Swift Driving School Dallas Day 2 December 2014

A very grouchy update. I read somewhere that you should not write things down for publication when you are hungry, tired or angry. Earlier today, I was all three so I chilled out for a little while and now I am able to sit down and write things out. Today was a really frustrating day. I did not sleep well last night because of the people in the room above me. I will leave it at "Apparently, it was their honeymoon."

We are not really learning anything right now, we are literally being spoon fed the answers for the test. I felt like I came here to learn, not just memorize answers, so I was frustrated. I think everyone in my class knows this.

Finally, after talking to some friends and family, I was reminded (I admit this grudgingly :) ) that I am here in Dallas to PASS THE TEST FOR MY PERMIT. Also, I was reminded that I will be learning to drive and everything else in Corsicana and then, on the road with my mentor. So, I sent an email to my recruiter, telling her what is going on, made some food in my room, chatted with a friend and then studied. After I felt better, I came to the computer to take care of some things and update all of you on how it is going. I have some advice that I would like to share with all of you, and some tips that I think are helpful.

1. If you are in the classroom and have some downtime, drag out your CDL book and study the darn thing. Don't look at your phone, don't visit with people in the class, study your book. You have to pass the tests to be able to get the permit. 2. Bring your lunch. You get an hour for lunch. It does not take an hour to eat your lunch. During your down time, you can study. I know, studying can get really boring, but, you have to pass the test. 3. I have been warned by other drivers that on the day you go to the DMV to get your permit that you should bring your required items, a water bottle and something to snack on. Some of the smaller DPS offices only have 1 or 2 computers, so you could end up being there for hours, literally. I was told that the average time to spend in the Dallas location is about 2-3 hours. I will be bringing a snack, some water and my copy of the CDL book to read until it is my turn to go in and take the test. You can bring the book with you, but you cannot take it into the testing room if I am correct. I will ask tomorrow, and if the information is different, I will post it in tomorrow's update. 4. If your teacher brings up something that you don't understand, make a note, ask about it later if they have to move forward. If they don't, ask it then. If you can't get an answer that you understand, keep asking up the chain until you do. 5. Keep copies of every single paper that you are given. Keep them somewhere safe so that you don't have to worry about them. Email yourself the location if you need to. 6. Bring extra pens and paper for yourself. Pens fail, and sometimes, you make more notes than you think you will. 7. The notes that the instructors hand out? Read them. Read them in class. Read them in the room. Read them. 8. When you get done in the afternoon, grab a quick shower and a nap. Not a long one, just about 10 or 15 minutes to allow your brain to reset. 9. Let your recruiter know what is going on. Keep them informed. If you are doing well, tell them. If you are not, let them know that as well. They can help you if you will let them. 10. Keep ALL of your receipts from the moment that you leave home until you are doing your taxes and let your tax person help you get the most deductions that you can. A lot of expenses on the road are deductible.

That is all I have for now. I will update tomorrow! Keep me in your thoughts and prayers. I want to do well and make my family proud. Pepper

Keep that positive attitude and you'll do great Pepper.

Keep that positive attitude and you'll do great Pepper.

Thanks! I am trying my best, but sometimes, that is not good enough! Pepper.