Troops To Transportation (Employment Inquiry)

I'm 38 and already have my associates. I'm not going back to college. Might as well grab this VA money. No need to let it sit. From what I understand depending on how much of your VA benefits you have left you can receive up to $1200 a month. I haven't used mine except for this CDL School.

 

Day 12: Pretty good day of training today. We continued our Round Robin stations and this morning I tested out on Alley Docking. I continued to improve to the point I was spinning the trailer right in the hole. I'm understanding the concept of driving the trailer and not the tractor that the instrutors have been drilling in our heads. It's starting to click. I also went out for my Road Test 4 and did pretty good but not as good as 3. I had some bad Downshifts but all in all it was pretty good. I continued to be safe and never had to be reminded to stay in my lane or check my mirrors. I was still a bit not relaxed I guess because we skipped that one day and I was on the range today. One thing I can say is I wish we had simulators. I think that would really help. From what I understand the Miami campus has simulators.
This afternoon I started Parallel parking. Let's just say I'm going to need some work on this. I'm trying to bring everything together but I'm off on my timing right now. I only tried it 3 times so will continue in the morning. I did manage to make it though my entire pre-trip this morning with only one mishap on Air Brakes. Overall I'm confident in this.
Tomorrow should be more range and I believe we will begin Road 5 in the afternoon.

 

Day 13: Today I didn't drive and was on the range all day practicing maneuvers. I'm getting more comfortable with parallel parking. I'm attempting to get the step by step process down as explained by one the instructors. It works really well I just need to remember the steps and where I want my trailer to go. Found out today that I will have my hours completed on Tuesday and will graduate Wednesday morning instead of Friday. So I will be getting home early. The wife and kids are pretty excited. Now I just need to test out parallel parking and finish Road 5, 6 and 7. I will be doing Road 5 and hopefully 6 tomorrow. Just need to stay focused. I'm almost there! Also today the Covenant recruiter came at lunch and gave a pretty good pitch. I'm not interested in the team driving deal. Time to get my mind right and ready for tomorrow. Hopefully some clean shifting and no problems on my downshifts.

 

Day 14: Another good day of training started with Pre-trips this morning. I was again able to run through a full Pre-trip with only a few hiccups here and there. I always have to pause a minute for my Airbrakes checks but I got it now. I went out on the first run for Road Trip 5 and did pretty decent. I'm still having some trouble with downshifting but I know the concept. I notice I tend to start out a little rough at first but once I get going I am fine. Again I really wish we had a Simulator so we could focus a lot more on shifting. That being said,its amazing how far I have come considering I couldn't drive a manual prior to this course. Now I'm driving in traffic and on the interstate with minimal help from the instructors. I'm in no way perfect and grind from time to time but I feel way more comfortable than day 1.
After lunch I was able to jump back in a truck and knock out my Road 6. This was just an interstate run down and back and I didn't have any issues. Mainly concerned with staying in my lane and recognizing any hazards. Also focus on watching road signs. One more Road test to go and that will be my final that brings everything together. I should be able to do this on Monday.
I didn't get any range time today just road tests so that really made the day go by quick. I'll have to try and test out on parallel parking on Monday or Tuesday. As long as I remember my steps I should be fine. Have to remember to drive the trailer.
My last weekend here so really looking forward to graduating and getting back for some home time.

 

Day 15: The temperature really dropped this morning. It was 34 degrees while we were doing pre-trips. Good training. I was able to get out on the first run and did my Road 7 Final test. We went on the actual 3rd party tester route and there were some tight turns. I took my time and was able to hit all my turns really well. I think I only missed one downshift the whole run but did a quick recovery and kept moving. I didn't think of it like a test just did it like any other Road. I finished it strong and passed with flying colors. The instructor said I have shown dramatic improvement since that first day we went out with the Bobtail. From not knowing how to drive manual to today, I'm pretty proud of myself.
This afternoon I continued to work on my parallel parking as this will be the last thing I need to test out on. I have all day on range tomorrow to get it so I should be good. One day closer to graduation on Wednesday I'm pretty pumped and excited. I don't really see any of my classmates having any trouble with their 3rd Party test if they just apply what we have learned. The instructors have done a really good job working with us. Has been quite a journey and I'm looking forward to finishing up tomorrow.

Edit: I actually graduate Wed at 1000. My classmates will start testing Thursday and Friday. I will be home Wednesday by 3:00.

 

Yes it's been great. I have learned so much in so short a time and didn't think it was possible.

Yeah 15 minutes from home might be hard to pass up. Might be more convenient for you. It's been rough here for me having to depend on rides but I had great classmates and didn't have an issue getting around. Wherever you go hopefully I helped to see what's coming up for you. Let me know when and where you go!