I have my permit, now Im going to school

As some probably know I decided to take advantage of my clean driving/criminal record and studied for and took the written tests last fall for my class A CDL.

Man six months goes by fast. I just yesterdsay had to renew my Instructional permit. I can only renew it once. So this is it. I have yet to ever get in a truck.

I had no idea how tough it would be to find a truck to rent or pay someone to teach me how to drive!

Lots of "we HAVE trained before, but we are to busy nows" I even have relatives that drive for a living, but wont help a brotha out (or in my case cousin)

I offer cash money, of course their time and fuel costs $$$

Still nada.

So to make a boring story over with a little quicker, I decided to call NT today. National Transportation driver training out of Spokane.

Asked them all the normal questions Im sure, how what where when. Told them I already took my written and have my DOT card they said they could have me in an out in two weeks, just having my written out of the way knocks a week of the schooling and a little more than $800!

120 hrs. 40 hrs actual drive time 60% of that backing.

He said he wont put me on the freeway and have me drive for 2 hours either! He said on the freeway, off the freeway, on the freeway, downtown, etc.
I asked them IF I decided to do it, when could I start and he told me tomorrow 9am.

Yeeps.

From there on, two weeks 7 am to 5:30 pm with Sunday off.

Told him ok before I come to my senses.

Spokane is about a 2 hr drive from here, I figure $400 just for gas, but it is only 2 weeks.

I started this thing, might just as well finish it.
What I really want to do is learn to operate heavy equipment, but everyone here wants you to have a clas "a" FIRST


Thanks to everybody for the help and advice, I really think if I don't want to do otr this is next best thing.

I know this doesn't mean Im going to be able to get right on the job of my dreams, but at least it is a step closer than I am just sittin here trying to figure out what to do.

I'll keep yas posted if you care.
Thanks,
Sammy

 

$800 is what Im saving by having my written allready.

It will still cost me $3665.

Yes they have apartments to rent, but it is still cheaper for me to drive back and forth as it will only be 2 weeks.

Sammy

 

Quick update before I start bbq mothersday chicken. (I have the day off)

Started NT driver training 2 days ago (fri) 9am.

Showed up with my med card and long form, ssc, permit, and $3555.00

Signed my name a thousand times and began class with 5 other students all of which are going to swift after we graduate on the 23rd.

Day 1, dont drink and drive, allllll day , silly videos telling me to not drink and drive, dont quit on them, and the instructer reminding everyone to not drink and drive.

Day 2 Range time from here out. Checking out the trucks, what everything is called, how it works, why it works that way, pre trip, range rules than DRIVING! Also a few reminders that we are NOT allowed to drink and drive.

Straight line backing, forward, then backing with 48' trailer. MUCH easier than I figured, I have never had a camper, boat nothing, but tha instructer gave a few simple tips, (and reminded us we cant drink and drive) and it was lots of fun, THATS why I handed over the money, back and forth, back and forth.

Then coupling/uncoupling. Everything in the book makes more sense now lol.

Fun, no problems.

We were reminded we had mothersday off and to not drink and drive and here I am.

The school is about 85 miles or so from where I live so my day is a little longer then my classmates, but they are all away from home in a hotel and Im still home every night, and its only for a couple weeks.

Class is 6:45 to 5:30 6 days a week.

We are actually going to be on the road tomorrow!
That seems really strange, never having been IN a big rig before yesterday to being out in traffic in one tomorrow.

Instructer says that how you learn though.

Update in a day or two if Im not too tired lol

Sammy

 

State CDL test today 2 days before I graduate, Failed the 45 Degree alley dock. Passed the 144 point pre trip inspection...easy.
I was told I would have 40 hours drive time before I enrolled, but I have only had 18 & 3/4s. I told them (the school) I was not ready but they are starting new clases and want me gone.
I did my pre trip well, straight line backing super, then I got stuck in the mud doing my 45 alley dock, used my first pullup getting out, backed her in again and simply thought I had it.
Tough to see almost 60 feet back in my little convex mirrors but I THOUGHT I was in and set the brakes. tester asked if I was done and I said yes.
He looked and looked, finally asked me to shut the truck off and stay put. He came back with his superviser and I heard them talking, said something about a "moved marker?"
Finaly they got the tape measure out and placed a small rock about the size of a golf ball back there and asked me to "please step out and come back here" they said as near as they they could tell I was about 3/4s of an inch short and it was a called a "failure to perform" and I would have to wait 3 days and pay another $100.
So, I scheduled another (dol said it was just a 24 hr wait) test for fri (they were booked tomorrow) and we will see.
I think I am getting ripped by my school that promised ME by myself "all driving instruction will be one on one" is what my book says driving time.
I spend most of my days crammed in the sleeper berth with 2 to 4 other people waiting to get a chance to drive,
Anyway, enough whining, I will try again and let you know.
Sammy