[BrianR]

I lost the thread where LJ was discussing his job and I chimed in with my retraining story so I'm starting another one.

I have so far spent $7400, gotten ten weeks of classroom (read book-larnin') behind me and managed to maintain a 4.0 average...the #1 in the class. Big F-in deal, most of the students are rocks.

Friday, I went up to Harrisburg and was pleasantly surprised to find that PennDOT has revamped it's customer service center into a place where actual customers get actual service! I waited no more than twenty minutes to get my authorization to take the written tests. $80 later, I was in the room where those tests are administered. I took a number and picked through the racks for something to read. I hadn't even finished when my number was called! I took the eye exam (again) and sat down to take the test(s).

The machines have evolved from a box with five buttons to a touch screen that works. The tests were straightforward and since I didn't sleep through class, I knew it all, I only missed one or two here and there. Out of all six tests.

Thus, shortly thereafter, I was the proud owner of a Penna CDL permit, which will enable me to actually DRIVE AN 18 WHEELER starting Monday night. Be afraid! Be VERY afraid! Muhahahaha!

Anyway, I have moved out onto the range and will be practicing my backing and parking skills as well as taking at least 28 road trips to practice turning and shifting. Let's see how many gray hairs I can give the instructor! I've gone through three classroom teachers already. Boring!

Now, where's that air horn cord???