hmmm trying to choose

Discussion in 'Trucking Schools and CDL Training Forum' started by wheretogo, Mar 31, 2012.

  1. wheretogo

    wheretogo Bobtail Member

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    Dec 11, 2011
    passaic, nj
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    Here's what it comes down to. I was recently approved for 4k in training money and have reviewed 3 schools. I'm down to choosing between two schools.

    a school in passaic, nj trains you for passenger endorsement (bus) and class a tractor trailer.

    jersey tractor trailer training in rutherford only does tractor trailer training. but they appear to be more serious and better when it comes to job placement.

    so it's a tough call for me. id love to be able to drive a truck and bus, but is that a waste of time? jersey tractor trailer told me that I have a 3 month window to start driving for a company to gain experience, and after that timeframe it will be harder for me to find work.

    I guess I'm asking...is the pass endorsement worth having off the bat? or is it better for me to focus of tractor trailers?

    thank you
     
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  3. Jeremyc

    Jeremyc Light Load Member

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    Feb 29, 2012
    The Great Lakes
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    I guess it depends on what your employment intentions are. If you are planning on driving a tractor trailer, then obviously you need to focus on that skill.

    I'm not sure in your state what the rules are for driving a bus, but in my state, a class a cdl covers everything that you would need for driving a bus except for the passenger endorsement, which is just a written test at the dmv.
     
  4. wheretogo

    wheretogo Bobtail Member

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    Dec 11, 2011
    passaic, nj
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    Really? You live in a good state then. I need to take a skills test in NJ. I just want to make money and I'm considering the "P" endorsement so that I don't restrict myself.
     
  5. Jeremyc

    Jeremyc Light Load Member

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    Feb 29, 2012
    The Great Lakes
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    Well, now that I think about it a little more, Michigan does also require a driving test in a similar type of vehicle that you will be operating.

    I have spoke with the owner of a charter bus company up here and I think he said they set it up with the tester to meet at their facility and let you use their buses for the testing.

    All of the same mechanical knowledge applies for both trucks and buses though. A "class a" endorsement for driving a tractor trailer gives you the ability to also operate a bus, which requires a "class b with air brakes" after you get the "P" endorsement.
     
  6. wheretogo

    wheretogo Bobtail Member

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    Dec 11, 2011
    passaic, nj
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    Oh yeah? Are you thinking of driving a bus? I just want to be able to take advantage of every opportunity that comes my way. But if working for a bus company messes up your chances of landing a job as a tractor trailer driver, then it's not worth it imo. I believe tractor trailer driving is always more lucrative in the longrun. I'm saying if you work like 3 years as a bus driver before being laid off and decide to apply for a tractor trailer job. I'm sure you would be rusty and employment history might be an issue...

    but I don't know
     
  7. VegasfanNJ

    VegasfanNJ Light Load Member

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    Feb 7, 2012
    New Jersey
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    Check around and go visit the school. Trust me there are some BS schools in NJ. Some make u wait 10-15 deep to drive a truck. OThers are so cheap that they have class b ppl driving a bobtail to practice with. Just look around and make sure you have the right school.
     
  8. Jeremyc

    Jeremyc Light Load Member

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    Feb 29, 2012
    The Great Lakes
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    No, I was just looking for a local, part time gig for a while last summer, but I didn't end up doing that.

    Most trucking companies are going to require that you get some tractor trailer experience within the first month or so of graduating driving school, also they usually want experienced drivers to have actually have recent experience (i.e. within the last 12 months).

    Another thing to think about is that you are not a truck driver just because you graduated driving school. Most companies that will hire recent graduates will require you to take a basic skills test at their orientation and then continue your training by going with a company "trainer" or "finisher" or whatever they choose to call them for about a month or so.
     
  9. Cranky Yankee

    Cranky Yankee Cranky old ######

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    Jan 31, 2012
    Green Bay Wi
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    unemployment gave me my money to go to school in nj i got the passenger too insist on it later your career paths might change. i would highly endorse smith and soloman they have a great rep with dmv as told to me by the examiner at eatontown
     
  10. wheretogo

    wheretogo Bobtail Member

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    Dec 11, 2011
    passaic, nj
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    you recommend a pass endorsement? I know of S&S, but unfortunately I live pretty far from Edison.
     
  11. Cranky Yankee

    Cranky Yankee Cranky old ######

    15,317
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    Jan 31, 2012
    Green Bay Wi
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    when i went to the school in lakewood they said ohhhhhhhhhhhh the bus will be an extra 275. I said gimmie the bus too or i'll go to the shore driver training they quickly agreed. Just remember what I said b4 in Eatontown these northern nj training schools students were failing left and right on test day All 8 from S & S passed One company got sent home for faulty equipment on first student's pre trip What idiot co brings bad equioment to DMV. Both companies I saw from north of the driscoll bridge came down in day cabs with single axle pup trailers how is that gonna get u the skills to drive 5 axle 53 foot rigs half of my class was from north jersey only 12 to a class plenty of drive time one kid came all the way from cape may stayed in the hotel mon-thurs then went home
     
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