I was thinking...

You could. I talked with a guy once about this. He had done it. Said his biggest problem was lack of common horse sense in people. He'd have to tell them: Just try thinking about it. Does that make any sense?

 

I am sure you can. However, make dang sure you have TOTALLY complied with all the rules set out in 391.

 

Yes sir!! You have to be in the right place at the right time. I had an angel enter my life about 7 years ago in the form of the grouchiest, uncouth, bald cigar smoking old school trucker that happened to love to fish. Nobody could stand to be around him but me — went on a three day fishing trip and I somehow talked him into taking me on as his “B###h” I have to giggle at some of the threads on here about how abusive trainers are, but I was taught a skill by a man that was a master. Hope you get as lucky as I did.

 

If I were to be a trainer I imagine there are about 25 to 30 things you will show me you can do or I won't sign you off. I will do my best to teach you how to do it safely. You might call me a name, you might call me several names. You will find me to be quiet natured and laid back. However, you will know who is in charge. Problem with that? Then you're off my truck. I don't care if it is in Van HornTexas.

 

I am a rather difficult trainer. I try not to be.

The hiring part will be very expensive for you. Im not sure you wish to go that route. Send that critter to a decent company and have one of their trainers break him or her in.

Im also one of those who like to establish a careful situation to play teasing now and then. A favorite would be to load up the trainee mentally with little detail paperwork until that person exhibits stress close to exploding. Then nicely ask same to check the trailer seal.

While that person is marching with stiff back and calling me hard names towards the trailer doors, I had ease off the service air and allowed the rig to drift backwards slower than person's walking speed.

It will take a while for 2+2 - omfg this is a long trailer....

I had three or four trainers in my time and much of what I am is some combination of what they managed to beat into my stubborn thick head.

 

Someone with their own truck would have to list you as a driver on the insurance, if they wanted to cover their butt. That sometimes is not easy. Google places in TX, I'm sure there are many more in other states. Now if someone had a farm, that would be great.

 

You want to buy a truck and a trailer and have a trainer teach you to drive the thing? So, what happens if you suck at it? Fire the trainer?

That's like joining the military and being accepted to special forces but haven't done basic yet. How do you know that you can make it through basic? What happens if you fail? Special forces becomes 'Special Ed.'

"But Six, it's JUST driving...how hard can it be?"

Sure, and basic training is just pushups and situps and jogging...just like 7th grade gym class.

 

As a newbie companies, especially bigger ones want to see a 160 hour training course. Showing up with a CDL you got on your own will limit where you can work.

 

OK I spent time reading this over and over so here goes.


Yes you can do this, but it has to be either a fleet owner or someone who has their own authority and willing to train you on the job.

I know two fleet owners who take permit holders, "hire" them on contract (zero income), charge them the insurance differences plus other costs and train them. Both of these fleet owners said it is a 100% pass rate for the CDL and the drivers are put to work right after that to gain more experience.

The problem with all of this is the insurance, they, like me have great relationships with the insurance company and the underwriters so we can make a deal with them to allow us to train on a limited basis.