Profile For Michael S.

Will a pacemaker implant automatically disqualify or fail you in a DOT physical? Just curious.

Wow, that’s a bummer.

If you can make it back, don’t delay. Your skills and muscle memory will begin to fade. I encourage you to take that direction.

If you can’t??? Only you can advocate your next move if that’s the case. But if PAM schooled you, please read your agreement them. You’ll likely owe them money.

Good luck.

Yeah, I will owe them one way or another. I'll see what best fits my situation and go from there, thanks.

How’s it going?

Well, I passed my Pre-trip, and my Air-Brake, but pointed out on the 90. Have been rescheduled for another try, but had to return home on family emergency and not sure when or if I can return. I know I can pass all my backing and driving next time, but again, not sure if I can make it back. Emailed Brett for advice, but any advice/help/info from anyone who might have a similar experience would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

Well, it's been a year waiting to heal from my ankle surgery, passing my DOT Medical, getting my CLP, and waiting to hear a "serious" inquiry regarding my CDL training, but I'm finally in school and in training. I was hoping to stay in Texas for my training, but Arkansas is not too far from home. I've signed on with PAM, and honestly, I think I will do very well here. All the staff has been great, and more importantly, very encouraging. Just completed my second day and am very excited about the rest of the course. Anyway, just wanted to let anyone out there know (in case you were wondering what ever became of me) that I'm still kicking at 64 and working on my "future." LOL, sounds a little weird talking about my "future" at 64, but hey, if Colonel Sanders (Kentucky Fried Chicken for all you youngsters) could do it, so can I baby. I'll let you know how things progress and when I get my wings. GL all.

That's awesome. How long did it take you and did you get any endorsements?

It took about 30 minutes once I started the test, but was told I couldn't test for any endorsements until I actually had a truck to drive for the test. I studied for a Tanker endorsement and was ready to Ace it, but again, wasn't allowed.

Well, just passed my exam for the CLP and got the permit, now I just need to get hired in a training school :). The test was mostly a breeze, except for a couple or three questions from "left field" that had to do with the "Texas Regulations" but I passed it. Thanks for all the help and study material "Trucking Truth."

Ok, I kinda of figured, but it would be great to offer it here. I think it would be a great help to us Texans trying to get into driving. I am studying from the book, but it's not as fun :). Thanks for the reply.

Why don't you offer the study/testing for that? Or where else can I find that testing material in the type of format offered here? Thanks Mike

Hey Mike,

I know what you're referring to. It's "section 14" in the Texas CDL manual. We plan to add it to our High Road CDL Training Program, but we haven't done so yet.

For now, all you can do is study that section straight from the manual. Unfortunately, I doubt we'll have it finished in time for your exam.

Texas is the only state that has a special requirements section like that, so we're getting to that as we can.

Sorry about that!

I am still waiting for my CLP permit testing date to come up (3/6/23). In the meantime, I am still studying through the testing format you guys offer here, which, BTW have been a great help to me and I believe I will Ace my tests :). However, there is one section I am a little concerned about and that is the "special requirements" test that Texas stipulates are needed for the CLP. Why don't you offer the study/testing for that? Or where else can I find that testing material in the type of format offered here? Thanks Mike

Well, it's been about 2-3 months since I started working on physical exam. Was very concerned about my medications, health, and cpap, but I FINALLY PASSED!!! WooHoo! Now I just have to wait for my appointment to take the CLP exam. I feel confident about that, thanks to the testing help on the site :). Be back when I have more news. Good Luck all.

Well, went in to see about my exam, Dr. want's all medical records from cardiologist, and foot Dr. who fused my ankle. He asked me how I would use the clutch with my operated foot, I said what's a clutch...lol, I said I normally just float my gears, he said I don't know what that is...LOL. Anyway, waiting on paper work from cardiologist and foot Dr. BTW, I didn't actually get the exam and no charge either, it was just questions regarding my health. I guess I shouldn't have walked in there with an ankle brace...LOL. I'll keep trying, Later guys. Mike

Duck walk???? That sucks, I had my ankle fused about 6 months ago and I still have a bit of a limp. Well, what the heck, I'm going to go for it. I'll set up an appointment for the next couple of days. I'll let you guys know how it goes :). Thanks all for the info. Wish me luck :).

That's typically done at orientation, not when you get your physical. Once you start applying for carriers drivers that have been through orientation there can provide specifics on what was expected.

Are you planning on going through a private school or Paid CDL Training Programs? We highly recommend paid training because as long as you're able to pass school you're almost guaranteed to have a job waiting for you. Not that it applies in your situation, but far too often someone gets their CDL through a private school and can't land a job due to their past criminal, driving record, or work history. Meanwhile they're out the $5,000 or more without a job to show for it. With paid training it often times is free if you fulfill your end of the agreement, typically working for them for 1 year but double check the terms before signing!