Sober Addict Starting CDL School with Accident/Criminal/Medical Check Questions?

I trained 2 to 1 and I found it helpful to watch the other driver. Helped me pick up on stuff that I was doing wrong, or that I could Improve on. Just my two cents.

 

Just call and make sure it's at 160 hours. For most companies that is a must.

 

Thank you guys for all of the help. NETTS has a 160hr program that I am about to call and ask about right now. It's either NETTS 160hr program, or A.B.CDL's 400 hour program. Calling NETTS now. Also calling the council on agriculture to find out more about this grant that could cover any course under $6K.

 

Thank you guys for all of the help. NETTS has a 160hr program that I am about to call and ask about right now. It's either NETTS 160hr program, or A.B.CDL's 400 hour program. Calling NETTS now. Also calling the council on agriculture to find out more about this grant that could cover any course under $6K. I think I am going to wait to start school until I have a grant secured. It just doesn't make financial sense to "start asap!" if I can get a help.

For future reference, (for future addicts in recovery reading through this thread) I am going to try to dive deeper into the DOT medical card issue. I have spoken to one DOT medical examiner anonymously already. I plan to speak to a couple more DOT docs anonymously about whether someone with addiction recovery/rehabilitation (drugs/alcohol) in their medical history should withhold the information when applying, or if they should release info. I will report my findings in this thread for all recovering addicts looking to change their lives. I already know (relatively assuredly) that they will not go looking into your medical history unless there are PHYSICAL signs of issue conforming to DOT medical standards (such as diabetes, history of seizures/fainting, etc) OR reported medical history that would conflict with DOT standards. But I want to know if it is considered LEGAL and if it is JUST (more opinions on this to help formulate my own) to withhold information regarding addiction-recovery/rehabilitation when filling out the long form & speaking with a DOT Doc. I will also be speaking with those in long-term recovery on this subject. Stay tuned for that, & thank you ALL for all the help!

 

I do not qualify for the farm-workers/landscapers grant because I was employed to do landscaping through a temp agency, not the actual landscaping company. So I'm only eligible for the WIOA grant! That's alright, anything to take the sting out of that $5K is very helpful, even if it's only $3000.

 

I finally got in touch with a recruitment department worker over at NETTTS. They seem a fair bit busy. The recruitment dept worker seemed to be reading from a script. I clearly asked for the price of the 160hr program, and the 600hr program. The worker told me that he could not even begin to discuss cost of programs with me, because, and I quote, "There are many different programs & it'd be difficult for me to discuss all the prices"

Come on man... So I say "I'm only interested in the 160hr program" & he says something to the effect of "well I'll have a recruiter come out to your home to discuss the pricing with you" I says "I've already had a recruiter come out to my house in 2014. I am solely interested in the program prices" to which he said: "Did you speak to anyone about financial aid?" & I said "I am currently in line for a WIOA grant" & he says "Great! How about you come down to the campus, have a look around, and we'll get you all set up!" I said "I'd just like the program pricing, i am currently making my decision based on hours & pricing." & after that he changed the subject to fast-tracking my WIOA grant process & financial aid. He wouldn't give me ANY information on program price.

I really dislike streamlined intake programs like that. Why not just have computer generated recruiters if your going to take all of the humanity out of your recruitment process by keeping the true price of your service from the customer until they're in your office & more easily made vulnerable, like a used car salesman, employing rebuttal scripts like a telemarketer? Grrrrrr.

 

I hate the pressure sales game, why they just can't quote the price and be done with it. Fortunately in California they mandate they have to disclose their pricing and course catalog on their website if they have a web presence. Good luck on finding the right company.

 

Your impression of NETTS is right on, they are a hard sell, and will try to push you into signing a contract. That "in home" visit can also be trouble, everybody gets relaxed around the kitchen table, your Mom makes a pot of coffee, and the salesman will play your best friend, and boom they gotcha. They usually are paid a commission for every warm body they signup. Line up the grant before doing anything with a school, and make sure they cover the school you've chosen.
Also where in CT are you? I'd be willing to give you some support, as I live in CT, and have 26 years clean and sober. You could send me a private message if you'd like to discuss, or talk on the phone.

 

that's why i said do research on these training schools. Pricing is important, but you wanna be treated fairly and efficiently as well.

I was told by some recruits at C-1 N. Little Rock, AR that they found that C-1 North Little Rock had a high success rate and the sponsoring companies had the least safety violations after students were employed from that school. Not sure how true that was, but I did notice they were very efficient with training and the instructors whipped you up into shape rather quickly. Not only that, they were respectful and willing to answer any questions you had. some of them would even work overtime in the yard to help those that were a little slow catching on get it down. You know, backing and things. Inspections, brake tests, etc.

 

Well i got to the eyedoctor today & had an eye exam. I've purchased 2 pairs of glasses & they should be there sometime next week for pickup. Pretty neat, the last time I bought glasses there was nothing near the selection they've got today. I was even looking at ray bans for 140 per frame lol. I wound up getting a pair of anti-glare regular glasses for night & a pair of tinted glasses for daytime. The doc also told me that my eyes are fine and will pass DOT medical exam with no issues.