Jim Palmer Cdl Training

Good luck.

We're rooting for you Aaron! Keep up the good work! Say hey to your trainer from another NH native too.

So we arrived in Missoula, mt. First thing I did was head out to the training trucks where the current class was learning to back. Chris came over and just was asking how I was doing and how things were going, then he said you wanna go driving? So me and this other guy did a pre trip, and I jumped into the seat first. We headed out to the dmv and then did the road test that I would be doing Monday.

All I can say is, either nerves, and the different truck, played a part with my shifting. Seemed like I had to reach or pull it further than on my trainers truck. But I finally started getting it and doing better than when I started. Overall Chris told me, If I do exactly what I did today I'll pass the driving portion of it.

Tomorrow I'll be practicing. Darwin will pick me and I believe Pete up at 8am and we will work till 4. Just doing a lot of backing, and driving the dmv road test. Sunday will be the same 8:30 and Shannon will pick us up. So I'll have two full days of practice before I test on monday.

My trainer is heading to Washington on a load of bacon again, he's taking another guy who just got his license since his trainer is Not returning calls. So they're gonna head up and grab his stuff and then head back and hopefully I'll be licensed and ready to go. Jump back on my trainers truck and go!

So that's all I have planned for the weekend. I'm pretty exhausted. We woke up at midnight so, I'll sleep good for tomorrow. Anyways I'll update tomorrow on how it went. Take care everyone.

Good luck. Hope you get to go back with the same trainer. Have a great weekend.

I should, they said after his two stops they will route him back to get me. So I'm guessing they're pretty confident in me passing... Hopefully I can gain some of that confidence 😂

Good luck. Hope you get to go back with the same trainer. Have a great weekend.

You will do fine. Just relax and breathe.

Sunday went well, Shannon picked us up and I went first since he had the freightliner. I did better than Saturday and I was pretty pleased about that. The two other guys were in peterbilt so we headed back and switched trucks. I felt confident but nervous.

Monday- we arrive and get set in, waiting for Chris to come down but before he did we headed out to pre trip. When he did finally make it out he told me my test was at 1 not 2:30. I said that's fine with me.

So we did a pre trip, and a air brakes test. Then hit the road to drive the course. I did okay, my nerves got the best of me and I rushed things but I did good. Chris said that would be a pass so just relax and do it.

Chris gets back with Pete in the Pete, and they were heading to lunch, he asked if I wanted to eat and I said no thanks. My nerves were going crazy I had no appetite. 12:30 rolls around and he's back, he yells, AARON get to the truck. So we get to the dmv test site... I'm taking deep breaths and thinking, I got this. They gave me the tools now I just need to go do what they taught me.

So milo? I believe was his name, comes over and says alright. I want you to start from the drivers side mirror, door, fuel tank, coupling area, and suspension. So I went through it and he said okay get in the truck. I did my in cab inspection, tug tests, and 5 mile an hour service brake test. Then I did my pump down test. He then had me back it up and start my backing.

I pulled forward till he said stop and did a straight back. Next was the 90, I came in a little tight and did one pull up and then got it in the box, did two g.o.a.l. Just to make sure I was in the box and not hitting the cone. Next was the offset, I got it going and didn't get under it fast enough so I pulled up and set it up for almost a straight back. Got it in and done. He then jumped in and said okay, we are now doing the driving test, "if I say don't turn you go straight" I'm like yes sir. So we head out and I'm just taking my time and keeping my distance from everyone.

We get back and he says, alright you passed go ahead and head down to the dmv when you can and get your license!! The weight on my shoulders just lifted. I was so relived and happy that I did it! The stress to pass the first time was always on my mind and now I can just relax and now start my career.

Tomorrow I'm sure is more paperwork, and maybe some videos, but I'll be on the payroll... I haven't made money besides the advances you take out on the road that you pay back. So this will help me and my wife a lot!

Can't be more pleased with everyone here at Jim Palmer, they truly will help you and do whatever it takes to get you to pass the test. I felt bad for them coming out on the weekend to help us but the two days definitely helped with today. I'll update when I can, thanks again! Also be safe everyone!

Woooooo Hooooooo!!!!!!! CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!! YOU DID IT!!!!!!!

Yes sir!! Pretty happy about it. The nerves and everything else has calmed down and now I have so much to learn but I now don't have the stress of the test on my mind I can go out and do everything the best way I can and the safest way I can!!

Woooooo Hooooooo!!!!!!! CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!! YOU DID IT!!!!!!!

I'm very happy for you. Wish you much success.