Did my orientation for Johnston Community College here in N.C. yesterday and thought there might be other wannabes in the area that would be interested (like Soundman). Show time was between 0715 - 0730 but they let in the few stragglers that came later so no problem there. Be sure you sign in. About 0740, the secretary came in and gave us a little briefing. Some of her pointers were: Cash is king. You have to pay for your driving record ($8 exact) if you don't get it online (which I did and it worked pretty smoothly). If you don't have your DOT physical done, they'll recommend a lab in Smithfield. The charge is $60 which is cheaper than a lot of people paid. You need to have on your person your driver's license, your permit, your Social Security card, your medical card and the medical forms the doc will give you. You'll also need the funds to pay for your drug test ($38). They provide directions into town for these folks. She stated that if there's any chance you wouldn't pass, don't sign the paperwork. If you sign and don't go, it's considered a refusal and your name will be submitted to the DMV. On a personal note, if you can't pass the drug test, what the hell are you doing there anyway?!
She recommended we begin the HAZMAT process if we wanted to enhance our hireability. Sounded like good advice to me.
The class is 384 hours; you can miss 80 (8 days) but you do so at great risk. Also, classes run from 0700 - 1800. If you show up at 0705, you're docked 15 minutes (leaving you a balance of 79.45). Again, don't mess around.
You'll be told on what date you'll need to come back to pay for your class (cost for in-state is $588.50). When your class starts, you'll need another $47 for books. Recruiters will come in about 2 weeks prior to your graduation and hopefully you'll get hired. And there isn't much more to tell. I was done with the whole thing by 1000. Questions?

And off I go. Scared to death but willing to try. I hope to provide regular updates when class begins (5 May).