Why pay for school?

What is the question? Why do people pay for CDL School?

People pay for school because they have no other way to train/obtain their CDL - blatantly obvious...

 

The choice to pay for school or take "free training" for me was choosing to wait several months, while out of work and out of money, for the cheaper and longer duration community college CDL class or sign a loan document and start a 3 week course next week. I chose to borrow $3500, with monthly payments of $150, IIRC, and be working in 3-4 weeks. I could have gotten on the waiting list with the CC and someday gotten into class which lasted a semester and then tried to take my new license and shop for an employer.

I suggest staying away from "free training" from trucking companies because they usually offer "free training" to lure newbies into the industry because so few that understand their options ever pick those companies. Those companies have less incentive to work you fairly because if you quit you will owe them the cost of your "free training."

In my experience the best way to begin in this industry is to do your research and find an employer you want to work for, not just some random trucking company, and then get your license the way they expect. Not all trucking companies hire newbies. Those companies that hire newbies don't accept all newbies from all schools. If you want to work for one of those companies you need to come from a school they accept.

However if you really want to be a super trucker you should get your license any ol' way you want and then tell the trucking company their requirements are stupid and you will tell them how to hire.

 

I got the permit on my own, but when i talked to the companies i was going to be with none would take me without a school training me and proof of it. I had a buddy that was going to let me use his day cab tractor to get the cdl too.

Are you inferring we are all to dumb to do it without school or is this your way of telling us you can get your cdl cheaper?

 

if they hire you, you will be handling $100,000 + of their equipment plus who knows how much of their customers, driving around the country exposing them to massive liability if you mess up. if you dont have verifiable experiance i guess an accredited school is the only barometer they have to judge you. sorry, but the days of '' i got a license, let,s go trucking'' are gone. just sayin

 

If you are choosing between "free" company training and taking out a loan the "free" company training has way more upside. Also do your research here and on the internet before you commit to anything. Even though I'm putting "free" in quotes there actually are a few companies that won't charge you a dime other than the misc. fees associated with obtaining your CDL that you would have to pay regardless. Keep in mind that said companies want a commitment in return.

 

Pure BS . Schools aren't a barometer of anything . Have you ever heard of a CDL mill failing anyone ? Everyone with the money gets a certificate . Many graduates will get rejected at orientation , some rejected by trainers , others terminated for various incidents .
People pay for schools because there is a sucker born every minute .
There is no state or federal requirement for specified training to obtain a CDL and there won't be for at least 3 years m

 

Truck Driving School Certificate,







I display mine on the wall with my other accomplishments....

 

Most companies wont even look at you without one! Try getting a driving job without going to one.. You will be waiting a very long time! Every major and semi major company that hire without experience require you to have that certificate.