If you are interested in truck driving jobs, you must obtain the appropriate CDL training and pass the CDL written test and driving test to earn either your CDL license Class A, B or C. It is important to get the proper training under your belt before you begin to drive a big rig or other commercially registered vehicle. CDL schools are specialized educational institutions designed to prepare future truck drivers for this important vocation. These schools teach students how to drive commercial vehicles and help them earn their commercial license. This enables drivers to begin their truck driving career feeling safe and confident behind the wheel.
CDL license classes are broken down into three types: A, B and C, and these are the actual classifications of the truck the licensed driver is authorized to operate. Class A vehicles are a hefty combination of vehicles, such as tractor trailers, that weigh in at 26,001 pounds or greater, and tow 10,000 pounds or more. Class B vehicles also weigh in at 26,001 pounds or greater, but tow less than 10,000 pounds. Class C vehicles don’t meet Class A or B weight requirements, but do transport 16 or more passengers or hazardous materials. The type of vehicle you want to drive determines the type of CDL license class you must train and test for. Knowing this allows you to pick the CDL classes you must take when signing up for driving school.
CDL schools that you are considering attending should be accredited institutions with properly licensed driving instructors. This ensures you receive adequate training for your CDL written test and your subsequent driving test. You must pass both tests to earn your desired CDL license class; therefore, it’s wise to make certain that you will be provided an adequate amount of classroom hours and driver training hours on certified courses to ensure you are ready to pass your tests. Your CDL license classes are designed to help you earn your commercial driving privileges, and your driving school will be your best friend during your training.
Drivers attending CDL schools and passing their CDL classes are ready to explore the job opportunities available to them, both employed or independent truck driving work. The key is to ace your CDL written test, earn the CDL license class you want to drive, and then get yourself out there for potential employers to see. Try and gain as much on-the-road experience as you can, so that everything you learned in your CDL license classes truly sticks. The more driving experience you have, the greater a commodity you are to potential employers.
Another benefit of driving experience is safety experience. You will learn a tremendous amount about safety and safe driving regulations during your tenure in driving school. You will be expected to apply safety techniques you learn and practice in both the classroom and on the driving course to your true-life driving experiences. Once you are out in your rig and faced with a potentially dangerous situation, you will truly appreciate the safety techniques you will be taught while attending CDL school. This proves to you – and others – that you know how to handle your rig in any situation. A stellar safety record is appealing to potential employers and saves you money on your truck insurance if you decide to become an independent driver.
It is obvious that there are many things to consider when planning on getting your commercial driver’s license. Proper schooling and training is just the start to building your successful truck driving career. You want to pick a school that you feel will best prepare you for life on the road by building a solid foundation through proper classroom and driver training. You also want to pick a school that you feel confident in – you need to trust your instructors to properly learn from them. CDL schools are there to offer you the best program for earning your commercial driver’s license; they are ready to help you get behind the wheel and begin your commercial driving career.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I messed up and went out and got my CDL on my own. I didn’t want to be forever in debt to a trucking company for one of their schools and couldn’t afford to go to a private school. Hindsight being 20-20, it looks like I am going to have to do one of the other evils after all. I spent about $1500 renting the truck and blah,blah,blah…I have not been able to get anyone to even give me a second look without a school of some sort. What I need is an O/O that will let me team up with him or her and teach me some basic life on the road stuff and let me get some miles and weeks under my belt. Of course, I would be more than happy to work for a paltry sum until he or she thought I was ready and could verify the experience for me. Any thoughts would be appreciated. I’m no spring chicken. 50 plus y/o. I just want to have some say as to who I ride with and want it to be a good fit and a personable experience for all involved. Thoughts or ideas would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Will
Well I was sent home early today due to Roadmasters needing a different co-signer. I was told I wouldn’t need one, then after the first week they changed their mind and said I would, then they lost the paperwork, and the cosigner said he wasnt going to sign it again cause it felt suspicious, so they said thats ok, I don’t need one afterall, go focus on trianing and do well. UNTIL Now, today they call me in demanding a lot of money upfront or they wont let me take the test tomorrow, and demanding a cosigner again. Looks like I will not be getting my cdl through Roadmasters after all. They Need a standard operating procedure badly, in their training and in the school structure and financing systems. It sucks cause tests started tomorrow, I should have had my cdl this friday and on my way to work with the company they showed interest in me. Now I am up shit creek without a paddle and no job, about to be homeless before september cause I put faith in what was told to me from the get go.
Thanks Roadmasters. Your the best.
Can you share your experience with Swift Transportations CDL school…espically if you used the veterns tuition waiver to finance it?