The time has finally come! I start my truck driver training on Monday (9/11) at Commercial Driver Services in Lakewood, Washington. This is something that has been in the works for a few months but now I'm actually taking the first baby steps. Their school has come highly recommended and I'm looking forward to the experience.

While my days for the next 4 weeks will be very long (work from 8am to 2:30pm, school from 3pm to Midnight), I look forward to retiring from my current job (military) to begin my new life as a truck driver as soon as my training is over.

 

Good Luck to you future driver!!! Check out my website for a lot of good pre-trip info!

 

I was about to make this same post. I start on Monday as well. I went by the school today and they gave me some manuals to study over the weekend so I can take my permit test on Monday afternoon, followed by a physical, and something else I forget. 4 long weeks ahead.

 

Jbroad572,

Good luck to you. We'll probably run into each other down there. Are you going days or nights?[/quote]

 

Days... 730-3:30.... I have to completely adjust my sleeping patterns, but hopefully all will be well. What about you?

 

Hey Jbroad and Brian, small world!

I was there today also. I'm retiring from the Air Force Jan 1st and was at CDS this morning getting info.

I won't be going to school at least until January though.

I'd really appreciate both your thoughts on how your training goes with CDS.

I had checked out Bates. Their program sounds great, but 5 months was a bit too long and I know Gordon will take CDS graduates.

Who are you hoping to hire on with?

Good luck to both of you!
Landog

 

Got a family owned trucking company I will be signing on with. So, not really looking to join onto another company . Maybe I saw you there today? Did you by any chance come with your wife or a female? Anyways maybe not. Small world indeed.

 

No, I was there by myself around 1130-1230 I think. Spoke with the lady for about 20 minutes and got some info.

I'm looking forward to hearing some updates on how the school goes. It's great that you've got an "in" with a family owned co.

Cheers,
Landog

 

Jbroad,

I'm in the night class (3 to Midnight). Makes for a very long day but it's worth it. Three weeks to go



Landog,

CDS is a very good school with excellent instructors. I highly recommend them.

I would suggest that you go to the DMV as soon as you can to pick up a CDL drivers manual, study for your tests and get your CDL permit. You'll need to take the General Knowledge, Air Brake, and Combination Vehicle tests to get your permit, then will need the HAZMAT, Doubles/Triples and Tanker tests to graduate from CDS. Then after graduation you'll have all your endorsements in hand and easily be able to get almost any driving job you want.

I'm looking to drive OTR for Gordon after graduation and once my terminal leave kicks in, hopefully in early November. I gave Sharon (CDS placement specialist) my application for them on Friday and she said that she'd send it in.

Best of luck to both of you!

 

Hey Brian,

Glad to hear things are going well and good words on CDS. I'm also looking to go with Gordon once I'm done with school. Their terminal isn't too far down the road from me and I've taken a trip out to talk to the recruiters there.

I'll go on terminal leave in early November also, but won't do school probably until January so I can go visit some family.

Brian, are u paying for this out of pocket?

Thanks for the advice on the permit. I've got the book from the WA DOT and plan to get my permit in December before school. You've already answered my question about which endorsements to get. Thanks!

Glad to hear things are well. Look forward to more updates when you get time.

Cheers!
Landog