Originally Posted by terrylamar

In general, there is no difference between a CDL/No CDL school. The school will train you to get your CDL.

Some CDL holders have the license, but never drove or it has been some time since they did drive and they need a refresher course. The company's insurance company dictates these policies.

Some schools will require you to get your learner's permit before attending school, most will not and it will be a part of the course.

I will assume most of the adds you are seeing are from the larger trucking companies and they have there own CDL schools. Other companies will sponsor you through a school and even others will hire you after you get a CDL through your own school.

Attending a school is not a requirement to get a CDL. You can go through the process yourself and provide your own truck and trailer and take the test at the DMV. Again, check with company you want to drive for, their insurance carrier may require you to attend a school.

Average cost of school is $3,500 to $7,000. CDL training at a community college may be cheaper. There are many different options if a company has their own school or sponsors you through a school. Usually, you will have to repay the "loan" if you do not work for the company for a certain period of time, usually, six months to one year.

In my opinion, it is better to pay for your own school and hire on with a company that has tuition reimbursement.

Application are usually for experienced drivers or inexperienced. Some companies will consider three months experienced others will require several years.

It is best if you do your research on a forum such as this one so you can make informed decisions. Read, read, read, then ask many questions before you decide what school to attend, what seqment of trucking to go into and what company to hire on with.

Originally Posted by KennyR

Are there any companies that offer refresher courses?