Question:
Thanks guys! You both have helped me make my decision to continue, even with the bad times you've had. Today I came to realize which of the 2 jobs might have, I think, the lessor of 2 evils. Driving a school bus of all grade level kids or driving a company truck.
Changing jobs this late in life I am 42, way out of shape, and not the healthest being on earth right now. But can pass the DOT physical, already have. Has me scared to death. But everyone I know..knows I can do this. The fates and the gods seem to be backing this...if not pushing for this. There has been signals ever since I started seriously thinking about driving truck. The 1st school I called then called back is right down the road from me. The loan for paying school went through even with the bad credit I have. The night I signed papers for school, my daughter was on her way to work and for the 1st time ever she saw one of the student driver trucks. I put in applications and the next day got 5 responses in one form or another.
My instructor is helping me to get into places he feels is good and also good for a woman, I am one of 4 woman in a class of 20. Went saturday for my class A permit and had 17 questions missed 1 and had 16 on tanks and missed none, the tester stopped both times before 20 questions. Already have the air-brake endorsement. Will get hazmat after I pass the road test. People in truck driving always seem to be entering my life in one form or another. I am not married and my kids are 22,23 and wanting to be on their own. What better way than with me gone? Though I am hoping they can contact me when ever I am really needed.
This is something I know I can do. I just have to remember what real work is like. School bus driving never seemed like real work ..till I thought about and listed cons for it. I am hoping that driving to me wont seem like real work once I get into the swing of things. I have always been of the mindset of if I like a job then it seems to not be work but something I enjoy doing. I am hoping my love of driving will take care of the rest. Yes I know there is a lot of stuff to put up with being on the road. Stuff that I am ready to deal with? I don't know, I figure I wont know until I am out there doing it.
But in closing. I have to again say thank you for showing me the bad times and the good times you've had and the thoughts you both have had all the way along.
Bearbell

Answer:
Something tells me that you are going to do GREAT as a TrkDrvr.

Answer:
Thanks Rokki, I sure hope your right. Had my 1st test at school last night..on air brakes..missed 17 out of 50.. That is really sad when I have driven with air brakes for 11 years. 1st year I had a shift bus with no air brakes. I think it was the way the instructor worded the test,well that and I didn't study the mechanics of the brake assembly I knew the parts just not which part moved what part. Grin openly challenged him on 1 question..lol. I have taken and passed numerous times the tests online. Still not real encouraging. One postive note. Least I dont have the dot air brakes to take, though they are much much easier than his tests.
Again thanks for the words of encouragement. Sure is scarey to be changing everything at this late stage in my life.
Bearbell
[This message was edited by Bearbell on September 10, 2003 at 8:37.]

Answer:
Have you tried www.cristcdl.com yet?
I was on it every night doing the air brake test. Took it the first time and bombed. Went back the next day and only missed one. Make sure to read every question carefully, and twice. Florida re-words questions to trip you up.

Answer:
Hi, Thanks for the link. Thats the test I was using online. Not missing any with them. It is the way he asked the questions. Did I guess better, on the general knowledge test he gave tonight 13 outa 81 wrong. But then I don't have to take that one either. The only one I will need to take other than the road test will be hazmat. Yeppee..all the other offical type ones are out of the way.
Now if I can just decide what company I want to go with when I graduate, and what I want to haul.
Thanks again
Bearbell

Answer:
Hey,
I wish you nothing but the best, i am glad you got some sense of what goes on out here by reading my post, just remember to take your time and learn all you can...if i can be of any assistance to you, feel free to e-mail me and i will do my best to help you...

Answer:
Yes, you helped me alot. Reading your's and Cyanides posts, I made a list of pro and con..mostly in my head. But I was able to realize how much I really do hate bus driving now. My daughter has for years suggested truck driving for me so I guess the time is finally right.
As for school tonight marks the end of week 2, and today I got my 1st rejection for a just out of school hire. For some unknown to me reason the school doesnt train us on 53' trailers. But the recuiter seems to think I will have my choice of where I want to go, given my work history and driving record. Makes no sense to me, why we arent trained on 53'. But in any case I don't have any fear of driving anything really at any length. Was worried a bit last night about the width comparison of the bus and a truck. But they are very very close...within inches I believe.
Again thanks alot for your help.
Bearbell

Answer:
For some unknown to me reason the school doesnt train us on 53' trailers.
--------------------------------
your in VA and they only have 1 mile or less access from the federal designated highways,for food,unloading,repairs(not teaching),they could not access your school even if it was next to an off ramp.
yeh I know,you see them everywhere,but your school would get hassled running you around town with them and any accidents,would spell even more legal trouble
Need to get away from it all?
http://www.carnival.com/
Not sure what to expect?
Well, if your idea of fun includes great food, exciting activities, lavish entertainment, pampering service and discovering exciting new places, you'll find all that on a Trucking "Fun truck" Rooster Cruiser vacation.
Answer:
don't worry about the 53'foot trailers. The school I graduated from uses 40's and 48's with a few 30' pups thrown in for fun.