Refresher Course.... Or Not?

Good afternoon Drivers!!

I've been rolling some thoughts around in my head as I search for the next trucking career. As some of you know, I've been out of trucking for 16 months now and I'm a little concerned about just jumping back in a truck after my sabbatical. I sit here and think, Geez, you've been out long enough that you will be a little rusty in terms of my actually driving abilities. Yes, I still remember everything, but actually getting in the truck and picking up right where I left off concerns me.

I really think if I had a couple of days in a truck it would all come right back to me and all would be fine. My concerns are if a company wants me to do a driving test and I don't do to well?

Do you think I should start back out with a company that has refresher course, maybe puts you back with a trainer for a few weeks?

Any insight or opinions would be great!!

Thanks, Sly

Do you think I should start back out with a company that has refresher course, maybe puts you back with a trainer for a few weeks?

More than likely, this is going to be your only option.

Do you think I should start back out with a company that has refresher course, maybe puts you back with a trainer for a few weeks?

More than likely, this is going to be your only option.

Thanks!! Just for my own good, I was thinking it might be best. The only thing that bothers me is starting all over again after less than a year and a half. But, if that's what has to happen, so be it. I REALLY REALLY want to go tanker this go around (was reefer before). There is a company here that will let me gp to orientation , but I still worry about the driving test. I wish I had a driver friend that I could spend a week with and get comfy again......but I'm sure insurance regulations would get in the way of that.

Hmmmm? I do have on Owner op friend that "might" be willing to get me in his truck for a bit, but that's a hard thing to ask of someone too.

Hmmmm? I do have on Owner op friend that "might" be willing to get me in his truck for a bit, but that's a hard thing to ask of someone too.

O/O's will do anything for a little extra money! They are desperate.

Just got off the phone with Schneider and they have a Regional Tanker gig running TX,OK,LA,NM and some CO. (I live in Houston). What they told me is....given my credentials and having my Hazmat , TWIC and Tanker already they would send me out with a trainer for 3 weeks. After that bring me back to Houston, Take the driving test and if all goes as planned assign me a truck.

I figure since I want Tanker experience this might be a good move. I've heard their training is very good. After I run for them for a while, If I like it great. If for some reason I don't this will get me my experience with tanker and also get me the year minimum I need and that would then open up other Tanker opportunities to look at.

Sounds like you have a plan. That is always a good way to start.

Ernie

Sounds like you have a plan. That is always a good way to start.

Ernie

Ernie!!!! Great to see you in here again!!! Yep, There's a lot to learn with tankers...but I'm up for it!! :)

Sly normally we say don't put your eggs in one basket and one count on one company giving you a job but you are not new to trucking so it's a bit different. If Schneider is willing to train you and then give you a job I say jump on it asap.

You are right except if you plan on going with a more local company driving tanker back home I believe most of them what 2 years of experience. Keep that in mind.

Sly normally we say don't put your eggs in one basket and one count on one company giving you a job but you are not new to trucking so it's a bit different. If Schneider is willing to train you and then give you a job I say jump on it asap.

You are right except if you plan on going with a more local company driving tanker back home I believe most of them what 2 years of experience. Keep that in mind.

Right on!!! I hope I pass the 28 day orientation/training...haha!!