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Has anyone ever taken the online CDL courses?

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by JoeF2002, Jan 10, 2016.

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  1. Jan 10, 2016 #1
    JoeF2002

    JoeF2002 Light Load Member

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    Hey guys - I'm in the market to obtain my CDL an have started looking at schools for training. I was browsing online for available courses that are maybe offered virtually or through a self-paced approach. Does anyone know of any online sites that offer this type of training?

    I am well aware that no amount of virtual or self-paced training is as good as the real, face-to-face classroom instruction of CDL schools. Unfortunately given my living situation, far proximity to schools, family obligations, and the fact I'd be paying out of pocket, it's very difficult for me to actually go to a school at this time. I want to, but just can't right now. So please skip the obvious "classroom training is the only good option" comments, as I'm trying to find a way to make this work.

    Oh and one followup - from what I understand just prepping and passing the written parts aren't enough, right? I will need to prove I've taken formal hands-on training in an actual truck, correct?

    Thanks everyone!
     
    Last edited: Jan 10, 2016
    JoeF2002, Jan 10, 2016
    JoeF2002, Jan 10, 2016
    #1
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  3. Jan 10, 2016 #2
    Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    You can study online, but the actual test must be taken at the DMV.
     
    Chinatown, Jan 10, 2016
    Chinatown, Jan 10, 2016
    #2
  4. Jan 10, 2016 #3
    JoeF2002

    JoeF2002 Light Load Member

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    Thanks Chinatown. Yes I do know I'll have to go the DMV for formal testing. Do you have any websites or online courses you would recommend looking into?
     
    JoeF2002, Jan 10, 2016
    JoeF2002, Jan 10, 2016
    #3
  5. Jan 10, 2016 #4
    O.Henry

    O.Henry Road Train Member

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    "Read" your States DMV manual,then take the tests the next,and you will pass. Don't overload your brain.
     
    O.Henry, Jan 10, 2016
    O.Henry, Jan 10, 2016
    #4
  7. Jan 10, 2016 #5
    Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    CRST, the trucking company, has a pretty good guide and study questions.
    There's also CDL Practice Tests on here.
     
    Chinatown, Jan 10, 2016
    Chinatown, Jan 10, 2016
    #5
  8. Jan 10, 2016 #6
    satmantoo

    satmantoo Light Load Member

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    No online training, if there is such a thing is going to teach you how to drive and that's the training you need. 80% of training is behind the wheel. That being said, there are many company sponsored schools that you can go to for free with the obligation to drive for the company paying for your training, that you drive for them for one year. You won't make a lot of money the first year but after that $50 to $60,000 a year is easy to obtain.
     
    satmantoo, Jan 10, 2016
    satmantoo, Jan 10, 2016
    #6
  9. Jan 10, 2016 #7
    ajohnson

    ajohnson Medium Load Member

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    An online course would only help you pass the written tests for the permit. There is no need for a class for the written test. Just read your state cdl manual, study it, take the practice tests on this website and you will pass all written tests no problem. But how do you plan to learn to drive the truck, this needs to be done in a truck behind the wheel, a simulator will teach you nothing.

    Also you do not legally need any formal training to get a cdl. You can take the driving test with no formal training, but you will need to learn somehow. Also some companies require an a credited 160 hour school, some do not
     
    Last edited: Jan 10, 2016
    ajohnson, Jan 10, 2016
    ajohnson, Jan 10, 2016
    #7
    Bob Dobalina Thanks this.
  10. Jan 10, 2016 #8
    JoeF2002

    JoeF2002 Light Load Member

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    Thanks for the information. I do have some friends who have agreed to help me with the hands-on portion in exchange for some beers and gas. lol Can't beat that! :) But thanks for clarifying about whether or the DMV physically requires me to show xx number of hours of hands-on training.
     
    JoeF2002, Jan 10, 2016
    JoeF2002, Jan 10, 2016
    #8
    Bob Dobalina and ajohnson Thank this.
  11. Jan 10, 2016 #9
    Bob Dobalina

    Bob Dobalina Road Train Member

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    The written tests are easy to pass just by studying the CDL book you can get for free from any DMV branch. But a good amount of practice driving a big truck is essential to be able to pass the skills test. There's no getting around that.

    The school basically provides that practice time. I also had this idea I could do it without school, and only after the fact realized how silly that was (after I saw it wasn't a piece of cake learning to shift and back properly). Unless you have a semi, and a big lot to set up cones and practice on, and a licensed friend to help show you everything and take you out on the road legally...you'll need some kind of formal training. Some people do it without school, but they need practice to pass.
     
    Bob Dobalina, Jan 10, 2016
    Bob Dobalina, Jan 10, 2016
    #9
    ajohnson Thanks this.
  12. Jan 10, 2016 #10
    2duisperyear

    2duisperyear Light Load Member

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    I'll confess, I just typed in test questions online.... Took practice test 5 times and was good to go
    As far as sos written test
     
    2duisperyear, Jan 10, 2016
    2duisperyear, Jan 10, 2016
    #10
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