Profile For Little Carolina

That is one reason why I took my training in my home state. The laws are so confusing that even those enforcing it probably don't know the truth, when it comes to the law. Heck, I thought, if anything, they would just make you take the test (driving, pre-trip, skills box) all over again.

Me suspects, this is a way for CDL schools to keep potential drivers from going out of state to get their training.

Dave

I did take the test and I did PASS I just am on hold finding a job for the time being as we are moving back west. Some personal issues came up with my daughter so as soon as we get moved I will be pursuing a company but until then I am focusing on getting us out of here and cleaning this place before we go. The companies I will be looking at as I have pre hires from them are Werner, US Xpress and Schneider that was through TDI.

That doesn't sound right to me at all. In fact, it doesn't even make sense. What if I'm from North Carolina, drove truck for 15 years, and moved to South Carolina? I would have to go to truck driving school in South Carolina? Certainly not. And it doesn't say anything in the regulations about attending a truck driving school in South Carolina.

I know that Illinois, which is the toughest state in the country for getting your CDL, does not accept transfers from out of state. So you have to re-take the CDL exam - driving test and all. But you don't have to go to school again.

I think the lady either misunderstood you or doesn't know what she's talking about.

Well at any rate I am testing tomorrow!! I got this!! I also got a pre hire from US Xpress.. the unemployment office has been super helpful and what I was told is that for those of us that are already residents of SC we are required to train within our state if we train outside of the state we have to obtain residency elsewhere The people at the unemployment office verified this. I am not letting it stop me I got this!!

I did mention to the WIA folks that they need to make the law more clear for those that are trying to obtain CDL's its still kind of sketchy to me but I chose to just test out..

That doesn't sound right to me at all. In fact, it doesn't even make sense. What if I'm from North Carolina, drove truck for 15 years, and moved to South Carolina? I would have to go to truck driving school in South Carolina? Certainly not. And it doesn't say anything in the regulations about attending a truck driving school in South Carolina.

I know that Illinois, which is the toughest state in the country for getting your CDL, does not accept transfers from out of state. So you have to re-take the CDL exam - driving test and all. But you don't have to go to school again.

I think the lady either misunderstood you or doesn't know what she's talking about.

Well at any rate I am testing tomorrow!! I got this!! I also got a pre hire from US Xpress.. the unemployment office has been super helpful and what I was told is that for those of us that are already residents of SC we are required to train within our state if we train outside of the state we have to obtain residency elsewhere The people at the unemployment office verified this. I am not letting it stop me I got this!!

Just got back from the DMV.. and yes I have to do school here. I got signed up for TDI in Richburg and WIA and unemployment is paying for it. I really enjoyed my time in INDY however maybe this might be better suited for me.. I have to do what is required of me.

Little Carolina -

Here is what I found. Hope it helps.

http://www.scdmvonline.com/DMVNew/default.aspx?n=commercial_driver_licenses

After establishing residency in South Carolina, you must apply to transfer your CDL license within 30 days.

When you apply for a commercial driver's license, SCDMV will run automatic checks against the Problem Driver Pointer System (PDPS) and the Commercial Driver License Information System (CDLIS) databases to check your prior driving history in other states. The checks are performed when a customer applies for an original credential, renews a credential, is reexamined or moves from a beginner permit to a license. They are designed to insure drivers have only one valid license at a time.

You will be required to surrender your out-of-state license before a South Carolina commercial driver's license can be issued.

To transfer a CDL from another state to South Carolina, the following are required: 1.You must be 21 years of age for interstate driving.

2.Certify that you have read and understand, and meet the qualification requirements under 49 CFR, Part 391 of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations.

3.Complete Form DL-405A to self-certify the type of commerce for which you intend to operate. You must also provide a valid medical certification for any type of commerce that requires it. (See Frequently Asked Questions regarding form DL-405A.) SCDMV will collect the driver’s certification information and add it to the national Commercial Driver License Information System (CDLIS) record. All commercial driver’s license and beginner permit holders must self-certify by January 30, 2014 or risk losing his or her driving privilege to operate a commercial motor vehicle. Commercial driver’s license and beginner permit holders must comply each time they apply for a new credential, renew or upgrade their credential

4.If required, show your valid DOT long form or valid DOT medical pocket card to meet the requirement of providing proof that you are medically qualified pursuant to Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulation 49 CFR, part 391. South Carolina requires that you maintain a valid medical Examiner's Certificate to obtain and/or retain a commercial driver instruction permit or commercial driver's license. DMV will not accept a medical certificate if it expires within 30 days from the date it is presented.

5.Provide proof of identity using Accepted Forms of Identification.

6.Complete Form 447-CDL, Application for a Commercial Driver's License or Beginner's Permit (there is a $15.00 application fee).

7.Complete Form DL-402 Affidavit of Previous Driver's License and provide information regarding any previous out-of-state drivers' licenses and disqualifying offenses. 8.Pass a vision test.

9.Surrender the actual commercial driver's license you have in your possession at the time you apply.

10.Applicants with hazardous materials (Hazmat) endorsement must also pass the hazardous materials knowledge test to maintain the endorsement (each knowledge test is $2.00) and complete TSA fingerprinting and background check ($75.50 fee)..

11.Pay the $12.50 license fee.

12.Provide Automobile liability insurance information (SC Code Section 56-1-80(C). Insurance company must be licensed to do business in the state of South Carolina.

Note that Section 23-3-460 of the SC Code of Laws states that a person who has been convicted anywhere of an offense listed in 23-3-430 must register with the county sheriff within 10 days of establishing residency in South Carolina. A copy of the Sex Offender Registry Law is available upon request.

BTW - if your situation is unique; after working through the issues it would be nice to hear that and the remedy in case someone else falls into the same situation.

Regards

yes I found that as well and when I asked the lady about it she informed me that I was a previous resident so therefore different rules apply.. I am just wondering if there are any SC people who had to deal with this.

I am looking for some information as I am home now. I called the SC DMV to see about what would happen if I went back and tested for my CDL and they informed me that I cannot transfer a CDL from out of state unless I attended a SC school. I wondered about this because at the beginning of my research I had phoned Central and Stevens and was turned down due to SC law they said I would have to obtain a SC CDL first. anyone know if there is any truth to this? did I just waste 6 weeks?

So take advantage of the time and resources you have available. Keep practicing, keep learning, and stay positive. You'll be out there before you know it.

Well said Brett!

Little Carolina,

Attitude, attitude, and did I say attitude? Everything else; how people respond to you, how you react to them, and the results are always influenced by your own attitude. Stay positive, stay focused, take advantage of the fact you have some time on your hands to learn before being confronted with it out on the road.

Hang in there and good luck.

Fire-Man

Apologies I was frustrated .. I went home for a little while to take care of some things and regroup I have a better attitude now.. I guess seeing my friends pass me by got to me..

Yeah, it's totally understandable that you're getting impatient and would like to get out there but try like crazy to stay relaxed and positive. Old School is right, you're going to be facing situations like this constantly on the road. They'll give you a load with a schedule so tight you can barely get a moment of rest, and then you'll finally arrive at the destination just to sit for 10 hours waiting to get unloaded. So use this time to practice being positive, patient, and just live in the moment. Try to let things just slide off your back without a concern. It's about the most important ability a truck driver can have.

Also, don't try to understand the what's, why's, and how's about these trucking companies. Large corporations are very hard to figure out and because you're new to trucking that's going to make it that much more difficult to understand. A lot of what they do will not make any sense. Sometimes it's because it doesn't make sense, sometimes it's because they have an agenda you're unaware of. So just try to focus on doing whatever you're being asked to do and just roll with it. You'll be out there before you know it and things will be great for ya.

I was looking over your progress in the High Road Training Program and I noticed you did very little of the logbook section and none of the Weight & Balance section. I think working on those would be time very well spent because that information is critical to your everyday life out there.

Do you know how to calculate fuel burnoff?

Do you know how to implement the split sleeper berth rule?

If you're stuck in heavy traffic in a snowstorm and you're about to run out of hours on your logbook, can you use the two hour safe haven rule to continue on legally? Are you familiar with the two hour safe haven rule?

If you have 34,680 pounds on your trailer tandems and 33,200 on your tractor drives, are you legal? If not, which direction do you slide the tandems and how many holes should you move them?

If you have 12,600 pounds on your steer axle, you're in the state of Illinois, and your steer tires are rated at 6,500 pounds, are you legal?

Those two sections will teach you that kind of stuff and a whole lot more. Before you know it you're going to be running solo and there isn't going to be anyone around to give you the answers - you'll be on your own. There's a ton of information to learn yet - keep at it.

It is very frustrating for all of us women left here.. we watch as our friends are leaving and out on the road very sad and disheartening.. and as far as any of the that tandem stuff they dont teach us that here.. we are taught to pass the CDL test that is it!! Pre trip we had to learn on our own... I had a conversation with a female trainer the other day at lunch and she seemed very upset about the lack of backing experience or map reading that we have when we get to her truck so you see why this makes life all that much harder..

Update!! I am now going into my 6th week and still havent tested. I am getting frustrated but again I will smile and go on with my day. I am basically just on the backing range and practicing and praying to the truckig GODS that I dont lose my ability to drive as its been over a week since I had any drive time. A new class has come in and another coming on Monday HOLY CRAP guys slow it down.. Its a bit disorganized at the moment and a few other choice words but as of the last I heard women are being held back at this point but yet they just recruited 31 coming in on Monday (do not understand how these people think) There are no trainers for another 8 weeks from what I was told.. I am not trying to give up however am about to go to another school I would be done by now!! As far as my ability I can drive a truck I had the highest scores I could get for the last eight days I drove so of course they pulled me from the truck then my backing is down pat without any pullups and only one get out I have my pre trip memorized and perfected and my in cab and 4 point I can say in my sleep so I guess I am just left overs that will live at Celadon for the next however long.. sorry just frustrated and disapointed in this school

UPDATE:

We are now approaching week 3. We got a 3 day weekend which in my book was nice but I would prefer to be on the range practicing. This past week was a good one! I have finally been double clutching with out errors and even down shifting properly my instructor gave me an "atta girl" and that felt good. I really picked it up fast with him .. we are now heading back on Tuesday to start practicing more and those that scored the highest this week will be testing. I am not sure if I am ready or not I still have some backing issues but will keep at it. I have my 4 point down and my in cab I haven't missed any all week. now to work more on my Pre Trip and backing especially the parallel