Comments By Eric P.

For Indiana You can take the test anytime you want but, they don't put it on the permit. They wait until you pass the CDL Exam and earn the actual license and then they'll add any endorsements you've qualified for at that time.

When I submit a resume to a recruiter. Should I just put on there that I went to such and such trucking school completing the 160 hour course, Attained my CDL A on (date issued) and have TX for endorsements with a current medical certificate?

Should I put my DL# on the resume? Attach a copy of my current MVR? or wait for the recruiter to call and ask?

Oh and here's a link to the fmcsa's website about medications

http://nrcme.fmcsa.dot.gov/mehandbook/med4_ep.aspx

and another to truck meds

http://www.truckmed.com/medications.htm

I take levothyroxine (synthoroid) for hypothyroidism and I got my cdl no problem. When you go for your medical physical just make sure to write down all medication you currently take, the dosage, the doctor's name that prescribed the meds and if possible the date of diagnosis for said illness.

http://news.walmart.com/videos/youtube/introducing-the-wave-concept-truck-ittgxqzqtaa

I know it's only a concept tractor but, It really does look sweet.

I'll try to answer as best I can.

1) During my test ( I tested in Indiana ) I did not have to stop for train tracks. The tester instead asked me if I intended to get a hazmat endorsement and if so what steps I would take at a railroad crossing. As a side note never race a train. If you can see a train coming stop and wait even if you "think" you can make it across safely.

2) Not too sure about this one. I can imagine that there is plenty of straight truck driving that requires a class B. I currently work in Chicago and see paper shredding trucks, bank/armored trucks. There's probably even more in construction you can do with a CDL B.

2.5) Double Clutching isn't that difficult so why not get all the endorsements you can get?

3) You will be able to ask questions to some extent. What will happen is the tester will explain what you need to do before you begin and then ask if you have any questions for that section. He'll do it step by step. For example, For your pre-trip inspection he'll say something like "I want you to walk around the vehicle starting on the passenger side engine and explain to me what you're looking for and why." Be confident, don't mumble and don't make it sound like you're unsure and you'll do fine.

3a) For Indiana at least. The service and Spring brake tests were the last things I tested during the In-cab pre-trip. and once that was done he said ok. now perform your 4-point air brake test. Check your CDL Handbook for your state. I know Illinois has a 7 step air brake test because they include the service and spring brake portion to that.

3b) Do it exactly as your CDL Handbook tells you to. learn it in that order and you won't miss anything.

3c) For the pre-trip you should only be inspecting what's on the vehicle. For example I tested on a vehicle that didn't have a sliding 5th wheel so I didn't have to mention what I would look for if it did. If however he asks you a specific question. Be prepared to answer him.

I'll try to make this a quick question. I got my class A at the beginning of February. Unfortunatly I can't start driving full time until after my wife gives birth because we can't lose the insurance I have at my current job. I currently plan on driving full time near the beginning of June. However, I know that sitting on a licence is a bad idea and most companies will require some drive time experience. My wife's Uncle is an owner operator and he's agreed to let me do some local runs on the weekends. Since I'm not actually going to be employed by him will that make a difference? Is there something I can show any future potential companies to show I've had some drive time? or do I just use him as a reference?

Hmm. I've shaved my head (clippers with no guard) for almost 16 years ever since I joined the Marine Corp. My wife makes me shave my chest and I manscape keeping everything nice and trim. I still have arm and leg hair but, none of that is 1.5 inches long. Not that I'm worried about failing a hair test because I haven't used anything since I was a teenager but, The inability to even take the test counts as a failure... ugh guess I need to let my hair grow out.

So I'm looking into getting both a Hazmat endorsement and a TWIC Card however, I'm not real sure where to start.

Do I need to apply on the TSA's website, then get my fingerprints and finally take the test at the BMV? Who do I end up paying the $86.50 fee to?

As for the TWIC Card is that a whole seperate fingerprinting or can it be done at the same time as the HAZMAT?