Comments By December Hopeful

I feel like the tests are designed (by feds who have never driven a semi-truck in their life, I understand) to intimidate people trying to get into the business. You really have to kind of be "100 percent" ready to pass and at the same time prepared to fail and be humbled by the whole experience. Trucker boot camp, so to speak, is kind of a racket. You really only get 11 days in the truck, and that's spent taking turns, figuring in breaks and lunch. I knew I was not ready at the end of that time, and went home to rest. These extra few days of practice seemed to help, but even then, I only passed pre-trip today, and completely messed up the lane-change maneuver. I'm not the only one, so I guess it's back to the training pad again next week.

That all being said, a very hearty congratulations to Andrea B. for passing all the testing and getting her CDL. A very happy day, indeed!

I passed pre-trip inspection. That's the good news. I didn't pass lane-change. It was for some reason, the hardest one for me, and this morning I was the first person called to test (at like 7:30 in the morning) and my body felt like extra-thick jello or something! I think it was all that time yesterday in the wind & rain on the concrete training pad, waiting turns to practice the backing maneuvers. But, I'm not the first, won't be the last, and will go back next week to try again. With the pre-trip off my plate, I'm a little bit happier, but not as happy as I will be with that CDL in my hot little hand! --Peace Be With You! --Angi M.

I am 55 and in my 3rd week of CDL school in Columbus, Ohio. I love it. It's hard but fun! I tried it 7 years ago at a different school. I should have rescheduled the test, practiced more and just done it till I passed. However, I did not pursue it because I had family matter that took me off course. I later injured my back and thought I would never come back to trucking. My back is healed and I'm back to training. Doors were closing on my previous pursuit, and doors were opening for this one, so I jumped at the opportunity to try again. There are women younger than me here and women older than me here. Most students are men, but there are men who are older than me here too. So don't let age be the deciding factor. I don't forget how old I am but I do remember how much more in shape I want to get. I asked about work out facilities in the company I will likely go with. They have them at the terminals. So there's a lot we have going for us. We have some wisdom and good customer service skills and respect for others. I'm finally at the age where I know I deserve respect and money for my time and talents. Good luck with your decision(s). --AM