Profile For Dan H.

Dan, I am interested in what medications you had to get verified. I have been diagnosed with ptsd but have been taken off the meds. I was on lexipro. Also I am on a CPAP. Would you mind expanding on what types of red tape you had to go through to be approved?

Sorry that it has taken so long it's been really really busy as far as what meds I am on I'm on venlafaxine prazosin and hydroxyzine and it's mostly from my PTSD got that all cleared up. As far as the rest of my training goes all this week has been driving training backing up and road tasks morning and afternoon rotating I finally getting that 45ﾟ backup and road test is really easy. I take my cdl test on Wednesday. We lost one of the 6 in my class because the dumb dumb was on the phone while he was doing that back in maneuvers on the course so they sent him home immediately. You would think that people would be smart enough not to be on the phone while training in a really big truck.

Just out of curiosity where were u guys driving around? I see TMC students around all day. I gotta tell ya that right hand turn off MLK underneath SW 9th to get into downtown DSM looks crazy. I see you guys doing it but dang that looks tight. They definitely seem like a great choice for getting you prepared for a successful career as you get a variety of traffic situations. Believe it or not I'd rather be downtown than driving Ankeny Blvd. People just seem to be in too much of a hurry up there.

All over... start up in the country roads up near Bobdurant. They intentionally send us into right stuff because that's what we will be driving into when we get out of here. I drove straight down Ankeny blvd after only being behind the wheel for 10 minutes! Scary stuff... but it does give you confidence.

Days 4 and 5 Day 4 we started our Load securement training. Watched a few videos of what NOT to do. We also were introduced to the basic tools that we will use while securing loads. In the afternoon we split my class of six into 2 groups. Half of us in the simulator, other half got into the trucks and practiced straight line backing. The simulators... Are ok... but they definitely do not compare to the real thing. Out on the lot with the straight line backing was fun, proud to say I didn't hit a cone. Our instructor in the daytime is very intense when you hit a cone, but when you think that the cones represent trucks or other obstacles, it makes sense.

Day 5 in the morning we went out on the road for the first time with a trainer. We started off in the back roads where we practiced upshiftong and down shifting. Once the trainers thought we were good enough they take us through town, exposing us to real life hazards. I did ok... but I did hit a curb which is an automatic fail. I need to practice my down shifting.. when I stress out it gets worse! When I'm relaxed my trainer said I drive like a pro (I'm sure he is lieing!) But when I start to tense up I grind gears like a meat grinder.

Today is load securement all day, we will be practicing on our typical loads all day long.

Days 2 and 3

Sorry I didn't post yesterday, was exhausted by the time I got home. Both of our days were spent in the classroom finishing the orientation videos and taking basic tests required for our CDL. I'm glad to say that I have passed all of the tests so far! Tomorrow we start our load decrement training and start our simulator training. Not complaining too much about not being in a truck so far... it's been cold outside. Wish me luck on the sim!

First day down. Lots of paperwork. Most of today was the DOT physical and the physical assessment. It was a lot of fun watching grown men throw our bodies up on a flatbed trailer!

I look forward to following along. Before I'd landed the gig i have i actually was really considering TMC. I can assure you that many people will be following along even if your not getting many comments on your thread. STAY OFF THE GRASS! I hear they're really strict about following ALL the rules (rightfully so).

Haha being prior military I habitually stay off the grass!

So I start on Monday! I'm nervous and excited at the same time! It was a headache for real getting all the paperwork in line. Apparently because my psychiatrist is "only" a PharmD (doctorate in applied pharmacy) she isn't qualified as a doctor for TMC as far as whether or not my meds are working. I had to get an actual MD to write a letter saying I am responding well to my meds. (None of them are disqualifying thank god.) Thankfully the VA here in Iowa rocks and they had the director of mental health write me a letter on the spot! I'll keep you guys updated! Early day monday!

I start March 5th. I can't wait! I live local to the training center so I won't have to stay in a hotel.

Good morning! I am now going to school at TMC. I start on March 5th. I just got my CDL permit. I was in the army for 8 years and have been Jumping around from job to job. I've had 5 jobs in the last 5 years and I need something that's stable and that I can deal with. I looked all over and did a whole bunch of homework before I finally decided on doing the TMC CDL program. I was accepted earlier this week and I got my permit earlier this week. I look forward to updating you guys on my classes as I do them and thank you for all the support this site has been awesome.

Thank you for your service brother! I did 8 years as artillery, was in basic during the battle of falujah. I'm now accepted into TMC and will start Monday the 5th. Good luck to you!