Comments By Ms. Tomboy

I always thought it was odd when people would obsess about the hotel they would be staying in during training or the quality of the meals or the personality of one certain instructor they didn't like. It's like, you are aware of the fact you're supposed to be worrying about how not to kill someone as a brand new driver in an 80,000 pound rig, right? That is on your mind at least once in a while I hope.

When I was getting started in trucking I was so excited about the new life I'd be living and so concerned about being safe that nothing else mattered to me. It was all such a grand adventure and so overwhelming at the same time. A lot of fun, but a lot to think about.

It is on my mind, ALL the time that I'm driving a 80,000 pound rig for sure! Scared but confident. I have wanted to do this since I was 15. And finally can. Love the fact I am moving forward, but will I love it out there? Will this be right for me? We will see! I am forever cautious.

Every trucker knows the feeling of passing they're CDL. Only a few short weeks and your OTR. WOW!!! Then what? And just because you have a CDL, doesn't mean your a Truck Driver!!! Right??!!!

They told us at the school, when we passed, you are now a Professional Truck Driver...LMAO!!!! I'm thinking to myself...nice way to build confidence in students, BUT...UM NO! lol

While there, I saw so many "kids" thinking this is a cake walk! They will be in shock they're first week....guaranteed! I have yet to go OTR, but have been a passenger. All they were worried about was getting a lot of miles on they're first run. Not safety or the danger's that come along with this profession. It's killing me to think that they/me will be on the road. Let me specify: I don't really want to put myself in this category, but, for them it was getting video games and new sporty cars, but for me, as long as I don't hurt anyone and can eat, I will be happy. lol.

As a passenger before, It's definitely not the glamorous life of traveling and money in your pocket.......LOL! This I know, for a fact. We had great loads, but ate peanut butter and jelly for 4 days straight. I love pb&j, but if I don't see another one for the rest of my life I wont be crying about it for sure!

They have no clue whats about to hit them, so to speak!!!!

You had to do a pre-trip inspection for your permit? I just passed my permit a few days ago but didn't have to do that.

No, I got my permit the day before. I did my pre trip at the school the following day, they showed us how to do it twice and I got it on my first attempt.

Got my permit in 2 days!!!!! I started school last week and got my permit on weds. I did pre-trip, without in cab, on Thursday and got it on first try!!! GO ME!!!! I have yet to drive, that will be next week.

Enthusiasm is the most important thing to have when going through cdl training. As long as you are willing to do whatever it takes to make it through all the challenges then you will get your cdl.

Thanks Justin N. Hope to see you out there!

Sounds great Ms. Tomboy! Keep us updated on how things go for ya!

Thank you Brett for creating this site. It has helped a lot in my decision making and the pretests were very helpful. I am so excited; I have wanted to do this since I was about 15 years old. I finally have the chance and I’m taking it! My Ex-boyfriend is a Trucker and took me on a trip with him several times but one in particular stands out and I couldn’t wait to get my CDL, we went to Glamis, 4x4ing on a Military base in a convoy!!! I do however know the risks, we were in an accident, but no injuries for either party. That is my fear, as is everyone's I'm sure, I am very perceptive and alert while driving my 4 wheeler. Being the Daughter of a Stuntman and a Step Daughter to a WW2 Vet, I have been raised well. Be careful everyone, I will see you out there!!!

I finally picked a school and will be starting my training on Monday. So excited. Just a warning to everyone to stay clear of the Riverside area for the next 3 weeks. Thanks TruckingTruth and everyone for all of your GREAT advice!!!!

I agree with the guy's as well, only 2 months is really not to long for what headaches you might get out of it. And an unneeded bill, more of a financial burden. I understand about the need for family support, I haven't worked in 2 years due to caring for family member and looking for work myself. I will be signing with CRST on the 22nd. Can you please give me some info., on the contract. Such as what they take out every week? What your average mileage is? Contract length? Any info would help me as well. Get well soon, BTW.

Contact the fleet manager that fleet manager is also your fleet manager and tell him/her about this guy and how inappropriate he is. Don't let one person and his rudeness determine your life and what you want to do. Did you try shifting the way I said?

If there is any way to record him, even better. There's your undeniable proof! CYA!!!

I drive for crst and been unemployed for the last 4 years with working temp jobs here and there never amounting to anything really and all crst wanted to know was what I was doing when I wasn't working.... I put looking for work

Well, I was going to sign with CRST on the 22nd. Maybe it's different for you cuz you don't live in California...idk. Hopefully I can get in and work for several years at least. Good luck to you!