Report: Truck Driver Training - by Ted Cohen

"The only text book we had was the Georgia CDL manual"

This should be the only book a student needs to get a CDL.

But, to be a safe and successful driver you need more. There are books and videos put out by JJkeller. Any school worth it's salt will train drivers on a lot more than just passing the CDL test.

 

Given the option, go to a PTDI-certified school. All things being equal, a company would prefer PTDI-certified drivers. But it's not the end-all, be-all.

The most important thing when interviewing with a company is to look the part. Don't go into an interview wearing cut-offs or dirty clothes. Get a hair cut, and get rid of the piercings.

If you are turned down for a job, don't think the world has ended. Return to the employer a few weeks later, make it known you are a committed professional.

Eventually most employers who say "no" initially will give you a second, serious look if you persist and show you are not just a fly-by-nighter.

 

Hey Chief...isn't your avatar the truck from the movie "Duel" - with Dennis Weaver in the orange Dodge Dart?

 

All PTDI means is that the school has to pay a huge fee to belong to PTDI. I'm sorry but only 150 hours is not the best. The PTDI dosen't even recognize a school of 320 hours! I would stay away from any school who is connected to any company or special org.!

 

That was a Valiant!

Mopar spoken here!

 

How did you like the Swift Schooling?

 

But if they did that, where would the misfits of science go? And I refer to the instructors.

 

Poor Dennis Weaver...can't outrun a 250 cummins????

 

One of the best deals for a CDL education is Georgia's Technical Schools.

Financial Aid-Hope Scholarships (GA lottery money) and Pell Grants-take care of everything BUT a fuel surcharge and books, which total about $400-$600. You can even take a couple of months to pay the fees. A lot of the schools offer night classes, take 6-8 weeks to complete and many of the instructors are DMV certified to test. A list of the schools are here:

http://www.tcsg.edu/college_campuses.php

It takes a couple of weeks to get the financial aid, but it is well worth it because you start out with a clean slate, don't owe anybody for the schooling and you get the opportunity to compare all the recruiters making their spiel for the best driving jobs towards graduation.

 

So, is it safe to assume that most of the major carriers will honor a trucking school that is PTDI certified? I have a school in mind, but I'm worried that some companies might not honor the training. I live on Long Island, NY, but the school advertises PTDI certified. This is a good thing, I assume??