Comments By Tommy C.

YAY!! Nice job man.

In the morning I will be headed out to take my dot physical, cost $81.50, then from there I will be heading to the DMV here in Georgia to take my cdl permit test. Not really sure on the price of that because the DMV site isnt that clear on it, I'm thinking somewhere between $50-$60.

I've decided to add doubles/triples and tank endorsement, and when I go back after the training period with Millis transfer to get my cdl license I will add the hazmat. Don't want to push my brain too fast this early in my new lifestyle...lol

I feel good about the test I will be taking tomorrow, the high road training here has helped tremendously, the only thing I've had to adjust on is the whole Stopping Distance scenario. Numbers here in Georgia are slightly different, but other than that, high road training has been spot on for me.

Had my yearly physical done last week, blood pressure is great, 128\82 and I am not a diabetic...yay! Lol

With Millis transfer you have to have dot physical and permit before you show up at their training facility. Reason I like the Millis way of training is that you get to ride and learn with a trainer for a few weeks before you take the cdl pre-trip driving and backing part. So I should have plenty enough experience for aceing that part of the exam. Should be very helpful to someone thats never shifted a gear.

You guys take care and be safe, I will get back with you soon.

I would remind people that some states are a tad different on some things such as Stopping Distance. Like my state, Georgia, the manual here says at 55 mph:

Perception Distance: 1- 3/4 seconds....142 feet

Reaction Distance: 3/4 to 1 second.......61 feet

Braking Distance: 216 feet

Total Stopping Distance: 419 feet

Guess they believe that people in the south do everything a bit slower than most....lol

Anyway, wouldn't hurt to check your state manual just to be sure on Stopping Distances.

I'm going through the high road program now and it does correct my "sometimes" problem of not reading the questions correctly. Knowing the answers and not understanding the way the question is asked will still equal a fail. Those "halts" were just what I needed to force me to pay more attention to the way the questions are worded. GREAT PROGRAM!!

I'm very happy that someone has given me the opportunity to train and then drive for them. Beginning in early August I will begin the training. Thank you to all that were involved with the approval process, especially my recruiter Raychel. I'm older than most that start their trucking lifestyle, 54, but I assure you that my enthusiasm to begin is similar to a 16 yr old that just acquired their first driver license. Lol. It's been tough for me to get the wheels rolling. In my youth I got into a boatload of trouble and racked up several felonies along the way. No murder or sex crimes and I never harmed anyone physically, the last conviction coming in 1985. Even though it's been over 30 yrs ago, I still had problems finding the right place to attend, which should be expected I guess. Prime, Swift, and several others either said no or never responded to my applications, even after calling an leaving messages with the recruiter to call me and let me know their decision. I didn't get discouraged just kept looking. I'm in now, or at least have a shot, at gaining experience while running as hard as they will allow me to for the next 12-15 yrs. I am truly happier than a tornado in a trailer park!! lmao

Total upfront out of pocket expense is $500. $100 paid immediately to Millis for fees, and $400 due on first day of training. Millis will finance the remaining 2k for training to be repaid by me @$20 per week beginning when I go solo. Millis will finance the cost of the motel in Cartersville, prob around $1500, to be repaid @20 per week beginning when I go solo. I have no problem with the total of $40 deducted each week.

I do have to obtain my cdl permit before attending training, $81.50 for dot physical done at Concentra, and I will have to pay the cdl permit fee, with combination and air brakes, prob around $40. I will get this done in about two weeks from now. I've been studying the manual for a few weeks now, and currently going through the high road training test here at this site. Which is a great way to study by the way. I have no doubt I can pass the needed test for the permit, but will continue to study and wait a couple more weeks anyway.

I believe that I will develop into a very good and safe hard driving truck driver. My goal is to live in that truck 24x7 racking up 3k+ miles every week that I can. I love driving, and being alone will not hinder me at all. I will give Millis Transport all that I can give in return for this awesome opportunity.

Since I have joined this great and resourceful site, I wanted to post what was going on with me and my journey into the trucking lifestyle. Thanks to all of you that post things here, I've read so many and learned so much. I will be around and hope to post more. Later folks, Tommy

Hi, I have no cdl and never driven a big rig, I did drive a 26k glass truck for two years, delivering in Georgia, Alabama, and Florida. I will be turning 55 this year, and unlike most, I'm thinking of maybe driving otr at the end of my working career. I'm sure this is not the norm but its something I believe I would enjoy. Anyone with thoughts and or ideas about this would be welcomed. Thanks