Profile For AZCindy.

Hi Everyone.

Just about to start my Phase 2 training with my trainer. I fly out tomorrow am from Phoenix to ATL/Conley hub and will then coordinate with my FM to start Phase 2.

A Review of Phase 1 I was assigned to Gary, IN training and was there approximately 5 weeks. My overall experience was very good.

The accommodations at the Best Western were very comfortable. I had a room to myself the entire time. My first two weeks were filled with learning how to drive the truck and double shift and focusing on learning how to parallel and offset back. As I entered my third week, I twisted my knee getting into the cab--so they shut me down for about 5 days until I could get medically cleared.

To be honest, I hurt the knee pretty good, but did not want to a) make a bad impression on my new employer or b) lose any momentum on my training. So when I went back to the doctor I basically did whatever I could to get past the medical exam. To Roehl's credit, THEY were not rushing me, I was. And they were great in helping make sure I was good to go.

I restarted my training with a new group (week 3ers) and readied myself for the CDL exam. I didn't pass. Thankfully, I was given an additional week and passed with flying colors the second time.

I will say it was a very good training program and now and ready to learn even more out on the road. At this point all I know is I will have a male trainer and get moving possibly Wed or at the worse Thurs am.

Stay tuned.

The way I keep it straight is A-B-C-D. Almost always say... not "broken" "Cracked" or "Damaged"...

I'm trying to get a handle on the pre trip as well. Just all the correct wordage. I am currently on a greyhound bus headed to prime inc in Springfield Missouri right now. Should be there around 5:30 pm tomorrow night. So excited but I'm getting more and more Nervous as I get closer.

How goes it? Where are you training?

I start Roehl 3/20. Just taking my drug/hair/physical exam on Monday so studying for my permit. C

So I will be starting at Roehl on Monday. I am praying I have a better experience there than previously with CDL of GA. I am nervous about the physical test. The lady told me over the phone that they actually test to see if you can squat, push, and pull and then they take your blood pressure. If you fail they send you home. Yikes!

Preparing for school and taking my permit test. Looking forward to it all--but trying to get a handle on the engine parts. So new to me.

Im headed to Roehl training 3/20

I'm not on the road, I'm in school right now.

I'm a book learner. I went through the High Road here and I didn't find the tests too difficult at the DMV because the High Road will DEFINITELY help you be prepared. I did all 6 tests in a couple hours and the lady at the DMV was surprised I passed everything on the first try. So study the High Road training here and the permit will be a breeze for you.

Driving/gear shifting/backing. This apparently requires some muscle memory and coordination that I don't yet have. I have had some hard nights, but I'm determined. You CAN do this. I'm getting a little better even though some nights are better than others.

Expect it to be hard. Expect to get discouraged. But realize that you're learning something new. Don't be too hard on yourself. Be polite to your instructors and ask questions when you don't understand things. My instructors are not at all shy about telling me what I'm doing wrong. It is a man's world and they may treat you a little like one of the boys if you do something boneheaded. But they are also willing to help me if I ask about things I'm confused about.

I had never shifted gears in any vehicle. I truly suck at it still, but it's getting better little by little. I practiced with a plunger this weekend. I hope when I drive tonight (we were on the range last night) that I will be able to tell a difference. We will see.

The pre trip...memorization. We were given a 10 page document to memorize, but a lot of it repeats and a lot of the phrasing is the same. I have also learned a lot of the parts under the hood and such that I had no clue about. I am working on it and I even made voice memos on my phone so I can listen to parts of it at work. I'm going to do this and you can too if you want it bad enough.

You have to want it and apply yourself. This is probably the hardest thing I've ever done. No kidding. I'm 52 and have 4 kids, so that's saying a lot. It is a big challenge, but it has already made me realize that I'm tougher than I thought, which is a really, really good thing.

Part of it is I'm working and going to school. If you don't have to work through school, it will be easier, but it can be done either way.

Study hard and do your best and don't beat yourself up about things you don't know before you even start. You can do this!!

Good luck!