I know there r others in my boots....

Back in the mid 90's I spent a fare amount of money to go to a truck driving school; 16 weekends (while I worked to support my family) and although I did enjoy it,was by no-means an easy task. practiced all my manuveurs untill they became second nature.Believe it or not, I actually stayed awake while in class and payed attention (how many drivers can HONESTLY say that?) Anyhow, I was so intent on getting the pre-trip down,that I wrote every step down on poster-board and lined my bedroom walls with them;needless to say the little women wasn't happy! I even recorded the whole pre-trip on casette;went to bed with the headphones,and drove to class with the headphones.....And it payed off! I passed my 1st time out (5 students before me didn't.) I basically drove the New England States for about 2 1/2 yrs with a good buddy of mine who's dad had a small biz w/acouple trucks. A short time later my wife became pretty ill,so I quit so I could take care of her and help raise our 3 kids. We have since moved to western NC, and within alittle over 1yr I've been laid-off twice.....the economy bites! So I figured O.K.,the wifes doing much better and the kids are all grown and on their own; I'm going back to what I've always had a passion for....trucking! Wrong answer! Now I find everywhere I go people look # me like I've got 2 heads. I'm told "Go Back To School" or get a refresher. 1.I was told I've been out of the bizz too long for a refresher. 2. I can't see paying all that money for something I already OWN! SOooooooo,my question is this; any great ideas......anyone........yes even from u in the back row? I hope you newbees are paying attention,this is what can happen if you go idle with that CDL. The good thing tho....I kept my CDL, hopefully I'll get some wise advice as to what I can do. Any help would be greatly appreciated....thanks!

 

Oh I will, and THANKS! By the way, I think that time my mom slapped me my chin got stuck in that position.

 

Thanks Notarps, much appreciate the feedback. I've got a neighbor up the road here who's an O/O. I live in the foothills of the Blueridge mtns; I'm gonna offer him a trade......a nice piece of land, for some trainin' and a flat drivin' rate (just untill I get adjusted again). Who knows,anythings worth a shot I guess. Again,Thanks! And I will definately keep Maverick in mind.

 

Yeah, the cpm drop I figured. But it's something I can deal with for a period of time if it will pay off getting me another chance.Actually it's that going out with a trainer thing that I'm lookin' for; I'd be a dang fool to think I could just go out again ....it's a good thing! Thanks again for the input,watch your blind-side....lil' buggers creep up on ya!