Questions for getting started...

I will be living around the Orlando area I think. I haven't quite decided yet. My parents live in the Lady Lake area and my brother lives in Oxford. I am going to look into the driving schools and comunity colleges. I basically just want to do it the fastest way and with the most personal one on one training, preferably not in a large group as I can just knuckle down and concentrate and "git it done"! I also want to do HazMat and a few others too to enable me to appeal to more companies.

What is the likelihood of being able to get a job straight up doing tanker, flat bed or reefer? I want to earn as much as possible in the first year to account for initial outlay of moving to the States etc. I know that even though I'm an experienced driver abroad, it will more than likely count for nothing in Florida, but you never know.

I like the sound of not having to pay personal income tax! In the UK, we get taxed an astronomical amount each month, it's ridiculous.

Thanks man. I thought that would be the case. I will be living north of Orlando, I'm sure of that. If not north of, then IN Orlando area. I was aware of the sign on bonus' that some companies operate, so that is always nice, but by no means is it essential.

I so far, have NO accidents or tickets to date in the US. Completely clean record both with regards to driving and criminal. And in the UK, my record is clean on both counts too.

I do drive on the "wrong" side of the road, but I do have 3 years US experience too, so they can't hold that against me! Haha!!

Thanks for the welcome bud

 

Here in Missouri I took my written tests with the DMV, then went with a local towing company that offered driver training and pre-trip procedures for $400. They also set up my skills test appointment with the DMV and took me for the state CDL skills test. After that I went for my physical and luckily got a job with a good local company, and that's with me having no experience.
Since you have experience I would check the yellow pages when you get to Florida for the same type of deal.

 

I agree with airforcetoo! Don't pay for schooling when you already know how to drive. You can take your exam in an automatic transmission truck if you want to! Just locate someone that is willing to let you take the test in their truck. I imagine there are plenty of owner operators out there that would be willing to make a few extra bucks for the service. Just be careful about paying anyone up front, as you may never see them again. You can take the written exam first, get that out of the way & then take the driving part of it later. Keep most of that money in your pocket partner!That is how I got mine. Found someone that was needing a driver. He went with me in one of his trucks to the testing facility. I took the test & passed it. Wala!