Comments By Dave W.

Hi Jared, I'm folling too! I made the change at 55 and so far it's been great!

I am properly mounted, not damaged, and functioning....lmao

Good luck, can't wait to read more....

Final thoughts,

Roehl was a great place to get started in the GYCDL program. The company is what it says it is and I have not found out anything different. They actually want you to be happy working there. While in training, I talked to a lot of drivers. Driver's that had left the company and gone elsewhere. They came back because they felt like they were not appreciated or valued as an employee. 'Nuff said. If your looking for a great place to get started, or looking for an employer that wants and values employees, I recommend Roehl.

I'm not making a dime off of this. I don't need to work, I'm retired. I'm here because I want to drive. All of my research led me to Roehl. I made the right decision. I love my job!!

Test Day

Woke up at 0130 hrs. Coffee and a banana, then off to the terminal. We left for the testing site around 0330. When we arrived in Chattanooga, I was dozing.

I was the second in my group to test and I got lucky. The tester told me to pre trip the engine compartment and coupling system. My in cab and brake tets were pretty good, and my backing was ok. The road test went well and I figured I'd passed.

We got back and the tester told me I had a perfect score and it was obvious that I had put in serious work to prepare! I was kinda numb at that point. I called my wife and son, they were just as excited as I was!

I realize I have so much more to learn and master, but today was a win. Tomorrow I get to go home, and I feel like I've changed a little. Even with my age and life experiences, I feel a change. I have been given to opportunity to learn and master something new.

I love my job!

Week 3

Days 1, 2, and 3

Backing. Backing. Backing.

However, on day 3, today, I finally conquered that damn 90 degre alley back!!! Everything came together and I could finally see it and make it happen!

I'm ready for my test on Friday. It seems like just yesterday we came into day 1 week 1.

I love my job!

Brian D

I'll see you in the morning sir! If your staying at the hotel, plan for your own breakfast. The bag O crap they give you is not worth a dime.

I'm really glad to have helped!

Week 2 Review

Everything was great until Friday. I forgot how to back up. It's like I had a complete mind blank. Then I got frustrated. That certainly didn't help. Again, my company amazes me. All of the instructors, individually, came to me at some point, and gave me some encouragement!

Now I know, because I've read a lot on this site, that those days happen. I've had mine, now it's over.

This week we will finish preparing for our CDL test on Friday. On Friday I will get my CDL!

Have a great weekend!

Week 2

The days are flying by, seems like just a few days ago I met my roommate. This week has been backing, a lot of.it, and driving tight roads and turns. We got scheduled for our test next week and I feel like I still have a ton to learn.

I'm sitting here warming up the truck, waiting to work on my in cab and brake test, and I feel so fortunate to have this opportunity! I'm not a professional driver yet, but I will be!

Week 2 Day 1

Backing, backing, and more backing. Did all 3 required backs today, multiple times. Every day I feel more confident and more things seem to fall into place. The instructors are all really good folks and you can tell they want you to succeed. I never realized how much work goes into this and I now have a much deeper respect for this profession. Well off to bed, tomorrow will be here soon. I love my job!

Day 5 and 6

Day 5 - We drove around the South side of Atlanta and our instructor presented us with new challenges in turning 73 feet vehicles. I loved every minute of it! We spent the afternoon working on our pre trip inspections.

Day 6 - It was a half day and we learned trip planning. Again, im soaking up everything I can.

I have tomorrow off so I'm gonna catch up on sleep, laundry, and family.

Dqy 4 - Backing and pre-trip. Man, I feel like I'm climbing a wall without 1 arm when it comes to memorizing the pre trip and in cab inspections. But I know at some point it will happen.

Backing was fun, and a real eye opener! I have a whole new respect for all of this.

Every night I am exhausted. Every day its something new. I'm still having a blast!

P..s. Anne the videos are online learning. I dont think anyone wants to watch an old fat guy in trucking school lol.