I'm considering making a career change in mid-life. I've always loved to travel and have lived all oveer the country - Georgia, Texas, New Mexico, Buffalo NY, and now South Carolina. Always going for the bucks.

My question is this - Is SAGE a good training school? There is one in Batesburg-Leesville, but it is rather pricey - $3000+. From what I've recently read, that seems too much.

I have read a lot of good stuff about Roehl and am wondering if I should just go to their school or do I have to have my CDL first?

Thand guys,
BibBob

havent heared much about sage but you might want to check out a local community college its cheaper for the same training you have to make the decision about roehl after or b4 the cdl

Good luck

the technical or community college route is probably the best avenue. The technical college program where I got my cdl only charges $600 tuition + about $200 for supplies/physicals/testing etc. The program is 6 weeks but I'll take that over paying $3000 - $5000 even if it's only 3 weeks.

ya, you will no doubt be signing a contract to, for no less than 1 year. Hope it's worth it to ya!

Three grand is mid-range in terms of cost, and in the absense of a community college near where you live that offers a CDL training program and where the tuition rates would be more reasonable, it may the best option you have to you.

The Sage Corporation has evolved into one of the more successful chain CDL training institutions, but they lack decent accreditation except for two of their locations (at last check anyway). They also are sponsored by many of the same players out there that are constantly in need of drivers, because they have trouble retaining a full working staff.

Before I would commit to them, or consider them, I'd want to know more about the companies that work through that particular facility. Oh...never mind, you are considering Roehl.

Roehl is one of those companies that is receiving rave reviews at the moment, and they seem to be working very hard on improving their image. Several people who have recently signed on with them both in experienced and inexperienced capacities, give a thumbs up to the company.

I can tell you on a personal note, that working for folks up there in Wisconsin is a fantastic thing. Mid Westerner's still know how to treat people.

So..unless you can find an alternative training facility near you, in the form of a community college or technical training facilty, I'd say you are on the right track.

Thanks Turbo. I'm also considering Crete. They have a hub in Spartanburg, pretty close by. Will keep you posted on how things go.

Just got a call from Roehl. They want me to go to their school. Does anybody out there know somebody who graduated from their school. I'm trying to decide between them and Schnieder and Prime. I plan to make a decision in 2-3 weeks. Thanks!

I'm going through Sage now. In Palm Beach Florida. They have some of the best instructors in the Sage chain. I'm enjoying myself so far. After "hurricane" Ernesto killed a day we basically got 5 days condensed into 4. The instructor, Brad who is a great guy, asked if anyone was ready to go take the permit test. I was so ready. I think I might have been the only one in the class of 5 that went today. The others are going on Tuesday morning. So I'm off until Wednesday when we start the pre-trip segment.

I too keep hearing good things about Roehl. Would it be possible for a vegas based driver to work for them? How much does your home city play into determining a company that is good for you?

as it turns out, I was the only one in the class that actually passed the permit tests. I've been practicing straightline backing, bump stop, parallel parking and upshifting (double clutch). It's easy so far. Easy because we have excellent instructors. Definately a good school to go with.