Wannabee needs some help

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by Robert Schaaf, Jul 27, 2014.

  1. Robert Schaaf

    Robert Schaaf Bobtail Member

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    OK here goes, I have spent the last 6 months getting my CDL learners permit here in southern Oregon, I have my medical card, all endorsements including HAZMAT with the letter from TSA saying it's OK and I still need to do my driving test with a third party tester here. That's going to cost me 550 bucks with the truck rental included.My problem is this, I've never driven a semi truck and I want to get at least a couple of weeks as a co-driver in so I know how to do the pre-trip inspection properly and which way to put the trailer brake knob before I start driving. I can't afford a truck school and I don't want to go to some academy for weeks, get locked into a one year low pay contract and study for the CDL permit and endorsements I already have. All I can say is I'm 56 years old, been driving since I was 13, including the old 5 ton trucks hauling water tanks in the army and school busses in north Carolina.If there are any owner operators out there willing to take a co-driver along to relief drive and help lump the load out of the trailer, I'm open. I sure hope that one of you truckers will help out, Thanks, Robert
     
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  3. Criminey Jade

    Criminey Jade Road Train Member

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    If you're in financial straits, look into WIA funding. You can get free tuition for CDL school if you qualify and you don't have to worry about paying back or sticking with a trucking company. If you aren't a CDL holder, you can't legally be a codriver under load, as I understand it.

    Someone who knows more about the DOT end of things is welcome to set me straight, though.
     
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  4. purpleprime

    purpleprime Medium Load Member

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    If he has a permit he can be under a load as long as their is a cdl holder in the jump seat. And to the op keep looking you will find someone to help you are deffinatly going about getting your cdl the hardway lol much respect to you
     
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  5. purpleprime

    purpleprime Medium Load Member

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    Wouldn't technically be a codriver though because the cdl holder/ trainer has to show on-duty while he is showing driving
     
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  6. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    The big problem on top of what's already been mentioned, is the insurance companies won't cover you doing it the way you are. Go to Swift because you're not obligated to stay with them after their CDL school. Their school is certified, so after receiving the diploma, move on if you want and many companies will hire you because you will be insurable.
     
  7. vikingswen

    vikingswen Road Train Member

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    No insurance company will you allow to drive an owner operator's truck. Check in with the unemployment office to get a grant to go to truck driving school. Different States have programs since we seem to have a driver shortage.
     
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  8. Robert Schaaf

    Robert Schaaf Bobtail Member

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    I looked into the schools. (even the community college here in Medford) thanks, I even have a pell grant, but I already have the instruction permit and all the endorsements! at the school that takes pell money its weeks of classroom training to get the CDL permit. I just need to get in and drive! and it's true what purple prime says, I can drive as long as a liscensed driver is in the cab with me. I didn't think about the co-driver part though, didn't think about the log times and the liscensced driver needing to stay on the log.
     
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  9. 'SP

    'SP Light Load Member

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    I was in the same situation with you. I couldnt afford for a full course. To be honest with you, I dont know for others, but I was able to do all my backings except parallel without hitting no cones and didnt need no help. Offset and alley docking were the only ones I did 1 pull up in. What made them shocked is that I never backed up a truck before, but because I traveled on one before even though I never drove I seen and understand. Now because I was nervous on for my parallel parking, I actually paid a little to receive some training. Only 6 hours but it covered all backings. After I was ready. Finding a driver to help you out could be hard. Pre trip inspection, all I did was study, watch videos. For the driving, its one of the easiest part of the tests, its knowledgeable. If its in your blood you can do it on your own like I did
     
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  10. 1PhxSuperTrucker

    1PhxSuperTrucker Bobtail Member

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    Check into the WIA grant, you can get funding for school, and most schools won't make you sit thru the week of studying for the permit. The school I teach at will start students with their permits the second week of school when we cover logs/HOS (Hours Of Svc.), FMCSR, and CSA.
    Then weeks 3 & 4 are spent getting practice with the pre-trip, backing, & driving. Given that you already have your permit you should be able to get the WIA grant easily.
     
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  11. Robert Schaaf

    Robert Schaaf Bobtail Member

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    Thanks SP I'm going to go for it! Driving is in my blood and I've never had trouble driving anything so far! I guess a lot people would be willing to help a greenhorn like me it's just too bad the insurance companies are so hard nosed.
     
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