All About the CDL Learner’s Permit

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.

Spotlight on the Military CDL Act of 2012

Six years ago, the U.S. Congress passed the Military Commercial Driver’s (CDL) License Act of 2012 into law with bipartisan support. The law provides a boost for former military members who are looking to get into commercial truck driving after completing their service to our country. Endorsed by both the American Trucking Association and the Owner-Operator and Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA), the Military CDL Act has made a major difference for both the trucking industry and the career of former military personnel.

Here is a quick rundown of what you need to know about the Military CDL Act and what it does.

Why military personnel may have trouble entering the trucking industry.

Today, the trucking industry is responsible for employing hundreds of thousands of people around the United States. In the past, though, former military personnel had difficulty obtaining their Commercial Driver’s Licenses because they often resided in different states during their military service. Under federal law, people can only be issued CDLs by a state if they are a resident of that state.

What does the Military CDL Act do?

The Military CDL Act removes a significant barrier to a valuable career by permitting military personnel to obtain a CDL in any state where they trained or are serving. The new rule covers active duty members of the military as well as military reserves, members of the U.S. Coast Guard, members of the Coast Guard Auxiliary, and members of the National Guard. Thanks to this much-needed change, the members of our armed services now have far greater career opportunities open to them.

Truck driving can make a terrific career for anyone because it’s always in demand and it can provide you with a steady paycheck. If you would like to learn more about how you can embark on your new career as a truck driver, your journey begins with Phoenix Truck Driving School at Ft. Bliss. Call (877) 206-8344 for more information!

CB Terminology for Newbies

Citizens band (CB) radio is a short-wave radio service that is often used by long-haul truck drivers to communicate with each other. While many people associate CB radio with its short-lived popularity in the 1970s, it’s still a useful tool for truckers who want to alert each other to accidents, road construction, and other common driving hazards. If you’re going to be using a CB radio, you should know that these stations have their own unique terminology.

Before sending out your own transmissions, check out this list of common CB slang terms:

Alligator. If somebody says “There’s an alligator in the road,” it doesn’t mean a 10-foot reptile—it means that there’s a piece of tire trade lying in the road. “Gator” is sometimes used instead.

Evel Knievel. A slang term for a police officer on a motorcycle.

Go-go juice. This term refers to the diesel fuel you use to fill up most trucks. “Motion lotion” is another popular term.

Good neighbor. The once-popular term “good buddy,” which you may remember from the movies, is no longer used. Instead, “good neighbor” is used to address another driver.

Granny lane. Remember those “Slower Traffic Keep Right” signs? This term refers to the slow lane. The fast lane is known as the “hammer lane.”

Hammer down. Simply put, this means “Speed up!”

Hole in the wall. This simply means a tunnel.

Kiddie car. A term for a school bus.

Ratchet jaw. This is a term for somebody who talks too much, keeping other truckers from using the radio.

Sandbagging. This means listening to the radio without making a contribution.

Smokey. Perhaps the most famous CB slang term of all, this is used to refer to a police officer. Sometimes “Smokey the Bear” is also used.

Thermos bottle. This means a tanker trailer.

If you’d like to become a truck driver, your first step should be to enroll in Phoenix Truck Driving School at Ft. Bliss. We offer everything you need to know to master your new career path in our eight-week CDL training program. When you’re ready to get started, give us a call today at (877) 206-8344.

Your Pre-and Post-Trip Inspection Checklist

Safety is the top priority in the trucking industry. When you become a professional driver, you’ll be expected to adhere to established regulations and standards, including the pre-and post-trip inspections. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has established the criteria for these inspections.

Your Pre-and Post-Trip Inspection Checklist

After you’ve been driving a big rig for a while, you’ll have your inspection checklist memorized. But when you’re new on the job, it can be helpful to print out this checklist—just to be sure you won’t forget anything. Do the following before and after every trip.

Vehicle overview: Give the entire truck a thorough once-over.
Engine: Pop the hood and check the fluid levels. Check the oil, transmission fluid, and coolant. While you’re in there, look at all of the hoses, wires, belts, electrical connections, and batteries.
Cab: Examine all of the controls and gauges for anything unusual.
Lights: Turn on your low-beams, and then get out and check them from the outside. Do the same with your high-beams and four-way flashers.
Signal lights: Turn on the right-hand turn signal and get out to check that it’s working. Do the same with the left-hand turn signal.
Brakes: Check all of your brakes, including the service brakes and parking brakes.

Once you’ve done all of those inspections, do another walk-around exterior inspection. Check everything, from front to back, and side to side. Closely examine the following:

Couplers
King pin under coupling device
Wheels, rims, lugs, and tires
Tie down bolsters
Rails or support frames
Sliders or sliding frame lock
Locking pins, clevises, clamps, or hooks

Your In-Transit Inspection Checklist

In addition to your pre-and post-trip inspections, you must also do less exhaustive inspections during your trip. Within the first 50 miles, you’ll need to pull into a service area to inspect the cargo and load-securing devices and make any necessary adjustments. After 50 miles, you’ll need to inspect the cargo again after you’ve driven for three hours or 150 miles, whichever comes first (or sooner, if you have a change of duty status).

When you enroll at Phoenix Truck Driving School at Ft. Bliss, you’ll learn everything you need to succeed in your new career. Our eight-week CDL training program includes classroom instruction and hands-on practice. Call us today at (877) 206-8344, and you could be ready to start your new career in just two months!

Truckers: How You Can Help Stop Human Trafficking

An estimated 40 million people are living in slavery around the world. Some of those victims are being bought and sold for labor. Most have been forced into sexual slavery. Human trafficking has a significant presence in all 50 states. It exists in major cities, small towns, and along the nation’s highways. Because professional truck drivers spend much of their careers on the road and around service areas, they are uniquely situated to identify and assist in the recovery of human trafficking victims. Will you help?

Take and promote training courses.

As an individual, you can join Truckers Against Trafficking (TAT)—the industry leader in certifying truck drivers to recognize and recover human trafficking victims. They offer a free online training course that will give you all the tools you need to save lives. But don’t stop there. Contact HR at your trucking company and encourage them to make TAT training mandatory for all drivers. When you talk to other professionals at service areas, discuss TAT training and encourage them to sign up for it.

Recognize the common signs of human trafficking.

Human trafficking victims can be male or female, young or older. Victims of human trafficking often display physical abnormalities, such as:

Malnourishment/underweight
Signs of physical abuse, restraint, or confinement
Signs of drug abuse
Tattoo/brand on back of the neck

They may display:

Loss of sense of time
Confusion about the location they’re in
Inability to provide an address
Claims of just passing through the area
Inconsistencies in story

These are just a few of the red flags. Get TAT trained to become better aware.

Report possible human trafficking victims.

Use the National Human Trafficking Hotline to report any suspicious behavior. Keep this number programmed into your phone: 1-888-373-7888. Even if you aren’t sure whether something could indicate human trafficking, it’s far better to err on the side of caution and report it right away. You could be saving someone’s life.

Phoenix Truck Driving School at Ft. Bliss prides itself on graduating fully qualified, ethically-minded truck drivers. Many of our students are veterans or military spouses. If you’re ready to transition into another career where you can make a difference in your community, you’re invited to call our truck driving school at (877) 206-8344.

FAQs and Answers About the HAZMAT Endorsement

Some commercial truck drivers qualify for additional endorsements on their CDL to become eligible for additional career opportunities. One of those endorsements is the Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT) endorsement. It’s a federal and state requirement for any commercial driver who wishes to transport hazardous materials, including gases, explosives, and flammable and combustible liquids.

Could I be disqualified from getting a HAZMAT endorsement?

Yes. Before you can earn it, you must undergo a rigorous Transportation Security Administration (TSA) background check. This background check will examine your criminal history, wanted or warrant status, and terrorist watch list status. Level A offenses will permanently disqualify you, but Level B offenses will only temporarily disqualify you.

What are the other requirements to get a HAZMAT endorsement?

There are some basic criteria you must meet. You must have a CDL of the right class, you must be of legal age to operate a vehicle with hazardous materials, and you must be either a U.S. citizen or able to show proof of legal status in the U.S.

Do I need to renew the endorsement?

HAZMAT endorsements must be renewed every five years. This is the federal requirement. It’s possible that your state will require a renewal sooner than this. Each time you renew the endorsement, you must submit to another background check and fingerprinting.

I was told I needed other endorsements too. What are they?

Not every HAZMAT driver needs additional endorsements. But if you want to operate a tanker, you’ll also need the N endorsement. Alternatively, the X endorsement is for the operation of a tanker, plus the transportation of hazardous materials.

At Phoenix Truck Driving School at Ft. Bliss, you can learn the skills you’ll need to launch a successful career as a professional driver. Our CDL training program includes classroom instruction, hands-on learning activities, and on-the-road training. Call (877) 206-8344 today to inquire about our next open house event.

What May Disqualify You from Getting a CDL?

To launch a career as a truck driver, you will need to obtain a commercial driver’s license, or CDL. The federal government sets most rules for CDLs, though your license will be issued by your state DMV. There are a few issues that could disqualify you from obtaining a CDL. Talk to your truck driving school about qualifying for your CDL if you have any of these issues.

Outstanding Warrants
If you have outstanding warrants for felony charges, you will not be able to earn a CDL until the warrants are resolved. If you have warrants for traffic tickets, then you will be able to earn a CDL, though you may find it difficult to find employment as a driver until those warrants are resolved. The same is true for other kinds of misdemeanor warrants. You will be able to get your CDL, but finding employment may be difficult until you deal with the warrant.

Certain Felony Convictions
A felony conviction doesn’t always disqualify you from getting a CDL, but certain kinds of convictions will. Bribery, smuggling, arson, kidnapping, assault with intent to commit murder, extortion, and treason will all prevent you from getting a CDL based on federal laws, as well using a commercial vehicle to commit a felony or causing a fatality due to negligent vehicle operation. Some states have additional rules regarding felonies and CDLs, so check the rules in your area.

DUI
DUI convictions can make it hard to qualify for or renew a DUI. If you have been convicted of a DUI with a BAC of .04% or higher while driving a commercial vehicle, you can’t get or renew a CDL. Once you have a CDL, if you are convicted of operating any kind of vehicle with a BAC of .08% or greater, you will lose your CDL. If you have a DUI conviction that doesn’t fall into these categories, you may be able to get your CDL but could struggle to find employment.

Talk to an admissions rep at Phoenix Truck Driving School at Ft. Bliss to find out trucking could be the career for you. Dial (877) 206-8344 for more information.

Amazing Amenities You May Not Realize You Can Find at a Truck Stop

If you decide to start a career as a truck driver, you may be surprised at all of the amenities that await you on the road. Truck stops hold everything you can think of that truckers need on the road, and even some things that you might not have considered. Here are some of the amazing amenities you can expect to encounter as you become a regular at truck stops.

Showers
It’s not surprising that truck stops have showers, but what is amazing to most people is that they actually have clean showers. Many people say that they find truck stop showers to be cleaner than the showers they encounter in hotels. Truck stop showers are fully cleaned and sanitized after each use, so you can expect a good experience when you use them. Each shower is in its own room that is secured with a key code, and most truck stops even provide towels for you to use.

Hair Salons
Just because you’re on the road doesn’t mean you have to let your hair go. Many truck stops offer on-site hair salons that are affordable and convenient. They’re the perfect place for a quick trim when you’re heading home to a special event and won’t have time to hit your usual place. No appointments are necessary, so just walk in when you’re overdue for a cut.

Massage and Chiropractic Services
Being on the road can be hard on your back, and the soreness can slow you down. To help truckers ease their aching backs and necks, some truck stops offer therapeutic massage and even chiropractic services.

Are you ready to earn a reliable living while experiencing the thrill of life on the road? Enroll in Phoenix Truck Driving School at Ft. Bliss to get the skills you need to start your

Unique Lodging Experiences You’ll Find Across the Nation

One of the things that makes America so interesting is the sheer number of diverse cultures that can be found throughout the whole country. The Blackhawk Hotel, Jules’ Undersea Lodge, and Hotel Deco XV are three completely different types of lodging options that offer an unforgettable time to their guests. Continue reading to learn more about these unique experiences.

The Blackhawk Hotel
Anyone who has stayed in Cedar Falls, Iowa, at any point since the 1850s may have stayed at the Blackhawk Hotel. Since it’s such an old building, it offers a glimpse into the area’s architectural past. You’ll find exposed brick walls as well as furnishings that will take you on a trip back in time. The Blackhawk Hotel is, unsurprisingly, the oldest in the state to stay open continuously. If the antique vibe isn’t what you’re looking for, you can look at the modernized motor inn that sits just behind the hotel.

Jules’ Undersea Lodge
Perhaps one of the most one-of-a-kind lodging experiences that the United States has to offer, Jules’ Undersea Lodge is exactly what it sounds like. This is the only hotel in the nation that is completely underwater. You’ll go 30 feet below the water to find two bedrooms and a bathroom. When you’re inside, you can watch nearby fish and dolphins through the window, and you can even order a pizza for an airtight delivery if you get hungry.

Hotel Deco XV
The Blackhawk Hotel is old, Jules’ Undersea Lodge is underwater, and Hotel Deco XV in Omaha, Nebraska is super-modern. Hotel Deco XV is 89 rooms of luxury, and the architecture makes it clear. The lobby is also home to the best bourbon bar in Omaha.

There’s a lot to discover all over the United States, and becoming a commercial truck driver will give you the chance to explore it for yourself. Call Phoenix Truck Driving School at Ft. Bliss at (877) 206-8344 if you’re thinking about enrolling in one of our programs.

Talk the Talk: A Quick Glossary of Trucker Lingo

Truck drivers use CB radios to communicate with each other while they’re on the road. They let each other know if weigh stations are open or closed and when there’s traffic up ahead, but the vocabulary might take a little while to stick. If you want to know how to talk the talk, here’s a quick glossary of trucker lingo.

10 Codes
Commercial drivers use codes to communicate clearly and efficiently, so it helps to know what they mean when you’re on the CB radio. The most popular 10 code is 10-4, which acknowledges that you’ve received and understood a message. If the message is coming in poorly, you would say 10-1, and you can say 10-9 to have the person repeat the message. 10-7 means you’re going to leave the air, and 10-10 means you’re done talking and are ready to listen. 10-20 is another common code, and it’s used to ask a person his or her location.

Come On, Come Back
When you get a call from another driver, you can say “come on” to let the person know you’re listening. This gives the person the go-ahead to speak the message. If you’re unable to hear the message due to interference or poor service, you can say “come back” to ask the person to repeat the message. In general, it’s a way to invite another driver to talk to you.

Go to Company
If you’re talking to another driver from your company over the radio, you might ask him or her to “go to company.” This means switching to the designated channel where you won’t be heard by other drivers outside of your company.

Once you get a handle on trucker lingo, you’ll be more comfortable on the CB radio. At Phoenix Truck Driving School at Ft. Bliss, we’ll teach you what you need to know to get your career started. Give us a call at (877) 206-8344 or look at our website for more information.

Why Trucking Makes Sense After a Military Career

Most people don’t spend their entire lives in the military, which means you have something to think about when you’re getting ready to come home. If you’re not sure what type of career path you’d like to pursue after your service, consider joining the trucking industry. Read on and find out why trucking makes sense after a military career.

Driving Experience
Depending on what kind of role you played in the military, you might have experience that can help you in your future career choices. If you’re interested in driving commercial vehicles once you end your military career, it helps to drive heavy-duty vehicles while you’re still in the armed forces. This makes the transition to commercial driving seamless, and it may make you more attractive to employers.

Time on the Road
Some people enjoy the opportunity to spend their time on the road, but other people see it as a turnoff. If you’ve already been in the military, then you’re used to spending time away from home, so it might be easier to adjust to living life on the road. If you also used to drive a military vehicle, you might already be more qualified than you think to drive for a trucking company.

GI Bill
You need a commercial driver’s license to enter the truck driving industry, and the GI Bill can help. Find a CDL training school that offers tuition assistance to students who enroll. In some cases, you can even transfer your GI Bill to your spouse or your children.

When you leave the military and want to transition into a civilian job, keep truck driving on your radar. The Phoenix Truck Driving School at Ft. Bliss can get you ready for your next adventure by helping you prepare for your commercial driver’s license. Look at our website or give us a call at (877) 206-8344 for more information.

How to Prepare for Your First Long Haul

A lot of preparation goes into a long-haul drive, so you need to know what you’re up against ahead of time. Some aspects of your preparation won’t be as obvious as others, so get your routine in order before you hit the road. Keep reading and find out how you should prepare for your first long haul.

Eat and Sleep Right
A long drive can be tough to handle if you’re not in the right state of mind, which means you should get yourself healthy and prepared to take on the journey ahead. Your eating and sleeping habits will become even more important when you spend your days and nights on the road. The sooner you get yourself into a healthy routine, the easier it will be to stick to it once you set out for your first long haul.

Check Your Vehicle
Before you take your truck out for any amount of time, you should inspect it to make sure there are no necessary repairs or maintenance issues to deal with. This is especially important before going out on your first long haul. Check out your vehicle while you’re still near your local mechanic.

Bring Entertainment
It’s normal to get a little lonely when you’re out on the road by yourself, but entertainment can be a lifesaver. If you’re not traveling with a companion, be sure to bring a media player so you can listen to music or audiobooks while you drive. This way you get some entertainment out of the experience, and you might not feel so alone. Remember that you’ll also have plenty of time off from driving while you’re out, so take that time to catch up on your favorite TV shows or watch a new movie.

Are you an aspiring truck driver who wants to get ready for the first long haul as soon as possible? Call Phoenix Truck Driving School at Ft. Bliss at (877) 206-8344 to see how our school can help you prepare yourself.