Bishop State Trucking School

Thanks guys. All help is appreciated. Ask her if she recruits out of Bishop State CC Trucking School in Mobile. I have not heard of Abilene Motor Express before now. I surely would like to find a company that will allow me to prove myself early and get rolling early, but also be the place I retire from. I don't want a starter company that I can easily get employed by, then 6 months to a year later, abandon ship for a better company. Been there, done that. And, I need a good rider policy. My wife wants to ride out with me often. That way I'll stay out longer and require less home time.

Kilowatt Delta 5 Alpha Xray Golf is my amateur radio call sign assigned to me by the FCC. KD5AXG. I have been a 'ham' since the late 90's. Expensive hobby unless you can wheel and deal trades. But I like it. I'd love to do OTR HF. Trick is to find a overpass friendly antenna. lol.

 

I got fully enrolled at Bishop State. I start class Monday. I really can't wait. Looking forward to getting back behind the wheel. I miss precision backing. Honestly, I do.

 

First week down. Got my CDL permit today. The school wants us to get 2 endorsements as test grades. So I busted out GK, AB, CV and tankers. But, our testing facility is highly understaffed. That and computer system problems had me sitting for 5 hours waiting to take the tests. I attempted passenger as well, but by the time I got through the first 4, fatigue set in, and my brain went into brake fade mode. But, I passed the important ones.

I love the instructors. Tough but fair. I might ask the lead instructor if there is a way to test out early. The class is too large. 30 of us. Myself and a soon to be retired firefighter are the only ones with truck experience of any kind. And his is only B class trucks.

Equipment is, in my honest opinion, a great collection of newer to old. Let's the others figure out fast how good they will have it. Instructors are all also state certified road test examiners. The examination office uses this school's grounds for backing testing. Even rival schools have to come to our grounds to back test. Quite funny to me.

I have applied to PTL, May and Abilene. Have prehire letters from PTL and May so far.

That is all I got for now. Peace and safe travels to you all!!

 

It's coming back. God has opened a lot of doors for me lately, and has kept me humble about all this, too. I am truly blessed. I am eager to get some shifting practice and road time. If I am not the first one to pass the CDL practical tests, I won't be happy with myself. I'm eager to learn/remember. I'm also eager to get rolling again.

 

Shifting is coming back to me. This mandatory double clutch sucks goat testicles and I feel like suing for bigotry toward the disabled. I can slip/float shift fine. But if I can just dbl clutch for the driving test, I'll be alright. I'm seeking highest possible score on that test. When I tested in 2006, I made a 96. I must top that. Don't want a 100, but a 97 to 99 would be superb. Last thing I want any company to think for a second is that I'm a perfect driver. I am good, but not perfect.

I spoke with the lead instructor this afternoon. He said he will personally test me, and if I pass his test, he'll make me a temporary volunteer instructor while I'm in the class. I told him I needed some road time, and another instructor graciously offered to give me a practice skills and road test before regular backing training start. I'm excited.

I recommend this school. This class is overloaded due to a computer glitch. But when I prove myself, I'll be a much needed extra hand. Seeing as I am already assistant teaching under the radar.

Anyone in the area of Mobile, Alabama region that is looking for a good CDL school, I'll be happy to answer any questions you may have about the Bishop State Truck Driving program.


Peace, love and safe travels to all!!!