Month: September 2018

Once you graduate from truck driving school and obtain your CDL, you can choose from local, regional, and over-the-road (OTR) assignments. OTR truckers can earn great pay, but they must be away from home for days or sometimes a couple of weeks at a time. To stay connected to their kids, OTR truckers flex their creative muscles and make good use of technology.

Video Chats

Video chats are an excellent way to stay in touch across long distances. Truckers use Skype, FaceTime, and Google Hangouts to talk to their kids and partners. Try to keep these conversations “light.” That is, if the kids are having problems at school, and the situation isn’t urgent, an in-person conversation is better.

Lunch Notes

Count the number of school days you’ll miss at home. Write out a series of short notes to the kids, and have your partner enclose one in each lunchbox every morning. These could say anything from “I love you,” to “Have a great soccer game today!” If your kids like brainteasers, you could sprinkle in a few riddles into the mix.

Long-Distance Gaming

Did you know you can play computer and video games with your kids no matter how far away they are? Look into long-distance gaming consoles or online computer games that you and your kids would all enjoy. This is a great option for older kids who feel that lunchbox notes are too “babyish.”

Postcards

Technology is great for bringing people together. But for kids, there’s something special about receiving snail mail. Bring a booklet of stamps with you, and look for postcards at truck stops

Memorable Home Time

No matter which tricks you use to stay connected on the road, you should make your home time memorable. Take your kids to a mini golf course, zoo, or aquarium. Devote an entire day to simply being present in their lives.

You can jumpstart your new career by enrolling in the commercial truck driving program at Phoenix Truck Driving School at Ft. Bliss. Give us a call at (877) 206-8344 to get the details on enrollment and find out about upcoming open house events!

It isn’t necessary to obtain your commercial driver’s license (CDL) permit before you attend truck driving school. In fact, a comprehensive program should prepare you to pass the written exam before you move on to on-the-road training. However, you should make sure you can meet the eligibility requirements to obtain the permit before you enroll in truck driving school.

CDL Learner’s Permit Requirements

You must be at least 21 years of age to obtain a learner’s permit. If you’re at least 18, you can obtain an intrastate CDL permit, which will only be valid in Arizona. You must also be able to pass the DOT medical exam. Finally, you must be able to provide the required documentation, including your Social Security card, a valid driver’s license (not CDL), and an acceptable form of identification.

Permit Test Format

The written exam is in a multiple choice format. To achieve a passing score, you must answer at least 80% of the questions correctly. Always read each question carefully before selecting your answer, as some of the questions may be worded in a tricky fashion. For example, you may be asked to select the only incorrect answer out of a group of statements. If you fail the written exam, you can take it again, but not on the same day.

Permit Recipients

Once you pass the written exam, you’ll receive your CDL learner’s permit. It’s valid for six months from the date of issue. That means you must take the road skills exam within that time period, or you’ll have to take the written exam again. Of course, you’ll likely take your road skills exam much sooner than this if you’re enrolled in truck driving school. However, you must wait at least 14 days from the date of the written exam to take the skills test.

 

At Phoenix Truck Driving School at Ft. Bliss, you’ll spend the first three weeks of your program preparing to excel on the written permit exam, followed by five weeks of intensive, hands-on training. Call (877) 206-8344 to inquire about our upcoming classes.