Time to start applying?

I just got my permit and here next door in Missouri all testing resumes next week. The troopers were afraid the backlog was more than they will clear quickly. My local DMV office has been 75% CDL both commercial and just class c. The school I was looking at is not sure if we will be able to test quickly or not. I called a recruiter to see if they are independent for testing or if we still wait in line with a truck. They could not assure me anything immediate.

Just a thought for getting behind the wheel quickly is who will get me to testing soonest? If they do not have a contract for testing then I have to wait with everyone else and it may delay me another 2 months. In 6 weeks of permit testing being closed the school has over 20 graduates to get tested. That is a long line to wait in.

 

It's not worth going to the trouble of changing states. If you live in TN and expect to have a full time residence, keep you DL in that state. You will understand why later. There are places in TN called driving schools and they provide everything you need if you are financially stable. They can do the road test...but the state has to do the written test. It only takes an hour once you get called. Go early to the DMV.

Tennessee has great lanes and there are hundreds of companies to work for. The Hump, is you need to get 1 year OTR. There are more than one way, but generally a big company like Covenant Transport or CR england are popular. stay away From Prime in Missouri.....they suck! They will push you into a lease or make you crazy as a company driver. The lease is a scam. Do not lease a truck from Prime unless you want to lose money and possibly file Bancruptcy. LOL.

First things first, go to school and get your CDL. Then get hired by a training company the day you graduate. 6 weeks later and you could be a solo driver running a big truck. Then after 1 year you can start talking about leases or buying. It takes three to four years to pay off a lease and then refinance the balance and pay another three years. The truck expenses are all on you except any warranty item, but that is limited mostly to drive train only, Trailers are a whole new ball game.

This only scratches the surface....you need to drive a 150 thousand your first year and then decide if you like it. Baby steps ....one foot in front of the other, before you can Run!

 

Get the DL and Permit in the state you live. It would be just as easy to get the Tenn. Dl and take the test for a permit. The practice exams on Roehl's site were almost 100% the same as what I took in Missouri. Knowing a good selection of potential questions instead of learning every single number and distance fact or opinion is much easier. Take a few practice tests or take them all. It made my exam a first and only try to pass.

Finding a school that has a great relationship with the examiners is also important. Dynasty Trucks called me today wanting me to start monday as they only have 2 students in that class. If I can get a pre approve with any carrier I will be in school Monday. Getting anyone to call back has been a pain this week.