Old Driver having to start over need help

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by acemang, Jun 21, 2007.

  1. acemang

    acemang Bobtail Member

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    Jun 21, 2007
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    I drove from the late 90's through 2003. OTR for most of it. My problem is this. I am wanting to get back on the road again but california the crappy state that it is, is making me take the behind the wheel test again and I dont have a truck to do it with. Any ideas? Last time my I took the test in my dads truck but he has since passed away and I am not sure how to proceed. Does anyone know of any good ideas? I live in california (sacramento) if that weighs on your advice at all.

    thanks
     
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  3. dancnoone

    dancnoone "Village Idiot"

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    4 years off might cause you some problems. Even more so, if you did not keep your CDL renewed. Been there done that.

    While you can rent a truck for your driving test, many of the "big" companies are asking for a peek at your "School" papers.

    You may get around the "school" part, if you can provide unequiviqual proof of prior experience.
     
  4. acemang

    acemang Bobtail Member

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    Jun 21, 2007
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    the cheapest I have come across is 365 bucks. For a "rent our truck". Iguess in the long run it is better than having to go to some companies school.
     
  5. notarps4me

    notarps4me Road Train Member

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    There is another poster on here that went that route and keeps coming up with crappy gigs because no decent company will hire him. Without a school you are very limited. Times have changed.
     
  6. Lucky142

    Lucky142 <strong>"Give A Hoot"</strong>

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    Best bet is to find a small company that pays good and talk to them. You have a better chance with a clean record. Big companies have their noses too high in the air. Some of them talk drivers school, etc, and for someone who has logged in over a million miles, that is ridiculous.

    That is also, government and insurance control where there is no common sense; just black and white. Sad when government makes things so tough, yet there must be some kind of control to keep those off the road that should not be there. (That is record keeping/Driver's license-Driver's Record/Insurance Records, etc) Should not be a closed door for an experienced driver.

    I am sure I would have the same problem if I were to start over again.

    Small companies - Small farming communities - Harvest time. You should have no problem. If so, I would find another state to live in.
     
  7. acemang

    acemang Bobtail Member

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    Jun 21, 2007
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    Thanks for all of your replies.
     
  8. Truck Vet

    Truck Vet <strong>NRA AMA Libertarian</strong>

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    I would suggest you go to the unemployment office and see if
    someone will pay for you to go to school. Sometimes they have
    a weekend truck driveing school so you can keep working through the
    week while you go through it. I would be easy for you most likely.
    My state paid my truck driveing school completely back in 99,
    they even bought the book and gave me a pen. It was Friday evening
    Sat. and Sun. The Log Regs have changed over the years and they
    will get you up to speed and teach you anything you may have forgot
    also.
     
  9. leannamarie

    leannamarie "California Girl"

    This probably won't help you, but there is a guy in Chico that rents a truck. A driver from US Foodservice went through him to get his CDL not very long ago. I have no idea what the guy's name is, but perhaps if you nose around Chico you might find him?
     
  10. acemang

    acemang Bobtail Member

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    Jun 21, 2007
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    Thanks. Chico is not far so I will see what I can find out.
     
  11. rocksteady

    rocksteady Bobtail Member

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    Jun 29, 2007
    Canton, Mi.
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    Just a wild idea but, you might try to check the post-it boards in local truck stops and might find luck.
     
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