Comments on: Takin’ the CDL Test

By: Tumbleweed

Tumbleweed — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 17:09:50 +0000

You go, girl! Granted, it’s a totally different lifestyle than what you’re used to, but you CAN do it! Let the husband be doubtful, but if he’s anything like my husband, he’ll be proud as a new parent that you can drive 80,000 pounds down the highway with the best of ‘em! As Rhonda stated, when it comes to taking the test, concentrate on the pre-trip inspection stuff, especially if you’re not mechanically inclined. The rest is pretty much common sense.

We’re pulling for you here! And please do not hesitate to come on in and tell us of your school experiences from day to day. Everybody sees, hears and learns differently and we’d love to know how it goes with you.

Welcome to Trucking Truth and we hope to hear from you soon!

By: Rhonda

Rhonda — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 01:15:59 +0000

BellaDonna112, welcome to truckingtruth and we are so glad that our stories and other info is helping many. I liked your comment that you are a better driver than your husband!!!!!

Go for your CDL and just take it one step at a time. Since you want it, I’m sure it will happen. Be sure to read truckermike’s blogs too so you have a better understanding on what to expect.

There are many women drivers who are very successful in driving for a living. There are also some who have done it for 40 years when it was not accecptable at all. They were the trailblazers of that time which makes it so much easier for women now to be in trucking. Powersteering also helps!!!!

Go into this knowing you can achieve anything and it does make it easier. The more you study, it will be easier–expect that pre-trip stuff! It does not come easy to many of us. If you read my pre-trip story, that will tell you that it was a toughie for me.

We will be cheering you on so keep us posted! Any questions, we are here to help.

By: BellaDonna112

BellaDonna112 — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 15:31:12 +0000

I am about to begin school to get my CDL. My husband has been driving now for nearly 10 yrs. I have always been a better driver then my husband in a four wheeler. He is offering his support, Thank God! but I can tell he is doubtful that I will be able to pull it off. I am dammed and determined to make it happen. I am ready to drive.
I am grateful to find your posts, they are both encouraging and inspiring.

By: Brett Aquila

Brett Aquila — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 21:49:01 +0000

That is hysterical! I thought I had already left a comment on this one – I had meant to. The ending had me totally laughin out loud! Hey, if they’re gonna design the system, it’s your job to make the best of it! Awesome story!

By: Tumbleweed

Tumbleweed — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 19:21:41 +0000

Hey, Rhonda. I’d love reading about your training and testing! Everybody goes through different experiences when learning to drive a big rig. I feel a blog post comin’ on…

By: Rhonda

Rhonda — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 13:15:52 +0000

Great story and memories for me too. Maybe I should write about mine. Those tests are not real life backing and I think that was what gives all of us problems. I understand the instructors want to know you know how to handle that rig and not run over everything out on the highways, but there must be a better way! There are days that backing is so easy and then you have the days you can not back a straight line. But if you want something bad enough, you keep on trying. It is a great thing to achieve your goals/dreams. NEVER GIVE UP!

By: Tumbleweed

Tumbleweed — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 02:04:44 +0000

I’m sure that the rules have changed since I took my test. With things the way they are today, that’s probably the reason why they try to have you learn (and try to perfect) so much in 3 or 4 weeks of training!

By: TruckerMike

TruckerMike — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 23:47:03 +0000

HA! They must have gotten wise in Illinois, because if you even touch a cone it’s an automatic fail. We get one free pull-up, then it’s 1 point for each additional pull-up. Way to play the system though!