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I saw a big truck yesterday. It was red and it had shiny chrome on the front that looked like a mirror where I could see my own face. Trucks are very big and they carry all the toys and food to the stores. Did you know that drivers have to be very smart? I wondered if I could do that job too. That is why I started looking for Commercial Driving License (CDL) Training Online because I wanted to learn at home. My cat sat on my lap while I read about the big engines. It’s funny how a computer can teach you about a giant machine. I felt a little bit nervous but also very happy. Is it hard to learn? I think anyone can do it if they try real hard and stay focused on the prize. Driving a truck is like being the king of the road. You sit high up and see everything. Sometimes I dream about driving through the mountains. Do you like mountains? They are very tall and pretty. Anyway, I found out that you can start your journey right from your couch.
Learning at Home is Awesome
I used to think I had to go to a noisy school every single day. That sounded very boring and I dont like sitting in hard plastic chairs for a long time. But then my friend told me about doing it on the internet.
Wearing my slippers
When I study at home I can wear my softest slippers and eat cookies. Learning is much better when you have a snack in your hand. I can sit in my favorite chair and the computer tells me all about the rules for the big trucks. It makes me feel cozy. Sometimes I get crumbs on the keyboard but I just brush them off. Does your keyboard get dirty? Mine does because I like crackers alot. Its way better than a cold classroom with no snacks.
Moving at my own speed
Some people are very fast but I like to take my time. If I don’t understand what an air brake is I can read it again. I can click the button and the video plays one more time. This is why Commercial Driving License (CDL) Training Online is the best way for me to learn. I don’t have to worry about the teacher being mad if I’m slow. Everyone should be allowed to learn at their own pace. It makes my brain feel calm.
What the Government Says You Must Do
The people in charge of the roads have some very strict rules. They want to make sure everyone is safe when the big trucks are driving around.
The ELDT rules
There is a big fancy name for the rules called Entry-Level Driver Training. You have to follow these rules or you can’t get your license. I found out that the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration makes sure all the schools are doing a good job. It is very important to check their list. If the school isn’t on the list then it’s a “no-go” for me. You have to be careful about where you spend your money. I saw a bird outside my window just now. It was blue. Oh wait I should stay on track! The government wants you to know how to be a safe driver before you even touch the steering wheel.
Finding a registered school
You need to make sure your online class is a real one. The Training Provider Registry is a special website that tells you which schools are okay. I spent a long time looking at the names on the list. It felt like a treasure hunt. Some schools are near and some are far away. But since it’s online the distance doesn’t really matter. Isn’t technology amazing?
The Boring but Important Parts
Not everything about trucks is fun and loud honking. You have to learn about some things that are a bit dry.
Rules about logs
Truckers have to keep a diary of how much they sleep. This is called a log book. If you get too tired you might have an accident and that would be very bad. I learned that the U.S. Department of Transportation has rules about how many hours you can drive. It is like having a bedtime but for grownups. I like my bedtime because I have a soft pillow. Trucks have beds in them too! Imagine sleeping in your car. That sounds like a fun camping trip every night.
Safety signs and lights
Do you know what all the signs mean? Some are triangles and some are squares. You have to know what the colors mean so you don’t go the wrong way. My online class showed me pictures of all of them. I got a gold star on my practice quiz. It made me feel like a genius. There are also lots of lights on a truck. You have to make sure they all blink at the right time.
Getting Ready for the Big Test
After you do all the online work you still have to show what you know. It’s like a big show-and-tell but with a truck.
The written quiz
The first part is a test with a pencil or a computer. You have to answer questions about everything you learned in your Commercial Driving License (CDL) Training Online class. I get a little bit of butterflies in my tummy when I think about tests. But if you study hard the butterflies go away. I like to use flashcards. They are small and easy to carry. Do you like quizzes? I only like them when I know the answers.
The pre-trip checkup
Before you drive you have to look at the truck. You check the tires to see if they are round and full of air. You look at the oil and the water. It is like giving the truck a checkup at the doctor. If the truck is healthy then you can go. I think I would be a good truck doctor. I like to make sure things are fixed.
Why Trucks are a Good Job
My mom says that finding a good job is very important. Truck drivers make a lot of money to help their families.
The pay is good
I read on the Bureau of Labor Statistics that truck drivers are needed everywhere. Companies pay a lot of money to people who can drive safely. This means you can buy more toys or a bigger house. I want a house with a slide. That would be so cool. If you work hard you can have nice things.
Seeing the country
You get to go to places you have never seen. One day you might be in the desert and the next day you might be by the ocean. I want to see the giant trees in California. Driving a truck is like being an explorer. You are like Christopher Columbus but with a giant engine and wheels.
FAQ About Truck School
Can I do all of it online?
No you can’t do every single bit. You can do the reading and the videos at home. But you still have to go to a real truck to practice steering and backing up. You can’t learn to swim in a bathtub!
Is it expensive?
Some classes cost a little and some cost a lot. You should look for one that fits your piggy bank. Many companies will even pay for your school if you promise to work for them. That is a pretty good deal.
How long does it take?
It usually takes a few weeks. If you are very fast it might be shorter. I think it is better to take your time so you don’t forget the rules.
Do I need a special computer?
No just a normal one. If it can play a video of a cat it can play a video of a truck.
I am so excited to finish my classes. Every day I learn something new and interesting about the road. Maybe one day you will see me in a big red truck and I will honk the horn for you. It’s a big world out there and someone has to move all the stuff. Why not me? If you want to change your life you should look into Commercial Driving License (CDL) Training Online right now. Don’t wait until tomorrow because today is a great day to start! Go find a school and start your engine! I know you can do it if you just believe in yourself and study hard. See you on the highway!
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