Am I Making A Good Choice ?
Topic 27010 | Page 1
Hay, Sandra....sorry it took so long for a reply; unfortunately the 'ladies' section of the forum doesn't get much attention. I apologize we didn't see this sooner.
Are you currently in school? No reason why a woman can't drive a big rig; none whatsoever. My husband taught me, many years ago. Granted, I'll have to go to 'paid CDL training' myself if/when I make the quantum leap, but doable. I'm in my mid five'ohs myself.
Not being able to drive a manual car has no bearing whatsoever on shifting a big rig; some say that it's easier if you 'can't' shift a 4 wheeler before learning to shift a rig, anyway. Totally different transmission set up; one is NOT like the other....
Hope you stop back by and let us know how school is (or isn't?) going for you. Maybe Rainy (Kearsey) and/or Susan will stop by with more info; they are our veteran lady drivers in here.
Wish you the best; Anne
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.
Hi... sorry... OH storms had me tied up and a little rattled.
I never drove a manual before, but I do now!!! lol
most companies are switching to automatics anyway.
My concern for you is I am.assuming you are intending on driving locally? Do you understand the hours involved? and the risks of driving local roads?
there is a conversation going on in the Diaries section that may interest you.
Seriously Considering CDL A School/Training
It would probably be easier to go train OTR and bring your hubby with you when you go solo. Depending on his disability Local driving can be arduous for inexperienced drivers.
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.
OTR:
Over The Road
OTR driving normally means you'll be hauling freight to various customers throughout your company's hauling region. It often entails being gone from home for two to three weeks at a time.
New Reply:
New! Check out our help videos for a better understanding of our forum features
Preview:
Why Join Trucking Truth?
- The High Road Training Program
- The High Road Article Series
- The Friendliest Trucker's Forum Ever!
- Email Updates When New Articles Are Posted
Apply For Paid CDL Training Through TruckingTruth
Did you know you can fill out one quick form here on TruckingTruth and apply to several companies at once for paid CDL training? Seriously! The application only takes one minute. You will speak with recruiters today. There is no obligation whatsoever. Learn more and apply here:
TT On Facebook
My husband was a truck driver for years until he had heart surgery. His disability checks aren't enough to make ends meet. He told me to get in a truck but he didn't think I would get a seat in class. Work Force paid for my tuition and physical and class starts tomorrow. Now I am having serious doubts about whether I can do this. I'm 59 years old and don't even know how to drive a standard pickup let alone a big rig.