Driving School Info

Discussion in 'Trucking Schools and CDL Training Forum' started by Slimpack, Nov 16, 2011.

  1. Slimpack

    Slimpack Bobtail Member

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    Oct 26, 2011
    New York
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    I have two questions I want to ask.

    Does going to a lesser known local driving school to get your CDL limit your hiring options? I ask because I've found some relatively cheap local schools in my area in NY, but good starter companies seem to want you to go to a more recognized (more expensive) school. for example KLLM says that you have to go to a school with a 160 hr course, and Schneider only lists sage and smith & Solomon as schools on there website in my area that they hire out of.

    That also brings me to my next question. is Smith & Solomon a more recognized school than winsor's tractor trailer school? I ask because like I mentioned winsors wasn't on Schneider's list so I just wanted to make sure I wouldn't be a disadvantage to go to winsor's instead of S&S. It would be weird if it was since from what I've read on this forum winsors is a better school.

    Anyway that's it for now. so far it's looking like I'll have to pay out of pocket for whatever school I go to since it seems to be difficult to do it any other way, so I'd preferably like to do it as cheaply as possible without limiting the companies that would hire me.

    Any info would be appreciated.
     
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  3. maxwelltie

    maxwelltie Medium Load Member

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    Mar 13, 2010
    Brookings, OR
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    Most companies require students to have graduated from a PDTI certified school. This insures the school has met certain criteria in training that the trucking company's insurance company requires.
    One of those requirements is a minimum of 160 hours of training, half of which is classroom and half behind the wheel.
    If you pick an unknown and uncertified school, you will likely find it difficult, if not impossible to be hired by most companies.
    That's not because they're being difficult, but because their insurance company sets the rules.
     
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  4. Bigarmin88

    Bigarmin88 Road Train Member

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    Tampa Bay Fl
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    The cheaper schools are not always your best choice,most mega companies required the 160 hours training and they prefer a trucking school they know of like Road Master and Sage schools.Your best bet is to call and ask,not all companies are picky.
     
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  5. Slimpack

    Slimpack Bobtail Member

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    Oct 26, 2011
    New York
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    good idea. I'm going to call more companies and see what they say. I really don't feel like having to call a lot of them though, I've already been calling people all week :biggrin_2552:. Thanks for the advice.
     
  6. xpiscott

    xpiscott Bobtail Member

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    Oct 17, 2011
    On the Mountain, SC
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    I would call or go to the schools websites and see what companies send recruiters to that school. Seems this would be the easier route.
     
  7. The Gryphon

    The Gryphon Heavy Load Member

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    Nov 3, 2011
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    Which companies require that a student have attended a PDTI certified school?

    I'm just starting out, but I have to say that the dozen or so companies that I've spoken with about which schools they accept drivers into their student driver programs from, I haven't had a single one even mention PDTI certification as a requirement for the school to be acceptable to them.

    In fact, I haven't had a single company even mention PDTI certification to me at all.

    Those that I've spoken with do require their "qualified/acceptable schools" to provide a minimum of 160 hrs of training but no mention of the requirement for PDTI certification.

    So, I'm curious as to which companies do require that students have attended a PDTI certified school?
     
  8. Asphalt Cowboy Spirit

    Asphalt Cowboy Spirit Light Load Member

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    Nov 19, 2011
    California
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    Forgive me here, I`m new, but what is a PDTI certified school? What does PDTI means?
     
  9. Eaton18

    Eaton18 Road Train Member

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    Sep 3, 2011
    Waverly, KS
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  10. Asphalt Cowboy Spirit

    Asphalt Cowboy Spirit Light Load Member

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    Nov 19, 2011
    California
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    Thank you! I`ll have to see if Western Pacific Truck School is one, so far it`s my first choice...
     
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