New Life - Fullfilling A Dream

Here I am. Starting the last leg of my life doing what I've dreamt about since being a child . . . becoming a driver. I used to watch all the trucks going down the highways and thought about the drivers getting to see America and being on their own. I specially love to drive, but now I'm going to do it in a semi tractor trailer. I'm 59, honorably retired from the U.S. Air Force (after 24 years) and am as excited as a young kid getting his first job.

I register with TT sometime in Oct 2014, to learn about driving. I've read many of the blogs and stories by many drivers and felt that calling once again that I did as a child to "hit the road". Was still debating about getting a "standard job" instead of driving, but just last week I made my decision.

TT has given me the knowledge to make the decision about this new career and because of the CDL training I got from TT, I passed my CDL written exam here in Wisconsin. Had an interview on Friday with Schneider and waiting now I'm waiting to see about school. Thanks to all of you here at TT and those of you who have provided needed information about trucking and given stories of how it is on the road. I have benefited from all of you and I hope to be able to give something back as I too go through training.

Can't say enough about the CDL training, the pre-inspection sheets, and the flash cards provided. It's the way to go if you're serious about driving. I feel very comfortable going to school with the knowledge I've already received. Again, thanks TT! I'll be posting again soon (I hope).

David, Wow, thanks for that post! Thanks for serving our country, standard phrase nowadays, but, I do mean that. I was Navy, early 80's. Congratulations on your retirement! I surely know how that feels, I retired on my 50th birthday (State of CA), was the best present to myself , was a very long road getting there. Like you, I've many, many times wondered what it would be like and wished I could "drive truck" (as someone once told me it was called). But, I couldn't apply because I had too much invested in my line of work to quit. Well, like you, I made it finally. And, as I'm sure you know how it feels, I'm free now, to do what I want! So, first that came to my mind was...lol...yep...Drive Truck!! lol. I found this place (TT) not too long ago and as I read the stories, I find myself getting that twitchy feeling in my gut, an excited feeling, a feeling like when you're a kid. Dumb feeling I know, to feel that way at such an older age... Anyhow, I wanted to thank you for sharing here, congratulate you on your CDL exam and wish you the best of luck with Schneider.

Best of luck,

SQ TierHog

Here I am. Starting the last leg of my life doing what I've dreamt about since being a child . . . becoming a driver. I used to watch all the trucks going down the highways and thought about the drivers getting to see America and being on their own. I specially love to drive, but now I'm going to do it in a semi tractor trailer. I'm 59, honorably retired from the U.S. Air Force (after 24 years) and am as excited as a young kid getting his first job.

I register with TT sometime in Oct 2014, to learn about driving. I've read many of the blogs and stories by many drivers and felt that calling once again that I did as a child to "hit the road". Was still debating about getting a "standard job" instead of driving, but just last week I made my decision.

TT has given me the knowledge to make the decision about this new career and because of the CDL training I got from TT, I passed my CDL written exam here in Wisconsin. Had an interview on Friday with Schneider and waiting now I'm waiting to see about school. Thanks to all of you here at TT and those of you who have provided needed information about trucking and given stories of how it is on the road. I have benefited from all of you and I hope to be able to give something back as I too go through training.

Can't say enough about the CDL training, the pre-inspection sheets, and the flash cards provided. It's the way to go if you're serious about driving. I feel very comfortable going to school with the knowledge I've already received. Again, thanks TT! I'll be posting again soon (I hope).

Got my physical and donated a cup of fluid and 1/3 of a leg of hair for tests so I could get my med card. The physical was quick and painless, but because I keep my head hair is so short, they removed some hair from my leg. I've never shaved my legs before ( like swim team members, football players, and some runners do) so it's strange to feel my pants touching that portion of my bare leg. After just 45 mins at the clinic (filling out forms, waiting and the exam all together) I left with my little white card and a copy of my (signed) medical exam which I was told was to be with me at all times in the truck. The physical itself was mostly questions and then the PA listened to my breathing, poked my stomach, sides, and back with his hands and fingers, "Does this hurt?". He made me bend over, squat down, close my eyes while standing without support, and then checked for a hernia. No blood taken, no x-rays, and best of all, there wasn't much waiting.

Went to the DMV , presented my card and paid my $30. Now I've got a learner's permit and once I'm in school I'll be dangerous! Can't wait. Steps at a time. If I get a call from my recruiter on Friday, it means I'll be going to school on the 19th of Feb. If not, then it'll be the 23rd. No matter. I'm going to be a driver (the good Lord willing)! I'll post once I know and let you know how school goes. So far, it's been 8 days since I submitted my application to be a driver.

To all my friends here at TT, thanks again and again!