SoSpectacular

Our instructor took each of us along different paths for Day 6. We didn't follow the same course except for a few turns. Because of my slight slip up yesterday though, couldn't qualify today. Day 8 and 9 for me automatically. Did so well today too!

Yeah, thanks!

I mistimed a turn signal and got braked just as the bus was rolling into the crosswalk. It had turned yellow. I was so mad. It's whatever. I'll see what happens tomorrow.

Nah, we went over the Williamsburg Bridge going to Manhattan and back

Soooooo... How did you do on Day 6 today?

Yes, you'll have to take that survey if you plan on moving on

I went in for the medical April 11 and was quickly thrust into the 4/15 class after I was cleared. I originally got called for the drug test back in November but did not get called back for the medical. I got another call to come in April 8 for another drug test.

They haven't updated their system on DCAS. I was list number 5XX. You should be getting something soon... maybe July.

You know what I meant, they're still calling names off the TA and OA exams 4600 and 4105, there were folks there at orientation from those exams. Some looked like they were reinstated looking at their folders

I took the exam in October 2017 and the L train shutdown had something to do with it originally when they sent the letters out for pre-employment to almost everyone. They had also extended the lists of the previous two exams by another year because of it too. I scored high enough to be called up sooner.

The hook turn was definitely a little easier than I'd expected. Messed up slightly on one of the acute turns because I started the turn a little late. I only got trolley braked on one of the right turns and because I'd wandered close to a truck that was double parked on the street. I'm okay with the evaluation I got but I need to focus on getting my turns down pat and observing the mirrors and whatnot more

I got sent to Grand Avenue. Im doing okay but still have some getting used to behind the wheel. Day 2 went pretty well considering some folks saying it's the hardest day. Got trolley braked twice on two tight corners. I like my instructor a lot. Really cool guy. Funny as hell.

You can use a Western Union money order, they don't take any other form of payment as far as I know. They don't ask for that until you get to the actual fingerprinting part.

You need everything you had from the pre-employment PLUS your CDL B permit with Passenger endorsement ("P") and air brakes which removes the ("L") restriction. You didn't need the permit at pre-employment but you will need it for the medical and final processing because both happen on the same day should you clear the doctors. Shoot. My first time behind the wheel of that bus was a little unnerving. I would hope I get settled in enough by that day.

According to the handouts posted in another thread, the EL pillar exercise is very similar if not the same to one I did when I trained as a school bus driver for my current employer. It involves you having to navigate a set of 3 or more obstacles that are lined up straight. You go through them in an S- pattern. It's made to make you aware of your vehicle's pivot point/and using your mirrors correctly to navigate the objects.

Got there around 7 AM, the doors opened shortly after and I was out of there by 1:20 PM today. The medical process takes a while!

Went in for medical today, passed, and yes they threw me in for Monday. Luckily I don't have to worry about my current employer thanks to the upcoming spring break and the fact that I was able to speak to the assistant manager, who is very cool. It will be a little more intimidating to those getting behind the wheel of a large vehicle but you will get used to it very quickly. You do have to be mindful of the size and dimensions of the bus.

Good luck! Tell us how it goes! I went in yesterday as expected after a slight mishap getting there but all went smooth afterwards. Just waiting on that call to come back!

Yeah, I called up yesterday and now I'm on for Monday. I hope they don't keep me for 11 hours like last time.

Yeah. It's a lot of writing I don't want to mess up so I guess I will do just that

I got a notice to come in tomorrow but I can't call out of my job on such short notice. The letter is postmarked and dated 3/29. I couldn't, especially if I just got this letter Monday. I'm also 5XX in list numbers. I'll have to come in another day. Too much paperwork to redo!

For commercial driving as long as you have your hypertension in check, you should have no issues with your medical. Stay healthy and you should be good to go. Just keep those in charge informed of your medication. I honestly think it's best you get called off 7612, but everyone has their own reasons.

DCAS will tell you that the number of the last applicant appointed was in the 480s.

TA allows you to go to any borough. Only problem is because Queens and Staten Island are under a different union other than TWU, you can't transfer out unless you were originally pushed into either of those boroughs to begin with. You pick into Queens or Staten Island you're pretty much stuck there for the remainder of your tenure.

At some point in 2017, federal commercial road test standards were changed up to require a more thorough examination. Instead of the usual one hour test, you're now required to memorize the engine compartment as part of a two-hour, three-part test. It's important you use the same vehicle you practiced on to do the test with because manufacturers and model years differ in regards to where each component is. As far as engine compartment goes, you'll have to be mindful of: Electrical wiring/hoses Engine coolant reservoir Power steering fluid check Steering rod/Pitman arm Air filter Engine oil/transmission fluid Engine fan and fan belt/plus any other belts BUT! Because more people have been failing than expected, federal standards changed up how state departments can administer the test- A full pre-trip isn't required anymore. When I attempted to take my Class B road test last year the examiner had me begin at the front door of the bus, totally skipping the front of the vehicle. It's randomized each time but make sure you memorize the procedures!