Ten Months Driving Experience But Three Years Ago
Topic 25948 | Page 1
I have ten months driving experience, but it was three years ago. The last time I drove was October 2015. Am I considered experienced driver or do I need to attend a refresher/CDL A school?
Kai, you'll definitely be required to do a refresher. The easiest and least expensive way to go about it is to attend one of the many Paid CDL Training Programs.
If you demonstrate an aptitude for the job, they will more than likely "fast track" your training and get you in your own truck as soon as possible. Who were you driving for previously? Are you eligible for re-hire? Ideally that would be your easiest route back into the driving career.
You already are aware of just how tough this job can be for a rookie driver. Make sure you are going in with a full commitment to making it work. We wish you the best Kai - keep us posted on how things are developing.
CDL:
Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles:
- Any combination of vehicles with a gross combined weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 or more pounds, providing the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of the vehicle being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds.
- Any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds, or any such vehicle towing another not in excess of 10,000 pounds.
- Any vehicle, regardless of size, designed to transport 16 or more persons, including the driver.
- Any vehicle required by federal regulations to be placarded while transporting hazardous materials.
I was with Swift Transportation based in Laredo, TX. Right now, I live in El Paso, TX. Swift and Schneider have terminals in El Paso. I have a CDL A with Tanker and Doubles/Triples endorsements. However, right now I am collecting information. I already received offers by Jim Palmer, Frito Lay, Averitt and FFE/KLLM.
CDL:
Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles:
- Any combination of vehicles with a gross combined weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 or more pounds, providing the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of the vehicle being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds.
- Any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds, or any such vehicle towing another not in excess of 10,000 pounds.
- Any vehicle, regardless of size, designed to transport 16 or more persons, including the driver.
- Any vehicle required by federal regulations to be placarded while transporting hazardous materials.
Terminal:
A facility where trucking companies operate out of, or their "home base" if you will. A lot of major companies have multiple terminals around the country which usually consist of the main office building, a drop lot for trailers, and sometimes a repair shop and wash facilities.
Doubles:
Refers to pulling two trailers at the same time, otherwise known as "pups" or "pup trailers" because they're only about 28 feet long. However there are some states that allow doubles that are each 48 feet in length.
Kai, I attended Swift Transportation Paid CDL Training in Phoenix, AZ in April of 2016. Worked for them thru February of 2017. Had to leave due to a Family situation. Started back with Swift in January of this year. 2 years out of the seat for me. Went for a 3 day paid Orientation, then 50 hours with a Mentor. Quite a painless process actually. I would recommend that you seriously consider that option. Since I was already familiar with their processes and procedures, it felt like the best option for me. Good luck!
CDL:
Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles:
- Any combination of vehicles with a gross combined weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 or more pounds, providing the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of the vehicle being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds.
- Any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds, or any such vehicle towing another not in excess of 10,000 pounds.
- Any vehicle, regardless of size, designed to transport 16 or more persons, including the driver.
- Any vehicle required by federal regulations to be placarded while transporting hazardous materials.
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Hi
I have ten months driving experience, but it was three years ago. The last time I drove was October 2015. Am I considered experienced driver or do I need to attend a refresher/CDL A school? I went to Europe for three years. Now, I am back and would like to return to truck driving.
CDL:
Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles: