Profile For Salvatore D.

I posted awhile back with a question about the DOT physical. I wasn't sure I could pass the vision test due to a lazy eye. I took the test recently after accepting a job driving for Yellow Cab. I passed and was given a medical examiner certificate. The person doing the exam said he would rewrite the certificate to say cdl if I needed it at a later date. I've heard that exams can vary depending on who you see. This being said, I'm considering going to a private school close to NY home. If I already have the dot physical card, will I have to take it again if offered a job later at a trucking company?

The Wild West. That sound like fun! I'd attach some big 'ole antlers on the front grill.

I discovered that I qualify for VRAP (Veterans Retraining Assistance Program. They'll pay for the whole school. There's a technical school not far from where I am and it's approved by Werner. Also, it seems Werner hires out of Florida. Does anyone have any insights or personal experience into Werner and the program there?

Thanks, for the feedback. That makes a lot of sense to me now. I never considered all of those instances.

Thanks Brett. You've been a big help. I guess I'll have to look around some more. What did you mean by crimes against trucks?

On a side note, I'm a veteran and just learned about a program called VRAP (Veterans Retraining Assistance Program). Truck Driving is considered a in demand profession. They'll pay for schooling in it's entirety if I can find a school that is recognized by them.

Thanks Brett. I figured there would be team driving for awhile. I was really wondering if solo driving was something that was possible.

The money thing is great news. Glad to hear that it's possible to build up some bank doing this.

As for the training thing, any ideas how to work around that without having to move?

Also, have you ever heard of a driver letting someone ride along to get an idea of what it's like out there? I'd be interested in trying that.

Hi everybody. I hope this is the correct place to submit these questions. If I'm in the wrong place, please accept my apologies.

Basically, I have some general questions. I'm considering a career change and know someone who enjoyed driving. I come from a LONG background in Social Work working with homeless kids and decided a few years back it was time for a change. I went to school and became a nationally certified massage therapist. As you can imagine, neither of these careers have me rolling in cash or even able to save much after the bills are paid.

--I know what your thinking, a massage therapist who wants to be a truck driver?--

Anyhow, my questions are:

1. I'm living in Southern Florida currently. Upon reviewing the list here of company sponsored driver training, it seems most don't hire from Florida. Am I mistaken, or are there those that do?

2. I could be wrong - please correct me if I am - but it seems like it could be possible to be able to save some serious money as a driver since much of the time would be spent on the road or spending the night in your truck. I'm trying to establish a bit of a nest egg and was hoping a job as a driver might make it easier than working in social work or as a massage therapist.

3. I keep hearing about team driving. Is that required? I'm kind of looking forward to some solitude. I've spent enough time dealing with people. If you know what I mean. ; )

Thanks in advance!