Any one here self taught?

So they're going to expect you to have CDL driving experience before you can even get your CDL? Sounds a lot like some ATA sponsored b.s. to me.

 

Not have a CDL, but have some time driving with a permit. Anyway, you can call it BS all you want. However the FMCSA is serious.

 

The Federal register article has a Feb 2020 compliance date. So i guessing this is when the state DMVs will have to be in compliance. I am not sure how this will will effect 383 384 and 391. I guess we will see once this gets rolled out.

 

Ok, all this back and forth aside... Let's answer your question.
For my driving test, as outlined in the dmv manual I got from the cmv dmv...
I needed to do a straight back, an offset back, and a parallel park. I also had to do a proper pre-trip, and the road test. All three are detailed in the dmv handbook. Go get one.

You don't really need cones per say, but the dmv uses them. You do need some kind of markers, set the appropriate distance apart - ours were 12 feet apart, and at certain distances/lengths. Straight back was about a truck and a half - you had to back all the way thru that length as if it was a long tunnel. Offset back is to pull forward from that spot (the beginning of the "tunnel"), and then back into the spot to the left of that. You just had to get the front of your truck to the front of the "tunnel" from the previous back. Then the offset back was as if you were parking between 2 other vehicles. If you can, you might be able to go measure the spaces at the cmv dmv where they test ppl.

But if you get really good at backing, you might not need to practice these specific maneuvers, just know which ones will be on your test.

But... I was told by the schools I interviewed that the reason you can't do it yourself anymore is because insurance companies want 120 to 160 hours of "training" before they will cover you. That would be a question to ask you preferred employer for after you have your cdl. It may not be a DOT requirement, but it very well could be an insurance carrier requirement. It does depend on your employer.

 

I like your post.

I think the thing that is causing confusion is the 'Self Taught' part of the discussion.

Mr @VinnyVincent, I personally like what you are doing. Shows initiative. You're trying to get your CDL without paying a school. Cool! I did the same thing. I didn't take that to mean that you expect to get your CDL and go apply for a job, get issued a truck and hit the road. Regardless of how you get your CDL, if you don't have EXPERIENCE, you will probably have to go to a training company OR ride with a trainer. You're saving on the school cost. Bravo.

(story time)

Went on a 1000 mile ride with 3 other riders. 1 was a rookie on his first trip. No problem, we were all rookies once and all rookies will make rookie mistakes. We got caught in some rainy stopNgo traffic around an accident. I'm up front. Suddenly, the rider to my right yells at me, "Six! Man down!" I look in the mirror and see rookie laying out on the interstate. The other veteran biker had pulled his bike sideways, jumped off, lifted the bike and rolled it to the shoulder. Rookie got up and made his way over to the shoulder and traffic continued to flow shortly. I flipped a U and went back to them.

What happened, Rookie?

"Well, my left hand started cramping up and I lost my grip and I gave it some throttle to keep it from stalling..."

Basically, you revved your engine and dumped the clutch in the rain and she took off and got away from you.

"Well, yeah..."

I watched you and I notice that you hold the clutch all the time. If you had been watching, you would have noticed that all of us rest our left hands when we can by putting the transmissions into neutral. Bet you never do it again. Better get you on some painkillers so you can move tomorrow.

And we all had a good laugh. (The End)

Anyway, moral of this story: By all means, get your CDL and save money. But the company will probably require you to go through some training before they sign off on you and allow you to operate on the road by your lonesome. Welcome any training they provide. If you can shift, drive and back BEFORE going with a trainer, that's excellent! However, I want you to carefully watch the trainer. You want to look for and learn the finer points from a veteran trucker. The difference between the veterans and the rookies isn't 1 big noticeable difference, but millions of little smaller finer points. You can't learn these without someone pointing them out to you. So keep your eyes open and be receptive to any training and any tips, okay?

Luck in battle.

 

I don't recommend buying cones. If you are around a lot of parked trailers and your company will let you just use them. I know I did. I don't know how many "reps" you are getting with backing etc. However you also need to be working on the pretrip. Get your states testing criteria. I wish you lived close to me. I can get you in a daycab out in an old abandoned docks. Spend a couple of days with me and I think I could get you ready to test. See if you can find someone close to you willing to do this.

 

did that 35 yrs ago.
company let me play in the yard.
then off I went. first load was,NC to Montreal PQ and back .luckily it was summer or I might have killed myself in the snow.lol
ran that route for 15 yrs.

 

Good luck with that. Hopefully you’re not looking at one of the Mega Carriers. Most require a certification from a driving school to get in the door.

As many others have pointed out. The days of self taught are quickly making an exit.

That said. There are many great companies that will work you on the dock. Let you spot the occasional trailer. And eventually put you to work as a driver. If you have the skills

 

It sounds like his present company is doing exactly that. The kid shows some initiative and ambition. He probably has a decent work ethic, too.
His company is probably already planning ways to keep him and use him.
Management is always on the make for talent. When it shows up, in whatever form, a smart boss will do what he can to make use of it.
I think the kid has a future.

 

Very true. But it’s always buyer beware.

There are way too many small outfits that see an opportunity in this. But, if it’s someone like UPS, Yellow, etc. He could be latching on to a very good career.