Comments By Deezyl Geezer

I'm looking to drive after retiring from my auto tech career. I hold a current CDL and have past experience. I'm not presuming that will count being ancient. Excellent work and background history. So the question is; what do you think of entering this profession as a 'new' driver considering the current state of affairs; virus, shut-downs, economy, etc. I would like to hear any pro's and con's! It would help me to move forward with a decision. Thanks!

Hi TZ, first you would need the CDL if you are working on trucks. You will need to test drive the vehicle as needed. Keep in mind that starting out as a mechanic will require much more 'training' and cost that being a driver. I have done both. The tool investment can be staggering. From my personal experience, if you go down the mechanic road you need to seriously look at working for a company that has its own in-house maintenance or work for a government agency. Salary and benefits over the long term is much better that working flat-rate. Keep up the CDL: it's a job in your pocket.

There are some excellent CDL schools. And then some aren't. Keep in mind that they are there to secure your CDL license. They have a steady stream of students whose tuition is covered by grants. It's all what you make of it. I went through CDS in Woodford. They did what they said they would do. It was up to me to get there.

You'll probably get a truck abandonment on your record.

You're tough.Damn the torpedoes !

The real limiting factor is the wire size of the source power. Cig /acc plugs are only 16 or 18 gauge. 20 amps pushed by 12 volts through that wire size is okay for limited duration. I 'm willing to bet the wire size on those products mentioned ( connected direct to battery) is around 4 gauge, which is substantially larger.

Good job Driver! Stay safe!

Yup, me too. I'm 60 and ready to come back after 25 years of turning wrenches.

I too believe the top bunk is illegal. Think about low clearances. You should request a different trainer; it is not uncommon to do so. Also realize if you bail on Werner they will likely make a comment in your DAC. Think carefully. The training is the hardest part.

Someone who lights up the tokemaster daily.