Comments By Squirrel

No...not just getting out.. I was medically retired back Dec 2013. Served time between two branches USMC and US Army. I drove all sort of crazy vehicles for the army. I have been recovering from my injuries and I am finally able to get back on my feet and proved it today with the DOT physical.

I am not so worried about groceries as I can get my sister to take me if I need it. She lives in Memphis so thats a plus. And yes, I plan on testing for the permit here in KY before I start. I should be taking the test on Fri depending on when the state gets off their butt to load my physical into the database. (they said a few days at the min) So I am in the "hurry up and wait" status, and that is nothing new to me.

Day one (preparation) Well…I am getting things ready for the school now like take my DOT physical and Permit Test. I did find out that the military base has a registered DOT physician on the registry. I am attempting to make contact now. That and I need to get my hearing aid squared away. I have a bone anchored hearing aid. (what’s cool is the hearing aid is Bluetooth capable) So once I get my new device I am heading for the physical. KY is one of those states that require the physical before the permit. SO I will just have to wait to test. I shouldn’t have any problems. I have been driving HET and anything else with wheels in the Army for the last 6 years. I am not overconfident in my knowledge, but some driving skills may be lacking. Of course I should be able to hone them here. I will be more than likely heading to the Memphis school site. I am really debating on driving and was wondering about the vehicle storage and reimbursement for the gas there since the company pays for the dog for everyone. I am prepacking some stuff in the car for when I get my own truck. (hopefully) Day 3 (not in school yet) Today I went and took the physical. The one on the military base told me that unless I was actually going to be driving on the base as a contractor, I could not have my physical done there. So I forked up the money for the physical out in town. Only cost me $75 where I had it done, I didn’t take the drug test there. I figured it would be done once I arrived at the school anyway. I was worried about having a hearing aid in the one ear, but that proved to be a non-issue and I came out of it with the 2-year certification. I sent my paperwork to the state and now I am just waiting on the state to tell me when I can test. On another note, I was able to get some pre-packing done as far as the basics for clothes and what not. I still am going through some of my military gear and seeing what might be of use to me on the road. I am packing for all types of weather; I never know what I might run into. I know it’s spring, but you never know. I do have my passport already so that will be a non-issue as well. Of course I just have the passport card, good enough for land travel. I take the written test later this week as soon as I hear back from the state. Wish me luck.