Comments By TexanTwoStep

I would suggest CFI because we don't team train. You and the trainer sleep at the same time. Then you can discuss with him how you would do it. On my truck we would have a way for you to use a P bottle.

McElroy also trains this way, but it's flatbed and therefore, you'd have to strap/tarp/secure. If you think you can do that, check them out!

Ha!

Serious question -- how does this affect logs? Could you theoretically lose/gain an hour of drive time and/or bunk time?

Sure thing! I plan on doing a weekly post until I'm in my own truck. I'll try to get some pictures along the way!

Ten years in the US Coast Guard and three years as a 911 dispatcher. I've hated the past three years and now I'm happy and at peace behind the wheel!

Hey ya'll,

Sorry for the long delay. I've been busy at school! I started school on Feb 27th and honestly? It's been an amazing, eye-opening experience. I'm going to CDL training school at Career Trucking School in Tyler, TX and McElroy Truck Lines paid for my tuition in exchange for a two year contract.

Keep in mind while reading this diary that I'm 32 years old, a 10 year military vet, and have never even seen the inside of a tractor. I went into this competently blind and to be honest, I believe that has helped me tremendously. I started school with my Class-A permit (Texas) that I self-studied for and got prior to enrolling in school. However, if you need assistance on earning your permit, CTS has classroom instructors for that from Tyler Junior College.

Since I had my permit, I was in a truck from day 1. The first day I was put on the shifting truck (named "Blackie" due to the color and 3.5 million miles on it..lol) with three other students and the instructor. Every morning, we all do a pre-trip inspection on the tractor and trailer, and after we get in the truck and get to driving.

If you're considering CTS, let me tell you that the instructors are fantastic. I started shifting on a Tuesday and was out of the shifting truck and assigned to a backing/road instructor the next Monday morning. Since then, I've driven over 500 miles on the road, and have had two full days on the backing range. I've also driven the on-road course where we all test and have received a "passing" score by my instructor. Today, I nailed all aspects of backing (straight, left/right offset, and parallel). In all honesty, I feel ready for my CDL test, but I'm not scheduled until April 9th. McElroy wants me to get 160 hours of instruction anyway, so that's no problem...I'll come every day and refine my driving and backing skills and perfect my pre-trip inspections.

The only complaints that I have of the school is that it's a little crowded and the Texas Workforce Commission and Texas Department of Criminal Justice send people over who frankly, shouldn't be in a vehicle. I'm all about giving people second chances, but when someone shows up 45 minutes late, smelling like alcohol and marijuana, it's hard to get into a truck with them and trust them behind the wheel. It also takes up a seat for people who are dedicated to starting their trucking career, and waiting on them takes up time for other students behind the wheel.

Good Lord, that's terrifying. As a 911 dispatcher, I've worked a multiple-vehicle pileup, but I cant imagine anything on this scale. Wish all involved the best.

Thanks Big T. After I get out of CDL school, it's immediately followed with 6-7 weeks of training/orientation at McElroy.

TTS, the truck driving school will be spending four weeks preparing you to pass the CDL exam: Pre-trip, backing, and skills test (on-road driving with DOT examiner). At the end of the four weeks, after you've passed the CDL exam, received your diploma and new Class A license, you still won't know much about driving a big truck. You'll have learned the basics: shifting, backing, not taking out light poles while making a turn, but the vast majority of learning will come from McElroy as you ride with one of their trainers for several weeks and tens of thousands of miles, and then on-the-job training/learning as you evolve into a solo driver. So, don't look at it as you have to learn everything you'll need to know about truck driving in four weeks; those first four weeks are more or less an introduction. The real learning comes after. And never really stops. Don't worry, you'll do fine.

Thanks for the posts and encouragement, everyone! I do agree that I'll never stop learning! I'm excited about my new journey.

Hi all,

My last day of my job as a 911 dispatcher is Monday morning, and I start school at a private trucking school (Career Trucking School in Tyler, for what it's worth) Tuesday morning.

I have never even seen the inside of a tractor. I've driven a manual vehicle (all my vehicles have been manual), pulled a few trailers (boats and what not, never a 5th wheel). I have my permit and understand the gist of it, but I'm nervous that four weeks of training simply isn't going to be enough to learn.

So, ease my mind for me? I'm definitely not getting cold feet, my anxiety is just starting to rear its head because this will be the first time since I was 18 that I've been "unemployed" (I have signed on with McElroy, but it's contingent on me passing school).

I have a Kindle so I read whatever is cheap or free.

If you're a prime member, they have a whole Prime Lending Library with a bunch of really good books. I "borrowed" 1984 and didn't pay a dime!

I'm really into any interesting books. I just finished reading Into Thin Air by John Krakaeuer. It's about the 1996 expedition to Everest where six people died after getting stuck on the mountain during a blizzard.

I've been reading a lot of Grisham (finished A Painted House and The Testament recently, now reading The Brethren). After this I plan on reading The Hunt for Red October because I've seen the movie but have never read the book.