Some companies, and I think Crete is one, will not hire new drivers unless they are grads from PTDI schools.

I live near a PTDI school, its called Western Pacific Truck School, is it a good school? it only 4 1/2 weeks long, does not sound long to me.

Originally Posted by apaulson

I live near a PTDI school, its called Western Pacific Truck School, is it a good school? it only 4 1/2 weeks long, does not sound long to me.

Pretty much seems to be the standard for private, independent schools.

I think community college's are maybe 10 weeks.

and company-schools are generally 3 weeks.

well, that's the theme I'm seeing...

I'm starting a PDTI school next month. I imagine (all i have to go on) it's a plus. But the question is whether or not it makes a appreciable difference, and what that difference might be. As already posted, some companies won't hire you without it, so the answer would be yes, if you want to work for that company. Another thing to consider of course, is how it relates to cost. If PTDI certification costs more, how much more is it than any other shcool you're considering that isn't certified?
The real point I'm trying to make here is PTDI is only one factor of many to consider, but a factor never the less. I may draw some fire for this, but I think that in an odd way, it's more important what you think about the PTDI, because you're the one with the decission to make. Good Luck!

If you go to PTDI's website they list the schools with the certification. There aren't that many. Not to sling names, but one company that sponsors training is PTDI certified. However, they have a driver safety rating that hovers just above the deficient line. In my opinion, if the company that you want to work for doesn't require it than don't worry about it. Persoanlly, I think it's a paid for certification if a school wants to shell out the bucks. But that's just my opinion. If it really meant anything it would be a standard for schools to follow and not an optional item.

Originally Posted by NevadaJim

If you go to PTDI's website they list the schools with the certification. There aren't that many. Not to sling names, but one company that sponsors training is PTDI certified. However, they have a driver safety rating that hovers just above the deficient line. In my opinion, if the company that you want to work for doesn't require it than don't worry about it. Persoanlly, I think it's a paid for certification if a school wants to shell out the bucks. But that's just my opinion. If it really meant anything it would be a standard for schools to follow and not an optional item.

I just spoke to a C1 school and got some pretty clear answers that agree with Nevada Jim. It is a certification the school purchases. While it may have some narrow or "niche" applications, it does not seem to have broad applicability. If it is a "make or break" matter, perhaps there is no alternative. Hope this helps.

Merlin14

The way I understand is that all trucking schools are required to be licensed by that state in order to operate. They are not required to be certified by an independent third party. Certification is voluntary. The Professional Truck Driving Institute (PTDI) is the only organization that can certify a trucking driving school. The PTDI has higher standards such as requiring that each student spend a higher amount of time behind the wheel. I don't know the exact numbers. It's a mood point if the company you're interested in doesn't care if the school you went to is certified by the PTDI.

In my area, DDS (a private, 4 week school) is NOT certified and costs twice as much as Fox Valley Tech which is certified.