Comments By Lynette O.

By the way... a big thanks to Brett for making such a great place for people who want to get clear and non-negative information about entering this new lifestyle. Along with the High Road Testing program, making passing the permit test stress free. Also all the fantastic posters that contribute valuable information to us newbies, thanks!

I started this journey to drive trucks in early August 2015. Since I am insulin dependent, it took 2 months to get all the medical tests and doctor visits done to get my DOT physical. Once that was done, I sent all 25 pages of paperwork to the FMCSA and waited 4 months to get a waiver. Returned to school and found out that I am a terrible test taker! I am my own worst enemy at test time. Failed my first test due backing. Failed my second test on the road skills within moments due to a very chatty tester. Today, I told the tester there could be no talking only the minimum vocally to complete the test. I would have only gotten 1 off (for missing a road sign), but today I developed a NEW habit of grinding gears. I have not done that since my first day of training! Luckily, I still passed and my CDL will look just like the rest of yours. What a relief. I am leaving tomorrow for orientation. (Doing the happy dance here.)

Karen,

Don't worry about not being mechanically inclined. I had "mantras" for the pre trip. Metal, rubber, hoses and a door mantra. Metal was securely mounted, not bent cracked or broken, no missing or loose nuts, bolts or parts (such as pins, potter keys, castle nuts). Rubber Mantra - no abrasions, bulges or cuts. No loose fibers. Not bent, cracked or broken. Rubber Hose Mantra - clamps and fittings are tight, no leaks PLUS the rubber mantra And no leaks. Not rubbing against other parts.

Good luck to you.

The school process is different for each location that CR England sends their students. CR England has sent me to a private school in my state. It is a great school that has 95% of the students passing on the first try. The school is 3 weeks long. We train M-F only. We have 2 students to each instructor and truck. I take my test in two days.

I have heard some not so good things about the company owned schools such as, faster pace, longer hours each day, more students to instructors, worse lodging, etc. So it really depends more on the school they send you to.

Go through the High Road Testing in this forum and start that now so that you are done with it before you start school. That will be one less stress knowing you will pass the permit test with no problem. Good luck to you. Stay focused on studying and what YOU need to do. Stay away from the ones that are not serious about getting it done.

Way to go, Barb!!! Now, get into that pre trip and start memorizing. Don't give up. You will do it.

That is correct. You will get a raise each month during your training. Last month, CR England reported they would increase the CPM 12.7% in their phase 2 training.

Unfortunately, I can't think of anybuzzwordsto further your search. Keep in mind, if you're good with people normally and know how to properly handle the difficult ones, you will pass the test. If you don't, you might fail. If you were to fail, you would have HATED the job and been miserable doing it anyways.

Sounds similar to a test I took before becoming a city bus driver. Unfortunately, I can't think of a way to study for this. Just combine how you would feel as a customer yourself and your common sense. Keep in mind, what is also good for the company. Good luck!

If a partner isn't meeting your needs, then why would you want to keep that in your life? It really doesn't matter if any of us believe you are wrong or not. If a daily call is what you need, then maybe he isn't the one for you. Just my opinion though.

Good luck!!!