don't know if Minot is quite as busy as Williston, but I'd guess it's kinda chaotic with all this flood crap.

 

This may be true but almost everything I have read here from others who are or have worked in the oilfields has indicated they will hire inexperienced drivers with their CDL. This may not be the case for the larger companies but I can speak from personal experience I went to 5 different oilfield servicing outfits and was told that they don't require experience and they gave me pre-hire letters for WIA. There appears to be a desperate need for CDL drivers in the oilfields so they are taking what they can get to fill the trucks.