I passed the test

Wow - I passed.

Yesterday was the big day and to my surprise I actually passed the Professional Drivers and the Air Brakes written tests.

Now all of the practical things can start to happen. I have medical doctor and eye doctor exams scheduled for next week. On the assumption I pass them, I can then get my learners permit and they let me behind the wheel of a big rig. 40 hours behind the wheel and I then have to pass three practical test. 1) is a safety inspection of the truck and trailer. 2) is a complete air brake inspection of them and 3) is an actual 30 minute driving test in the city with a 53' cargo trailer. Once they are finished I'll get my licence.

Quite a process to go through. At 25 no problem but at this stage in life, just so I can tow a fifth wheel, it seems absurd. Not to mention _____ expensive.

I pushed the instructor and he tells me they are already enforcing the 10,00 lb (max tow on a regular licence) rules and will be out in full force on them this year. So I have to do it, no sense complaining. Beyond that I'm going at this from a safety point of view and this whole adventure will be a whole lot more fun if we're safe.

Last night and today we're just sort of taking it easy. I'm meeting with the instructor this afternoon so he can give me a cd of some kind on air brakes. We're going to take some measurements of the truck as well.

We've been toying with the idea of putting a Jeep YJ on there instead of the Smart car. The Smart can can be loaded sideways but of course the Jeep has to go lengthwise. We have to leave enough room for a full 90 degree turn of the trailer which leaves us wondering if we have enough length. Others have lengthened the frame to accommodate but we aren't anxious for the increased expense.

We'll keep you all posted on how this goes.

Have a great long weekend.