Profile For Dorothy M.

I was in school last year and just could not do the skills. I had that trailer all over the yard along with teachers screaming at me ; what the ***(* are you doing? I was in a class of 9 ; the only gal. Two dropped out because of drug tests. Two passed the test on their first go, the rest on their second go. Me ; I wasn't even sent for a shot at the test. I put so much time and effort and tears into the test. Eventually, I took a 3 week break, sat back in the seat and it all started to come together. Then I went to test. My one teacher read me the riot act in the truck on the way to the test, saying there was no way I was going to pass and I should just turn around right there and then. Well, I passed the pre test, had a major panic attack in the skills and couldn't complete it. I took another 3 week break as the school was closed for vacation. I went back for 2 full days of practice and went down with a different teacher to test. I aced the skills test with just one point. I didn't get the driving part because I went over the white line on the last bend and had to retest. I had it up until then. Then a week later I went back and got it no problem. Remember you have 4 tries ; If it takes 4, that's ok ; its not on your license that it took 4 tries. The real test is when you are out in the real world.

Just in the skills I found ; take your time. Ask the examiner everything and make sure you understand what he wants. I didn't care how long I took to understand what he wanted, as long as I could visualize it in my mind. Slow and steady makes the cut. Its not a race at all.

Good luck, take it easy and deep breathes.

I went to school here in Pittsburgh last year and it was about $7K. However, as I was unemployed, I was able to get a grant for about $4500, so out of pocket it was about $2500.

The best of luck. I did something similar last year when I was let go from my job. I got a grant also ; not as much as you did, but it helped big time. Well done.

Well after several months of exhaustive research and deciding that paid CDL training was the option for me I am now enrolled in a private CDL school. Class starts next Tuesday. I'm excited and nervous. I feel I will have a leg up just from studying the resources on this site. The reason I changed my mind about a school is I'm currently unemployed and collecting unemployment (first time in my 40+ years of working I've had to do that). I don't like it one bit. Anyway the school is a mile and a half from my house and I qualified for a grant through the state that pays all but $250 of the tuition. Got enrolled yesterday and paid the 250. Today I go for my drug screen and DOT physical. Once those are done then it will be official. Next will be deciding what direction to go in. This site has been so helpful. I only hope I come across people even half as knowledgeable and helpful as those on here when I get started with this. I will keep updates coming as I can when class starts.

Got the official job offer from Fedex Freight. Now they do the background check and drug test. Both will come up clean. So hopefully next step is to get start date. If it goes ok, my hubby may apply and thenw e would not do team driving. The position I have is apprentice for Fed Ex Freight and they train you for 7 weeks. This will be a good position for me as I have no experience.

Hi Colin It brings me back to last year when I tried and tried to get used to the skills. Two of the teachers would scream at me, humiliate me and everyone that couldn't do it correct. What it took was to be easy on myself. I also chewed gum while practicing. Then I also had two different teachers who had a totally different way of teaching ; they even told us what we were doing wrong and how to do it. I took it slowely, and eventually it came to me. Small turns, very small turns. I memorized the turns also. When doing a parallel ; Back the trailer a little, then make a hard left until you see half of the crossbar in your mirror, then a hard right until you see the yellow line by the rear wheel. Then straighten the truck going backwards. When it is totally straight, a hard right, then a hard left and you should be in the box. Maybe someone could correct me if I am wrong, but it was almost a year since I did the test. Our school would also paint white on the cross bar to make it easier to see in the mirror. The first time I tested for the test I had a panic attack as it was one of the crappy teachers that came with me. He swore that I wouldn't get the test and that I should quit there and then. The second time ; I had the better teacher, he gave me confidence and I aced the three skills ; getting just one point between all three skills. With alley dock ; turn as soon as you start backing. Again, depending on where the dock is ; follow the instructions above but instead of backing before you turn, turn the wheel first.

Duh I just have way too much in my brain. I thought I was replying to your article about women in the industry.

I couldn't have said it better. I also worked in a male dominated industry for many years as my husband and I ran a pest control company for 20 years. The amount of employees that thought I knew nothing, only to prove them wrong time and time again was astounding. One guy would tell my husband that I was horrible to work with ; he stayed for over 7 years, was I that bad?? In the end we fired his sorry ass because he stole from us. When we asked why he did it, he answered because we have everything and he has nothing. Ok, he filed bankruptcy twice, was foreclosed on etc etc. You get the drift.

I don't care what gender you are ; if you work hard, respect everyone and are honest, we will get along fine.

In CDL school last year, two teachers were horrendous, two were great. The bad ones taught thru humiliation and screaming at us. They both had me in tears so many times. Heading to the test, one told me there was no way I would pass and I could just quit now. Well, I had a panic attack during the skills and failed. The second time, a good teacher came with me, beefed up my confidence and I passed the skills with just one point. The two great teachers actually apologized for the way I was treated ; they saw it first hand. Did I complain, no way. I just went about my business, practiced and got what I came for. The best teacher was an ex marine. The second best was an old fashioned respectful teacher who had the guts to apologize in person. Was it sexist ; I don't know. Was it age ; I don't know. I will never know.

Nope, you are not too old. I got my CDL last year at the ripe old age of 52. Was it difficult ; yes. The skills test was what killed me, but I got it and that's the main point. Now its practice, practice and more practice. I was able to get a grant to go to school and borrowed the rest which was about $2500. I got the grant because I was laid off from my job and qualified thru unemployment. By the way ; I got my associates at age 44 so you are never ever too old to learn.

Don't give up.

Thanks, We will apply to CRST also. We both have all the endorsements and valid medicals. Hope to get this gig rolling by the summer.

Have an interview with FedEx freight as apprentance on Friday. Fingers crossed. I have no experience and this would be great for now. Do they do a agility test in the interview? Just wondering because I failed it with Schneider and I am worried.