Comments By Mark O. ~MiNi-Me~

So even if one has quit (I last smoked in June, and smoked regularly for several years) and I test negative on a urine sample but my hair follicle reveals that I smoked a few months ago, I would be denied the opportunity to become a truck driver? Even though I'm not smoking now? I studied for my and passed the test, and I'm attempting to nail down a training school. Do I need to wait a few more months?

As an occasional user, I quit back in May when I started to look at this career change seriously. After reading about the hair tests, I wanted to make sure that everything was out of my system. Once you test for a preemployment screening, if you fail you are reported to a national clearinghouse and your career is over before it begins.Hence my reasoning for a private test. Just got my results today from Knight and I am clean as a whistle!

Having my scalp butchered yesterday at the Knight terminal in Phoenix, I can assure you they do both urine and hair testing. I actually took the initiative to do my own test at a reputable lab a few weeks ago to make sure that my birthday edible in May had cleared my system. I had the lab use body hair, which has a propensity to hold the THC for longer periods, so my sample yesterday should be just fine.

I live in AZ and this was my experience:

After using the training material here (thanks TT!) I took my permit test on 9/14. Fee was $25. Passed without missing any questions. I came home and took the next three days to study the HAZMAT portion. Returned to DMV on 9/17, asked to take the HAZMAT endorsement, passed again without missing any questions. Fee was $10.

I had an appointment for my TWIC card on 9/27. Fingerprinted and the fee for this was $125.25. While I was there I noticed they also did HAZMAT background check. After I finished my TWIC application, they allowed me to return to the waiting room, apply for HAZMAT and wait until there was no appointment ahead of me (about 20 minutes). Fee was $86.50. I think there would have been some slight discount if I waited until I received the TWIC to apply for the HAZMAT, but getting it out of the way seemed a better option. I got free TSA PreCheck with the package.

I had seen information that I was not able to test for HAZMAT until I had gotten my CDL-A, not just a permit, but this didn't seem to be an issue.

Let us know how it went Dave!

Great journal Nathan! Congrats on all your accomplishments!!

Congrats Bruce! Sounds like you've found your groove!!

I've been in the restaurant industry. Everything from a pastry chef, to owner of my own establishment (twice). Last decade plus just a high end waiter.

One week to go....

Hey Kevin! I am also leaving the hospitality industry for a new career in trucking. I see that you joined this forum about the same time I did, albeit I did a few months of lurking before I actually joined. During this time I have spent endless hours with the High Road Training, and got my CDL permit a few weeks ago, I also got my TWIC and HM cards/endorsements as well. Getting ready to make the leap soon, probably with Knight Squire training.

Take advantage of all the training diaries, job requirements postings, HOS information and sooo much more. I am not one to jump into the deep end without knowing just what I am getting into. As Old School says there is a lot more to the job (doing it well) than just driving.

There is a wealth of real time experiences journaled here that I have read to get a well rounded expectation of just what this career entails. I used the tag link page to get lost for awhile to make sure you can commit to this, just my two cents worth.

Bump time for these great tips for all the new peeps, amazing what I find lurking for hours and weeks....

Once again Daniel, this gem needs a bump for noobs.

Thank you for all your notes and thought provoking details that give me even more desire to forge ahead!