Hi, I have read so much tonight about many bad companies and scary stories about schools and trainers. I would LOVE to hear some positive news from people who had a great school, trainer, and or company that they work for. I have met people in my town who said that they have been working over the road for 20 years and love it. I WANT that kind of love for my new life as a trucker. I have not gone to school yet...but am looking into Central out of Texas. I have heard so many bad stories about them now...I am scared@going now. Any one have anything GOOD to say about Central? or about a difernt school-company etc? Please help me. I am age 35...whats important to me is having my husband be a rider with me right out of training when I become a solo driver...this is most important above any other thing a company can offer me. Thanks....SMILES..TEXASHELLY

Texasshelly. What I would reccomend is looking into any of the votech schools driving programs,make sure they are certified. I got my license thru such a program,it cost me about a 3rd of the price,and I got more training,as the class was 320 hours instead of 160. Took 3 months,but was worth it. The other difference,instead of only getting the major companies offering you jobs,alot of the votechs will get offers from the smaller companies,some of them paying much better then all the road companies. Just my 2 cents.

Hi Texashelly. Check into Central Tech out of Drumwright, OK. They have a very well respected, PDTI Certified, program that is reasonably priced. Last I heard there was a wait to get into a class there (that is how good they are) and some of the better companies hire graduates out of their school. About having hubby ride along with you, check with the companies you are interested in about that. Most companies I've seen require you to be out on the road for 3-6 months with no incidents before they will allow you to have a rider -- I think it's for insurance purposes. If hubby is going to ride along, maybe he should consider driving also. Teams can make some good money and a good team will never have a problem finding a good job. Just a thought. Best of luck to you and keep us posted on your progress.

I've recently graduated from Central Tech out of Drumright, OK. I feel it is truly an exceptional school! Everything from the facilities to the equipment and staff is top notch.

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I dont know if they still exist,but TDDS in Lake Milton,OH,Youngstown area used to be a fitst class school.

If you live in Georgia, check out North Metro Tech in Acworth. Just finished their and going to orientation at Rosedale Transport end of the month. Its an 8 week program and if you are a resident it will most likely be paid for by the Hope grant. All instructors have over 25 yrs experience each. Good Luck!

Hi Texasshelly,
It is very important to go with a credited school and one that is P.T. D. I. which stands for: Professional Truck Driving Institute those might be more money or more time but it is worth it since you have your life behind 18 wheels and your life and the life of others is that much more important. My company.. Crete Carrier Corportation is our of Nebraska, IN and they will only hire from a P.T. D. I. credited school and they are one of the best companies to work for. They have a "free" rider program and once your training with Crete is done (usually 8 wks. after getting out of school) then your husband is more then welcome to join you. All you have to do is bring your marriage certificate with you and current I.D. to your assigned terminal and there is one in Wilma, TX. Don't get with a school that will make hollow promises. There are so many shady companies and driving schools out there. For more information you can send me a message or go to my site and sign my guest book that way I can give you more details.
Good luck and Merry Christmas!!
BettyAnn

PTDI is not as important as you guys are making out. My school was certified by another organization,and was an 8 week program. I promise you,it is a 20 times better school then most of the PTDI schools,just based on the students of those schools versus me at orientation.Please don't put that much stock into Ptdi,cause when I came out of school,there were literally hundreds of companies that wanted to hire me. Any company that only hires from PTDI is stupid,or getting kickbacks.


Just my rant and rave,sorry.

Hi Texashelly.

From a fellow Texan, stay with a school in Texas. If not, you will have to transfer your license to the state that you go to school in, and then transfer back to Texas after you graduate.

As for a school, do the 200 hr school that is sponsored by a college or Jr. college. I went to First Seat Driver Training in Sulphur Springs, east of Dallas. Small classes and the instructor is real world good.

Right out of school, I went to PTL. The worst time I have had with them so far was the bus ride to Murray, Ky. Other than that, I have no major complaints. But you have to solo for 30 days with no incidents before you can have riders over 18.

Just my .02, and good luck with what ever you choose.

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OMG! You rode a bus to KY?!?!?