Looking for help with schooling...

160 hr. school is ideal for most companies.
Google : WIOA Program New York for state funding.

 

Astracat
Have you tried looking into a company that offers training?. The one stipulation is that you sign into working for them for one year. They help you get your CDL, but you must have a Learners Permit first before attending. Just an ole mans suggestions in helping you look for an altenate to school.

 

When my husband started driving we didn't have a pot to piss in. We went to CRST driver training because they pay to transport you to the school, get your learners, feed (for the most part, it isn't 3 meals a day) , lodge you and only require an 8-month contract. The downside is they don't draw the highest quality recruits and a great lack of hygiene, responsibility, and common sense was observed. It is team driving so you also have to find someone in the class you are in you basically need to trust with your life otherwise your partner choices don't go any deeper than Smoking or Non-smoking. If you go that route make sure you sign up through a dedicated recruiter. That way you spend as little time as possible in expedited where they will send you all over the country without any real plan. We've been with them 2 years and have a week long route where he gets home Friday, does his 34-hour reset and leaves Sunday night.

 

Call your local unemployment office and ask about job placement centers. In MS we have what's called WIN job centers, they have a program through the state to get training through the local community college. I paid 200 out of pocket for my CDL and got to choose the company I went to work for. Worth a shot.