Made the Leap...In Training!

Well, after debating back and forth whether to do this thing, I'm doing it. Today was my first day at my local community college. This week is cramming for the permit tests, which we'll most likely take by next Monday. Then it's off to the range to start PTI, backing, and eventually out on the road.

One nice thing is that our instructor will also be our tester, so he knows exactly what he's looking for on the test, and will hammer it into our brains. He's been very emphatic...he's going to teach us what we need to get our licenses. If everyone moves along at a good clip, he'll see what he can teach us about some of the fine points. He's encouraging everyone to get all of the endorsements (other than school bus and passenger), as he says those applications go to the top of the heap; whether or not they're part of the job going in, companies like to see them.

It's a looooong course, four days a week from now through the end of April, but such is life at the low-cost local community college. It's OK with me, as I don't have anything else important going on right now anyway.

I asked a lot of questions about jobs; he says it was really slow with a lot of guys out of work for a while but it's picking up. From his last class, he had guys go off to a local propane company, a local LTL outfit, and some off the the mega-carriers. He says everyone who wants a job has found one of some sort.

After I get my license, I plan to scrounge around for local work. I'm really not dead set on any one thing, so I'll take my time and see what shakes out. About the only thing I've ruled out is OTR with a mega-carrier. Of course I know that may affect my ability to get experience that would open up other jobs, but such is life. I'd rather go drive a class C vehicle delivering medical oxygen or welding gas and go home at night than feed myself into the mega-mill. If this dog doesn't hunt, I'm on to the next thing, whatever it may be.

So anyway, I'm kind of excited to see how it all plays out!

 

That's my plan! I did a lot of studying before class started, and it's paying off, as I'm already pretty well familiar with the material. Right now I think I'm in good shape for my permit test at the end of the week.

I run a couple of big straight trucks at my ranch, so I know something about the mechanicals, and have some experience in backing with some good-sized trailers as well. I figure that'll help me get a quick start too.

Our instructor is really a good, down-to-earth guy, and most of my classmates seem pretty solid, so I think we're going to work well together and get a lot done.

 

I went to the DMV this morning, tested for CDL A, combinations, air brakes, doubles/triples, tankers, hazmat...passed all on the first go-round.

So, next week we move to the hands-on, PTI, backing in the yard, etc. etc.

Unfortunately for the naysayers here, I've not been deterred from my quest to obtain a LOCAL JOB. Somthing that doesn't involve peeing in a bottle and pooping into a plastic bag in my truck. I actually spent some time today talking with an actual truck driver, next to his truck. I know it's not quite the same thing as getting an opinion from an Internet driver, but I'm working with what I have. Fortunately, my history doesn't include any felonies, DUIs, drug test failures or traffic offenses, but maybe that will be held against me.

I'm actually feeling pretty good about my deal, in spite of all the negativity here...there's a lot of really good information, if you can read between the lines.