If you want to transmit with your Baofeng before getting a HAM license you can always get a GMRS license. There's no test, and the license is a household license that lasts 10 years. IIRC the license costs about $30, you can get one on the FCC website (https://www.fcc.gov/wireless/support/knowledge-base/universa...).

If you have a repeater in your area there may be a net where other licensed operators check in every week. I've heard people check in from over 60 miles before. You can check this website for repeaters in your area: https://mygmrs.com/repeaters. Good luck on your technician test!