Are there ride along programs for CDL training?

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by KaBoAndy88, Nov 10, 2011.

  1. KaBoAndy88

    KaBoAndy88 Bobtail Member

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    Sep 28, 2011
    Waco, Tx.
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    I am trying to break into a good trucking job, preferably running long haul. I'm just having a few issues along the way.

    The first is practicing and passing my test. In addition to my handbook, I have visited some sites for practice tests which, despite my good scores on the webpage, did not carry over to the actual test.

    The second is finding a good truck company to work for. I used to work the shipping yard at a local Coca-Cola plant and got to know some truckers and what their companies were like to a degree. I have seeked employment with both Steven's Transport and Central Refridgerated recently. However, both did not go much further than the application.
    Central was going to sponsor my schooling and now, somehow, it will have to be up to me.

    I really want to get driving as soon as possible but it's harder than I expected and I knew it wasn't going to be easy to start with.
    Does this happen to everyone? Or am I going about it the wrong way? Any help or advice that you could provide would be very appreciated.

    Is there such thing as a ride along program or drivers that do this? Where I could ride with someone and they teach me themselfs as long as I have my permit?
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Dec 6, 2011
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  3. d o g

    d o g Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    Sep 20, 2010
    Texas
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    A lot of us learned to drive either by taking one or two trips with somebody, or just being handed the keys and told where to go and when to be there. Unfortunately, those days are long gone. Insurance companies and personal-injury trial lawyers have made it a losing proposition for an o/o to try to teach somebody to drive a truck.

    I'm not saying that it will be impossible for you to find somebody - just #### near impossible. Unless you know somebody real well or have a family member that owns a truck, you're almost gonna have to have some formal training.

    I think most of us older guys can feel your pain. A lot of us probably never would have started driving if we'd had to go to school or ride with a trainer for weeks. But, that's just the way it is now.
     
  4. STexan

    STexan Road Train Member

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    Oct 3, 2011
    Longview, TX
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    You'll just have to keep trying if you're still sure you want to enter this "lifestyle". Many companies have a "rider" policy but often this is only good for a spouse or child to ride along.
     
  5. tinman4265

    tinman4265 Light Load Member

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    Nov 8, 2011
    Hustonville, Ky
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    You will be allot better off if u find a school and pay for it then find a job. you can get by a lot cheaper as opposed to going to a company sponsored school. i had some freinds that went to a sschool in oklahoma a few years ago and paid abput half whatit would have costed had they went thru a trucking co. some schools can even get you student loans. If you go thru a company u are committed to them and they can treat u as badly as they want and threaten u with collections if u quit..find your own school get your license then talk to a company..most companies require you to have graduated a driving school.If u are a new driver most insurance companies require formal training any more before they will allow the company to hire u
     
  6. coopnp

    coopnp Road Train Member

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    Oct 9, 2011
    Orlando, FL
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    as far as my experience I wouldn't rely on two apps to two companies. I filled out more around 7-8 apps before I got out of school. Explore you options, what you want, hometime, etc. They offer training after you get out of school, some orientation for the paperwork and a couple of tests. They dont expect you to be Johnny Trucker but operate at least safely. The otr training with a trainer for however long is worth every day your out. I went out for two weeks, thought it would suck but it went by fast and I learned more during that period than any cdl school could teach. Thats the way it is and if that bothers you then maybe a different career path. The more time longer than the 2 weeks with a trainer I wouldve done as well. Eventually you will be on your own unless your with a team, and all the practice and repeating stuff is the best training. I went to a local cdl school applied for financing and paid for myself through payments. I have company reimbursement also. Just some steps to what you want...
     
  7. chompi

    chompi Road Train Member

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    Jun 21, 2008
    Deland, FL
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    There must be something you are forgetting to tell us if Central or Stevens didn't hire you. Do you have a bad MVR? Criminal record? Job history?

    Both those companies really aren't that strict on their hiring policy. Maybe fill us in a little more about yourself and we can help steer you in the right direction.
     
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