New Beginnings Chapter One(Houston Community College

Day 4 My instructor left early as a matter of fact as soon as we got in class. She said that she wasn't feeling too good and we would have the director of Continuing Education Department sit in with us today. We watched a few videos on combination vehicles and railroad safety then we discussed some of the new technology that the truck driving industry would soon be rolling out or planning to invest in. He had opinions on self driving trucks and stated he doesn't believe he would ever see those in his lifetime but supposedly 2035 self driving 18wheelers. Can you imagine that ? Anyway class was short and not really focused on learning to drive trucks but more of discussing the industry of trucking and its future.

Day 5- 8/7/2017 Today when I got in I saw a note on the board that the class would be meeting in a different room because there was a recruiter in to speak with us. When I got in the room I saw another evening class there along with a few of my class mates. The speaker was from Covenant Transport and she gave us a lot of information about there program. She told us that the company is known for team driving but they also have solo routes. And if you don't have a partner that the company has like a match making site to use to get a partner that has similar habits as you. For instance if you like to run hard you will be matched with a partner that runs hard if you want a female partner that doesn't smoke and has pets then the site would match you with a partner that has some of the same qualities that you desire. I thought that was pretty sweet. Also you are paid as long as the truck moves whether you're driving or sleeping you are getting paid. She had a lot of information and I liked the fact that they don't split the pay just the miles both people will make 0.52/per mile after training. I will do more research on this company because they have a lot of qualities that I may be able to benefit from. Once we finished with the recruiter we went over our study guides on Chapter 1 and 2 of the handbook and learned a lot about the pre trip inspection. I got a link from here that Ive been studying to get more familiar with the pre trip parts. I was thinking of printing it and asking the instructor if I could give a copy to my classmates so that can get familiar also. I printed a copy for myself and I have been reviewing it daily while sitting here at the front desk.

Day 6 8/8/2017 We got to class and had a short discussion on the Training website that we are supposed to do our quizzes on. The instructor sounded a little frustrated as she mention that some of the students hadn't even logged in and she stressed that all 35 chapters had to be completed before the 10/20/17. "My boss is really getting on to me about you guys finishing those quizzes". In my mind I thought to say well if we had classes on Friday we could dedicate that day in the computer lab getting some of the quizzes knocked out but I didn't because I have a computer at home and nothing to do on the weekends so I will be getting at least 20 done this weekend. Besides that She handed out 2 study guides on airbrakes and combination vehicles each study guide has 36 multiple choice questions. All the answers are in the book and I'm actually working on it now at the front desk since I don't have any customers. I decided to update you guys. Yesterday class let out about 7:45pm. I am going to get back to this airbrake study guide and talk to you all later. Have a great Wednesday your guys!!!

You had to do a background check to get in program? Lady told me that on phone wasn't sure if she was trying to scare me.. What bout the drug test was it hair or urine?

Background check I'm not sure about. I know the first day of class I filled out a paper to have my MVR pulled for my driving record but I'm not 100%sure on the background check however I know that one of the guys in my class did say he has a felony and he just got released in April. He also paid for the courses out of pocket so I don't know if that matters since I applied for the grant thru the school to get funding for the program.

You had to do a background check to get in program? Lady told me that on phone wasn't sure if she was trying to scare me.. What bout the drug test was it hair or urine?

Class flew by kind of quick Thursday. There was light thunder and rain headed towards school today but I still made it on time in traffic after work. The college is actually about 15-20 minutes from my house so its super convenient. As soon as we got in to class the instructor reminded us that we need to have our permits by the beginning of September because we will begin getting in the trucks learning shifting and driving right after labor day. Here in Texas you have to take your special requirements 1st pass that in order to take the general knowledge pass that in order to take Combination Vehicles, and pass that test to take the airbrakes test. To get the permit the fee is $25.00 and all quizzes must be passed with at least a score of 80%. I have already taken off 08/16/17 at work the full day to get this done. I have been studying since November. I hope to be reporting next week that I have my permit. Any who we received three handouts in class today on HAZMAT , TANKER, AND DOUBLES AND TRIPLES. That will have to be completed over the weekend. She also handed out a pamphlet on HOS(hours of service). After going over the study guide for airbrakes and combination vehicles that she handed out Tuesday. She ended the class at around 7:48 pm. There is no class scheduled Friday (which I assume this will change once we start driving)so I am going to study study, study, study and finish up my quizzes. Just a quick update I hope everyone has a great weekend I will talk to you guys soon!

Danielle wrote:

Class flew by kind of quick Thursday. There was light thunder and rain headed towards school today but I still made it on time in traffic after work. The college is actually about 15-20 minutes from my house so its super convenient. As soon as we got in to class the instructor reminded us that we need to have our permits by the beginning of September because we will begin getting in the trucks learning shifting and driving right after labor day. Here in Texas you have to take your special requirements 1st pass that in order to take the general knowledge pass that in order to take Combination Vehicles, and pass that test to take the airbrakes test. To get the permit the fee is $25.00 and all quizzes must be passed with at least a score of 80%. I have already taken off 08/16/17 at work the full day to get this done. I have been studying since November. I hope to be reporting next week that I have my permit. Any who we received three handouts in class today on HAZMAT , TANKER, AND DOUBLES AND TRIPLES. That will have to be completed over the weekend. She also handed out a pamphlet on HOS(hours of service). After going over the study guide for airbrakes and combination vehicles that she handed out Tuesday. She ended the class at around 7:48 pm. There is no class scheduled Friday (which I assume this will change once we start driving)so I am going to study study, study, study and finish up my quizzes. Just a quick update I hope everyone has a great weekend I will talk to you guys soon!

Danielle...not sure if we properly introduced you to the Trucking Truth Starter kit links...

• Truck Driver's Career Guide
• Brett's Book: The Raw Truth About Trucking (free online version)
• High Road Training Program

As a suggestion, study for your permit using the High Road Training Program. It is virtually fool-proof and will significantly increase your success rate when taking the permit tests.

Good luck!

Thanks G-TOWN! I appreciate you and this site.

Danielle wrote:

Class flew by kind of quick Thursday. There was light thunder and rain headed towards school today but I still made it on time in traffic after work. The college is actually about 15-20 minutes from my house so its super convenient. As soon as we got in to class the instructor reminded us that we need to have our permits by the beginning of September because we will begin getting in the trucks learning shifting and driving right after labor day. Here in Texas you have to take your special requirements 1st pass that in order to take the general knowledge pass that in order to take Combination Vehicles, and pass that test to take the airbrakes test. To get the permit the fee is $25.00 and all quizzes must be passed with at least a score of 80%. I have already taken off 08/16/17 at work the full day to get this done. I have been studying since November. I hope to be reporting next week that I have my permit. Any who we received three handouts in class today on HAZMAT , TANKER, AND DOUBLES AND TRIPLES. That will have to be completed over the weekend. She also handed out a pamphlet on HOS(hours of service). After going over the study guide for airbrakes and combination vehicles that she handed out Tuesday. She ended the class at around 7:48 pm. There is no class scheduled Friday (which I assume this will change once we start driving)so I am going to study study, study, study and finish up my quizzes. Just a quick update I hope everyone has a great weekend I will talk to you guys soon!

Danielle...not sure if we properly introduced you to the Trucking Truth Starter kit links...

• Truck Driver's Career Guide
• Brett's Book: The Raw Truth About Trucking (free online version)
• High Road Training Program

As a suggestion, study for your permit using the High Road Training Program. It is virtually fool-proof and will significantly increase your success rate when taking the permit tests.

Good luck!

Thanks G-TOWN! I appreciate you and this site.

Danielle wrote:

Class flew by kind of quick Thursday. There was light thunder and rain headed towards school today but I still made it on time in traffic after work. The college is actually about 15-20 minutes from my house so its super convenient. As soon as we got in to class the instructor reminded us that we need to have our permits by the beginning of September because we will begin getting in the trucks learning shifting and driving right after labor day. Here in Texas you have to take your special requirements 1st pass that in order to take the general knowledge pass that in order to take Combination Vehicles, and pass that test to take the airbrakes test. To get the permit the fee is $25.00 and all quizzes must be passed with at least a score of 80%. I have already taken off 08/16/17 at work the full day to get this done. I have been studying since November. I hope to be reporting next week that I have my permit. Any who we received three handouts in class today on HAZMAT , TANKER, AND DOUBLES AND TRIPLES. That will have to be completed over the weekend. She also handed out a pamphlet on HOS(hours of service). After going over the study guide for airbrakes and combination vehicles that she handed out Tuesday. She ended the class at around 7:48 pm. There is no class scheduled Friday (which I assume this will change once we start driving)so I am going to study study, study, study and finish up my quizzes. Just a quick update I hope everyone has a great weekend I will talk to you guys soon!

Danielle...not sure if we properly introduced you to the Trucking Truth Starter kit links...

• Truck Driver's Career Guide
• Brett's Book: The Raw Truth About Trucking (free online version)
• High Road Training Program

As a suggestion, study for your permit using the High Road Training Program. It is virtually fool-proof and will significantly increase your success rate when taking the permit tests.

Good luck!

Thank you for the words of appreciation! You're quite welcome.

Danielle,

Sounds like you will be ready for the exams! Good luck.

Scot

Thank you Scot! I sure hope so!

Danielle,

Sounds like you will be ready for the exams! Good luck.

Scot

Good day guys just a quick update I wont give the day for day updates anymore because honestly I'm too tired to check in with you guys after a hard 8 hours here at work and 4 hours of class right after that. so its tough! but I have to let you guys know what's going on. well yesterday I went to take my permit test I passed 3 out of 4. The only test I failed was Airbrake test but I will get it! Just have to reread the chapter and study a little bit harder to pass this time. The other 3 written exams( Rules &Regulations, General Knowledge, Combination Vehicles) weren't that difficult thanks to Trucking Truth's High Road training)but I think when I got to the last exam I kind of rushed it maybe feeling myself a little too much. But I have another shot and I will ace it!

As far as class this week we've mainly been learning how to read road maps and street signs. I cannot wait to get into the truck and start learning how to whip that baby thru traffic and curves and turns and cross the country. I am super excited man. I just know trucking is going to change my life and bring on so many opportunities for me and my family. Any who guys I have to get back to work Ill talk to you soon. Have a great day.