Introduction And A Couple Of Questions

Hi All,

I introduced myself on the ladies board but thought I should say hello here too! I am Jolie, a 50's something female who is seriously considering getting into trucking. I have worked in sales for the last 10 years and have had it and working in an office. Since I am single and my kids have all moved out west, I figure now is a good time to consider doing what I want, not what others think I should do. I have read many of the past topics and have learned a lot just from questions others have already asked.

I stopped by the local truck driving school today to ask a few questions and to see if I was tall enough to get in the truck (I'm 5' 0' in my stocking feet), because if I wasn't there didn't seem to be any reason to continue to consider this....lo and behold it was no issue! They had me take a simple aptitude test and checked my driving record to make sure there was nothing glaring as to why I shouldn't be able to enroll. I am not sure I will even apply here but it was nice to have the opportunity to make sure I could get in the truck.

A question regarding company sponsored training....I have read several of the posts of others saying these schools are like boot camp...well, I have never been to boot camp and I have nothing to compare that too, except Richard Gere and Louis Gossett Jr. in An Officer and a Gentleman! I like to learn at a fast pace and the classroom time doesn't so much concern me, but wondering about the actual driving. Anyway, I am glad to be a part of this group and look forward to learning as much as I can. Thanks for sharing your knowledge!

I wouldn't go by the movies for an understanding of that expression.

Just realize that company sponsored training is fast paced and they will not baby you or give you a lot of extra attention. They want people who can catch on quickly, and they are also observing you to see how you handle yourself in a high pressure situation. If you are able to keep a cool head under pressure that means a lot to them. I think you'll do fine.

I like to learn at a fast pace and the classroom time doesn't so much concern me, but wondering about the actual driving.

It will seem a little awkward at first, but it will be that way for everyone there. After just a few tries you'll start getting more comfortable with it. It wouldn't surprise me if you did better than some of the fellas there who are thinking there's no way this girls gonna make it. I've seen this happen too many times where the girl in the class shows everybody else up with the progression of her skills.

The High Road Training Program will definitely put you at the head of the class, so don't skip out on that valuable resource.

Glad you introduced yourself over here, every once in a while I'll peek over there and see what those gals are talking about but I haven't been over there in a while so it's nice to hear from you in here.

Welcome aboard!

Yes Welcome! I also agree to use (High Road Training Program) on this site, I did and after 2 weeks of study I went to the DMV and passed ALL the tests for my Permit w/all endorsments! First try!

Another question regarding CDL permits....if I live in Ohio, but end up going to school in another state, would i get an Ohio CDL permit, or one in the state where I go to school?

Get it in your state. It's best to have that out of the way before you go to the school regardless of what the recruiter may tell you.

You could get your permit in your State just in case thats how they do it but I can only speak from my personal experience that I ended up having to get a permit from the State that was going to be issuing me my New CDL. Worse case scenario your told to get a permit in their State but at least you know you can pass it.

Company schools are extremely fast paced. And the sleep deprivation the first 2 to 3 days can be hard to get past. Here is what I mean. The first day is paper work the company needs to process you through the school. And for the next 2.5 days or so you are doing a ton of stuff and the only time you have to study is at night after school. It's very common to see students up at 1 am or 3 am studying for their permit that they did not get BEFORE school to make things easier.

Thanks everyone! I have planned on getting an Ohio CDL permit, but didn't know if it would be valid in another state. If Ohio is to be my state of residence, wouldn't my license need to be Ohio also?

Jolie

Hello Fellow Ohioan,

In answer to your question, in short, yes. You would have to be licensed in Ohio, as it is your state of residence.

My wife went through the same thing. She had to get her permit and first CDL in Indiana as that was the way the school worked that she went to. When she was done there, she came back to Ohio and had to transfer her license back.

If you get your permit in Ohio remember you should find a DOT Doc and get a physical, as you are going to have to self certify...What's great is if you want you can, get the permit and "Self- Certify" option 4"exempted intrastate", then get the physical, go back pay a $3.50 fee and re-self certify. I really only know this because of a DUH moment when I got my Permit.

The DOT physicals in this area seem to run $65-$85 so I do recommend calling around. Use the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners to find an examiner in your area.

Hope it helps.

Jolie, when you get your permit in Ohio and then, let's say, you go to school in another state, the typical way the school handles it is that they either use your state's permit or transfer your permit to their state. Some of these rules are changing right now, and some states are getting stricter about having the permit in their state. But for now, I still think it's best to get your permit before you leave for school.

If you go to school in a different state you will end up being licensed in that state (the school will provide you with an address for your residency requirement) and then when you get done you will go back to Ohio and get it transferred to your state and with your true address. It's no different than if you were to move to another state and had to get your license transferred to your new state. It seems a little convoluted, and difficult, but government bureaucracy is typically so obtuse that they can't see their way out of a paper sack without five different committees laying down strict guidelines and procedures to properly get out.

Like I said, the rules are in a state of flux right now and some states are tougher than others to deal with, but typically you should go ahead and get your permit out of the way before you leave for school.