Need Advice

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by snowez, Jun 11, 2019.

  1. snowez

    snowez Light Load Member

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    So I had a CDL that I never used 5 years ago because of life circumstances. I went to a local CDL School passed and got my license but never used it.

    Now 5 years later trying to get back into the industry for the first time. Went today to get my CDL Permit from the DMV and was told that if I get a new DOT Medical card, duplicate license, and a renew before the month is up i'll get a new CDL-A with a 5 years extension on it.

    The issue is that what do I do now. I need more then a refresher course because I haven't really ever driven a Tractor besides the 4 weeks in school 5 years ago. I remember nothing about the pre-trip, and probably extremely rusty on backing. I feel driving on the road i'll for sure take out a couple light posts and stop signs since it's been so long since I drove.
     
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  3. Tombstone69

    Tombstone69 Road Train Member

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    Find a company willing to train you. Sounds like a job for Chinatown.
     
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  4. deathB4decaf

    deathB4decaf Medium Load Member

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  5. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    DMV is correct; get a new physical and your cdl will be reinstated.
    Several companies will hire you and put you through a refresher course.
    Many drivers on this forum have a cdl but haven't ever driven since cdl school and now have jobs with companies that hired them and put them through a refresher course.
    Don't worry, those companies won't turn you loose until you're ready because those trucks are expensive. Refresher course is a success for those companies, that's why they have them.
     
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  6. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    Schneider
    Abilene Motor Express
    Knight Transportation
    Western Express
    Magnum Ltd.
    Celadon
    FedEx Freight
    probably a dozen others
     
  7. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    No, you won't. Even with a refresher, you'll have a trainer with you until you're ready to go it alone.
    You don't need all that classroom time studying for a cdl that you already have. All you need a little classroom for learning Elogs and current rules and regulations. The rest will be learning pre-trip inspection and driving with a trainer.
     
    Last edited: Jun 11, 2019
  8. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    Abilene Motor Express has hired a few drivers that haven't driven in 20 years and it's been a success for the driver and the company.
    [​IMG][​IMG]
     
  9. Korodoch

    Korodoch Bobtail Member

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    That classroom training will be part of your initial training at any company; they all assume new employees do not know their ELD/Messaging system.

    Do assume you will drive with a trainer for a month or so. Less pay, but you will get in the experience you need.
     
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  10. x1Heavy

    x1Heavy Road Train Member

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    I fail to understand the acceptance that when you get your bottom back into a 18 wheeler you are going to runover posts and stuff.

    I have gone years without touching a big rig. However Ive kept up with most of them and would not be a trouble at all to break rust off in 15 minutes or so. It's like riding a bike you never forget.
     
  11. Korodoch

    Korodoch Bobtail Member

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    But he only passed school and does not have real-world experience. This is like saying he rode the bike once without training wheels and 10 years later be as good as someone with.
     
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