Comments By bwr5000

I chose to go with Swift. If there is interest I'll document my experience at the academy for people to read.

OK just got back from Texas Drivers License office. Here is the real scoop on getting CDL permit. The fee is $11. Two tests only: Chapter 6 - combinations and Chapter 14 - special requirements. They told me the reason they do not put out much information on what will be tested in order to obtain a Texas CDL permit is because a lot of Texans do not obtain a CDL permit (I don't know how accurate that is).

The high road training program is perfect for the Chapter 6, super easy. The Chapter 14 test is different. 20 questions, half are super easy, the other half are somewhat obscure. Read Chapter 14 a few times and take practice tests. Pay attention to the remote details and you will be fine.

Also, you are not required to get your DOT physical before you obtain the permit

It appears that the "team driving" is where the two programs differ. At Celadon, after you finish with your trainer you then team drive for 6 months before being able to go solo. Whereas with Swift, it appears once you finish with Trainer you can then go solo. I can certainly get through 6 months of team driving if it turns out that it is not my cup of tea. So while swift has a leg up in that department, I'm trying to come up with ways to distinguish the two. I'm looking for the true OTR lifestyle. Want to travel all 48 and Canada. A pet option would be nice. Any drivers for Swift or Celadon know the policy concerning pets for their respective company's?

I reviewed all of those and narrowed down the field to 4 programs I was accepted to. Then I narrowed the field further to the two remaining ... Swift and Celadon. Thank you for the information. I'm actually leaving the attorney biz behind, really excited for next chapter!

I have decided to take the plunge! I am stepping out from behind the desk which has entrapped me for far too long and am going to enjoy a life more extraordinary. I will document my process through the Company Sponsored CDL program here in Texas (because the threads I have read on truckingtruth.com have been very helpful!). However, a big decision awaits ... should I choose Swift or Celadon. Both have pros and cons that I have discovered. My initial fear with Celadon was to be stuck team driving for 12 months (if i discovered team driving just wasn'tmy cup of tea). However I have found out that after you finush your time with your trainer you only have to team drive for 6 months, then you can switch to solo OTR. So the big question is ... anyone have a solid basis for choosing one over the other?

I am glad I found and read this line of posts. The only place I have found material on Chapter 14 Special Requirements (practice test questions) is an application in the Google Play Store. It is called the "Texas Driver's Ed Study Buddy". (No , I don't get anything for downloads!!!). Once you download it and open it, one of the tabs is CDL tests. After you click on that you will see the Chapter 14 Special Requirements practice tests. Other that that just been using the high road material.