Thursday, August 23, 2012

I Can Haul Yer Explosives And Stuff


Yesterday I went to renew my CDL; it expires next month on my birthday. Thankfully, I didn't have to take the driving part of the test, I only had to take the test for the endorsements. I have to get HazMat, but might also renew my doubles/triples endorsement, and get a tanker endorsement too. Oh, and I'm going to have to get fingerprinted again too. What a pain in the ass.

To prepare myself - the last time I got my endorsements was in 2006 - I did the
online practice tests several times. I took all of them just for fun, but then concentrated on HazMat, taking that one at least ten different times over the past two days. A few times in a row, then a break. Then a few times the next morning, then a break. Then once again before I went to take the test.

I passed with flying colors, missing only three questions, even though they allow you to miss six. Thing is, it's kind of ridiculous that they allow people to transport Hazardous Materials just because they were able to pass a twenty-question test. Anyone taking the practice test enough times should be able to do it. There's no real "way" to study - the book the state DOT gives you barely covers what you need to know - so I don't know how they expect a person to pass the test with such incomplete information.

A person really needs to take it upon themselves to make sure they're well-versed on the information available for the endorsements. Just because I take a tanker test, doesn't mean I know how to drive a tanker. And although I currently have my doubles/triples endorsement, I've never driven one. Just seeing them on the road wigs me out a little; they're all over the place.

Well, the important thing is that I passed, so I can still drive. Tomorrow, I'll be off to get my digits scanned!

I guess that means no more cat burgling.


~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
2011:
That Bitch Irene Is Trying To Ruin My Vacation
2010: Licking Our Chops
2009: I’ll Start Working On That Sarcasm Font Right Away
2008: False Security
2007: Protecting The Posies
2006: Asking Too Much
2005: Slotsa Money

2 comments:

Gil said...

Good luck with tankers as I hear they are real hard to drive.

Pat said...

I scored an 80% on the 10 question Hazmat. Not sure what I'm gonna do with the extra fire extinquisher.