Starting school tomorrow help NEWBIE

You don't have to go to school to get your CDL. If you have a friend or family member that has their own rig just go down to the DMV, take your written tests, and get your permit. You can add yourself to your friends/familys tractor insurance for a fraction of the costs of tuition, and probably even get paid while you drive and learn. If not just rent a tractor and trailer for a day. Way cheaper than tuition. There's not a classroom that holds a candle to the experience ya get from the open road. That's how I learned. Started doin ride a longs with my uncle when I was 15, and when the offshore work fell out due to the spill in the gulf, I took all my exams, borrowed a buddies rig and took my driving test. Been behind a windshield ever since. And because of your lack of experience, most company's are gonna pair ya with a trainer anyhow for a couple of months to show you the ropes.

The best advice I can give any new driver is to pay close attention to everything before ya sign on that dotted line. There's so many people trying to take advantage of new drivers it's sick. There's also some online training and practice tests that cost WAY less than $6500 and before I took the plunge I would check out some of that stuff first.

Also, this really isn't a job, but more of a lifestyle. You're gonna spend around 90% of your year behind a steering wheel and be home about 1 day for every week your out. If your married, got a bf/gf or kids that's gonna make it tough. I'm married w/ a 3yo daughter and it takes alot from all of us to make it work.

Just starting out ur gonna have to muck through some of the 'nasty' companys out there to get your driving experience. Just keep your eye on the prize and cover your ### at all times. Don't do anything over the phone, but rather over the computer on your truck. That way if ur dispatcher tries to pull something it's documented. If u quit always turn the truck into a terminal AND get a written note of some kind they received it. Gotta keep your DAC clean for rehire. Every 6mos you drive you're gonna go up a level as far as being hirable.

Hope this helps and if ya have any other questions just holler!!


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$6500. wow thats steep. Try a community college, they have day and evening classes and far cheaper than roadmaster. The community college here where i live, tuition is $3,350. Check out the thread for cdl mills vs community college.

 

Definitely check out local colleges. I took my training at a local technical college and it was 3950 for a 200 hr course and it was over 4900 for a 160hr course at the mill.

 

Woow that is crazy talk about inflation I only paid 1500 for my tuition in 2008 and now in 2011 those are the prices?!? Dang. Hey Yolanda what state are you from I kept all my tests with answers with all endorsments that will get you a permit and maybe bring tuition down. PM me if your interested. You still have to read the DMV CMV manual but the tests help alot.

 

Go to your local One Stop Career center. Link-
http://www.floridajobs.org/onestop/onestopdir/OneStopDirList.asp?Region=08
They can give you info on loans and grants to pay for school.
Flagler Technical Institute in Palm Coast is $2800 everything included and the tech school courses are 320 hrs, 3 to 1 student/teacher ratio, 800+ miles IN THE SEAT, not 160 hrs, 6 to 1, 60 miles and hours of "self-study". Real teachers with no profit motivation and usually weekend programs are available at CCs for working folks.
And Werner? Seriously, read some of the posts on here about them. Better choices in Jax for starter companies. Best of luck to you in your new career.

 

On of the best carriers who hires out of select schools is epes transport
The closest school for you on the list is wiregrass cc in voldosta ga
! Best of luck! Pm me if i can help, am one of epes trainers.

 

Welcome to the party!