Profile For Ithel

Just now got my trainer's name and I'm on the bus to pick up a rental car. Quite a journey. It feels like a lot longer than three weeks have passed. I've picked up some skills to build on, a few new friends, and the opportunity to do work that pays. I'm looking forward to the training I'll get over these next five weeks, and I'll do everything I can to take advantage of these -- literally--training wheels.

Maybe it's skim milk? j/k

I just wanted to add that the two fellas who had to redo the driver test both passed today. The 5th guy failed again and is being sent home. Out of an original class of 8, 4 of us will be going out with trainers for my weeks.

As Rob said, here comes the real training.

I hope it goes well for you, Jmart.

One thing I forgot to mention. The skills test was by far the part I was most anxious about, particularly the 45° back. (I even had a bad dream about it last night in which my house burned down--- yes, that anxious!) But I didn't lose any points at all on the skills test.

Since you already passed the skills test, I wouldn't think you'd have to retake that part.

Of the five of us left in the class, two passed, two made small mental errors on the driving portion they'll correct on their second shot tomorrow, and one goofed up the pre-trip.

Somehow, despite serious anxiety, I managed to get my CDL A today. My joy could only be greater if we'd all got through, but I'll be pulling for them tomorrow. Friday I'll go home in a rental car to get my actual license from KY, and next week or possibly the following I'll begin the five weeks with my trainer, who lives 65 miles from me. From him I'll get more driving practice, more load securement practice, and an education on the art and skill of tarping.

Huge. Load. Lifted.

To the many encouraging yet honest voices on this forum, you have my sincere gratitude.

To the couple guys in my class who read this thread, you've got this. Get a good night's sleep and tomorrow morning you'll get that load of your mind.

I'll continue this thread until I am assigned my own truck, because I consider that as much a part of the training here as everything else has been.

Jan 2: I had backing practice in the morning that went very well. In the afternoon I drove about four hours. Then as a group we had backing practice in the evening. We got back to the hotel at 9pm.

Today, Jan. 3, is test day. I'm just trying to stay calm. My next post will say how it went, one way or another. I'm just thinking about my girls and the many good things that depend on my success today. Then its turn to this point, turn to that point, tight and secured, signal on, signal off. However it turns on, a big thank you to the many good people who make this site what it is.

Congratulations. My test is the day after tomorrow. I'm about as ready as I can be, but I've still got some anxiety. Glad it all worked out for you.

Will you have opportunity to do more practice before then?