Comments By Jeramy H.

Congrats on passing those tests!!!

Hope the other stuff gets cleared up soon for you.

Good stuff man!! I love that part of the world! Great example of how hard work and sacrifice can pay off. Very happy you are enjoying it out there!

Permit test done...I PASSED!!! I got a chance to get out on the road with a trainer this afternoon for a few hours. Was a 10 speed... I have driven lots of vehicles with a manual transmissions before, but nothing like this. Once I figured out the shifting a bit I really enjoyed it. So now 3 weeks of driving training then the driving portion of the CDL and I will have that done (hopefully). Very relieved to have that test out of the way!!

After a ton of studying, today is test day for my permit.

One other thing, when we started orientation they gave us a 50 dollar prepaid card to help cover expenses. For CDL school we got another card for 520 dollars. Breakfast and lunch are provided at the cafeteria on campus.

They have a 10 room house we are staying in. Each room has a separate bathroom and most rooms have 2 people. There is a large living room with a TV and a kitchen. Older place, but not too bad.

Good info. I was wondering about getting my permit here in Michigan, glad to know it will be of no use to me in AR.

Are you in a hotel while in CDL training? Or a dorm room at the school?

Yesterday we started going through the CDL guide for general knowledge until lunch. After that we GOT TO DRIVE A TRUCK!! :)

Now it was back and forth to practice straight line backing, but getting behind the wheel for the first time was very cool. The range trucks are definitely older, but are perfect to learn in. Today we get a little more classroom then more practice with the straight line backing.

My first few attempts were a little rough until I found my points of reference that worked for me. After that I was able to do it no problem.

For those that come this route, be sure to study your general knowledge, air brakes, and combination vehicles before coming. They do a good job of getting us prepared, but its a ton of information in a short time. I already had a Missouri permit, but it was not accepted in Arkansas, so I have to test again here. That test is Thursday. I have been studying hard and feel prepared, so hopefully all goes well.

Any questions just let me know! You all have a great day.

I believe it was a 5 foot box. I could see the top of the box while standing on the deck of the trailer. They had 2 tarps stacked on eachother next to the box. You have to climb on top of the box, stand up, then climb back down the box safely. Im 5 foot 9 and was able to do this quite easily. Their main focus was doing all of the tasks safely. No time limit or anything like that.

Any other questions just let me know. Craig Ryan has an awesome video on youtube where he fully describes the physical and agility test in detail. I found his video to be spot on with what we did. Hope that helps!

Good luck!

I was told all divisions (flatbed and TCD) have to climb a ladder to the top of an 8-foot box that is on the back of a flatbed. What is the ladder like? A typical step ladder that is leaned up against the box? Or is it more like stairs with handrails. Do they make you do anything on top of the box? (carry a tarp, walk to the edge etc?)

Looking forward to keeping up with your updates as your time in Little Rock progresses.

Thank you sir! In Newport now, doing some admin stuff today and tomorrow then start school on Monday.

Good luck.

I write this from North Little Rock Arkansas. I got the call to come down here Sunday night as an alternate for someone that had to leave for some reason. I drove down on Monday. I will be reimbursed the price of a Greyhound ticket since I drove my own vehicle down.

Upon arrival I was sent through the medical and agility testing. First was the drug screen that consists of a urinalysis and hair folicle sample. My left armpit is a bit scratchy since that is where I decided for them to take the hair, stubble in the armpit is not much fun! :)

Then the medical, they took my height and weight and measured my neck. I was under the requirement to go for a sleep study which is a good thing for me. The physical with the doctor was very quick, lasted maybe 5 minutes. They put me in a walled off area with a curtain to get down to my socks and underwear. The doctor came in and listened to my lungs and heart, checked for hurnia, pushed on my abdomen to check for any tenderness. Had me touch my toes from standing, then squat. Basically a standard DOT physical. I was given a 1 year card because I have type 2 diabetes that is controlled with medication and no insulin. No big deal really.

After that I took the agility test. All was very easy I thought, some pushing, pulling, lifting, climbing, range of motion measurements...

As long as you do each thing safely and accurately there is not much problem here.

Plenty of classroom time, hours of operation, trip planning, pay and benefits, and other topics covered. All very good information to get us started right.

Tomorrow our class of 20 will head to Newport Arkansas for 4 weeks of CDL school. After successfully passing that we come back to Little Rock for our official job offer. Then 1 week of securement training since I am going flatbed. Then a PAID week at home to change my drivers license back to Missouri (where Iive). Then onto a trainers truck for a minimum of 21 days. No maximum time, whenever the trainer and trainee are confident in going solo that will happen.

I'm sure i missed some stuff, so feel free to ask questions if you have them. Everyone that I have met so far has been awesome. Top knotch professional training so far. I am happy to be here and excited to continue the journey!