CDL A Training for Trucking
CDL A Training can come in many forms from free company sponsored programs to expensive truck driving schools like the one I went to. In between cost is community college which for many will be a great option.
Question: Which is the best way of getting your CDL?
Answer: There is no 1 best way for getting your CDL. The best way depends on your specific situation and needs. Below you will read about what you need to consider and the CDL options to choose from.
Types of Training to Get Your CDL A
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CDL Training I Choose and Why
I was anxious and ready to start trucking and I understood that my choice was not the cheapest route, but I saw a commercial on television and called. The class had just started and the next day, (with a lot of talking...) I was able to work my way in .
I choose this option because when I decided to go, I could start immediately. Community college didn't start for months! Free Company Sponsored programs didn't start as fast either. So when they let me in, I didn't care about the cost. BUT i also didn't know all of the details I'm about to share with you about the differences either!
My advice you, read about the differences below to chose the best training option based on your situation and trucking job desired. You'll read some advantages and disadvantages of taking each route.
Terms associated with CDL Training
Let's go over some terms and options for obtaining your CDL. Afterwards we will go into more detail about the training options.
Accredited Trucking Schools - These are schools whose programs are evaluated for educational standards by government authorized organizations or agencies.
Community colleges that offer truck driver training should be accredited. There is a database kept of accredited training institutions and you can look up the school your considering here
List of accredited schools with CDL Training
PTDI - Professional Truck Driving Insititue. This is
not a trucking school. This is an organization that evaluates trucking
schools training programs for quality and safety.
If the training program for commercial drivers license passes they certify that truck driving school.
Community colleges can also be PTDI certified in addition to accredited. For more information
about PTDI certification visit them.
Certified Trucking Schools - This means that the truck
driving schools has meet the criteria to be certified by PTDI. These
are often your stand alone a.k.a. private a.k.a. 3rd Party truck driving
schools. You can see if the trucking school you are interested in
is a certified CDL training facility here
Some common options for CDL Training
Community College CDL Training
- Many of your neighborhood community colleges now provide truck driver training
for obtaining your CDL. It should be an accredited school to insure you get the best training. See advantages and disadvantages at the link.
Free CDL Training - This means that the company
will train you without you having to seek financial aid or paying out of
pocket. It's free with conditions and terms that apply. So it's not always free and it's not for everyone. See more
details and Company Sponsored CDL training which is just another name for free CDL A Training.
Company sponsored CDL Training
- Company Sponsored Training is the same as Free CDL Training. The names are used interchangeably.
Private Truck Driving Schools for CDL Training
- This means it is not a state school or community college. Some could have affiliation with a number of trucking companies which you could choose from. Usually they specialize in only truck driver training and allow you to go to any trucking company of your choice. Some may
also train heavy equipment operators or haulers.
Private truck driving school is often the most expensive CDL training but in most cases the quickest way to a Class A.
Check out the school you're thinking of attending for specific details. And read their reviews
Note: These days, some private truck driving schools also provide training for specific companies. You might be able to choose from several companies to work for upon completion.
Learn more about the advantages and disadvantages at the title link for Truck Driving Schools
Alternative Methods for Getting Your CDL
Online CDL Course - There are online CDL courses designed to help you pass the CDL Exam. You can get your permit but you still have to find a truck to use to take the driving portion. This might be cheaper out of the pocket but it is not for everyone. Takes discipline and knowing someone with a truck for driving just like studying the book from the DMV and getting your permit. The link takes you to a video that demonstrates
Home Study Course - There are internet home CDL home study courses and such available to help you study to get your commercial driver's license. You can just as well get the CDL handbook from your local DMV and study it yourself, but some people like official programs I suppose.
Also with some of these programs 1 benefit would be documentation stating you have passed test pertaining to the information. This may be useful to show to prospective company that will hire you or not. I am not sure. You could call them and ask.
Do it Your Self - This is you getting the CDL Book from the DMV
For both of these alternative methods you will need a tractor trailer to practice driving with. If you know someone in with a truck and trailer good for you. If not, that could be a challenge for the do it yourselfers.
Other options for getting a truck to use, may be to hire someone to take you out on a tractor trailer and allow you to test with it. The next obstacle will be to find a company to hire you after getting your CDLs this way.
Many will say their insurance requires the drivers they license have gone to truck driving school. Call around to the companies your interested in and see if they will hire you if your are considering getting your CDL at home.
You may have to get experience some where else first and then go to that company. This is ok for some but for others, it is a lot to take in without a structured learning environment with instructors experienced in teaching.
However, back in the day, there were no truck driving schools. Of course this is not back in the day.
Choices, choices, choices.
One of the best choices to get your CDL in my opinion? Community college to get your CDL. But that is your decision based on your situation.
A closer look at the pro's, con's and comparisons of truck driver schools
What questions or comments do you have?
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