How many PTI/Driving hours to pay for to pass?

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by LeadFarmer, Dec 20, 2017.

  1. LeadFarmer

    LeadFarmer Light Load Member

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    I'm ahead of the curve for most new drivers as I have my CLP, pristine MVR, and 2.5yrs of commercial driving experience (Uber) in the challenging NYC metro area. Mechanics intrigues me and learning all the parts and functions has been a joy. I know exactly which company best fits me and they're an automatic fleet.

    Schools by me have pricing based on "packaged" hours of driving training. Minimums are 8hrs going up to 160+ hrs, from $800-$4,500. I may be stuck paying out of pocket (checking out my state WIA options Thursdays) and am cash strapped. I don't want to pay hundreds of dollars for training when I will be getting paid to learn with a company trainer and driving an automatic.

    How long did it take you folks to get a hang of shifting and backing enough to pass the test? I'm not too worried about the pre-trip as j just need to learn the language they want to hear and I live across from a 24hr 5 bay diesel mechanic who'll let me practice my inspection skills.

    My plan was to do 15hrs with the school that only does one on one driving and see if they'll let me add hours if I/they feel it's needed. Also on a side note is there someplace I could do a title loan that isn't a complete rip off?
     
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  3. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    What company have you chosen to work for?
    You're overthinking this maybe?
     
    driverdriver Thanks this.
  4. driverdriver

    driverdriver Road Train Member

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    Not that far if any at all.
    Uber isn't commercial driving and counts for nothing in the trucking industry.
    Also keep in mind if you train in an automatic and test out and get your CDL in a automatic your license will have that restriction on it.
    To get it removed you would have test and pass road test in a manual.
     
    Bean Jr. Thanks this.
  5. LeadFarmer

    LeadFarmer Light Load Member

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    Melton running flatbed. Considering the going rate is $80-$110/hr for training here I'm happy to spend a few hours shopping and getting advice for free :)
     
    macmoran Thanks this.
  6. LeadFarmer

    LeadFarmer Light Load Member

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    I don't plan on testing or training in an automatic. Uber gives good experience for wierd sleep schedules, driving in hazardous weather, and extreme defensive driving. Lots of the habits I see preached by trainers and YouTube I already have from Jersey/NYC driver's, bicyclists, drunken 3am zombies, and running a tight, safe vehicle.

    I don't care what anyone says, shippers and consignee's are going to be easier to deal with than four cackling 22yo girls screaming for Snapchat stories, puking, and needing three stops while being too drunk to remember where they live without a 5 minute interrogation.
     
    Chinatown Thanks this.
  7. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    Melton is a good choice. When looking for cdl schools, call Melton and ask if they will hire from the school. It would be disappointing to graduate from a school, then learn Melton won't hire grads from that school.
    Also, ask Melton if they hire where you live. They probably do, but ask anyway.
     
    Last edited: Dec 20, 2017
  8. LeadFarmer

    LeadFarmer Light Load Member

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    Already talked with Melton a few times and they hire here. They have hired from all schools I'm considering. Asked the schools and Melton sends recruiters to them and they confirmed they have grads there.
     
    Chinatown Thanks this.
  9. KillingTime

    KillingTime Road Train Member

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    Do they weight 12,000 lbs a piece?
    48k laden in your NON commercially registered vehicle? Pushing you hard down a hill? To jake or not, conditional consideration....

    No.

    That 'experience' doesn't mean #### in trucking. Isn't commensurate.... you tell a recruiter that story and how it makes parallels in your mind, I bet you get laughed out of their office. They'll tell you to apply to Yellow Cab just down the street.

    The distraction bit might be transferable, beyond that, I don't feel it gives you but even half a clue.

    Good luck out there.
    I hope you find something you jive with. Do keep the thread updated.

    Wishes of success.
    Not delusion. :)
     
  10. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    OK, seems as if you've planned well! Best wishes; you won't regret this career change!
     
    Last edited: Dec 20, 2017
  11. driverdriver

    driverdriver Road Train Member

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    Unless your going to just pay whole bill and get your license through
    Last sentence first paragraph.
    "I know exactly which company fits me best and they're an automatic fleet".

    Last sentence second paragraph.
    " I don't want to pay hundreds of dollars when I'll be getting paid to learn with a company trainer and driving an automatic".

    And I'll try this part again, your car is NOT a commercial vehicle , 2.5 yrs driving uber is not 2.5 yrs commercial driving. It literally counts for nothing in the trucking industry.
    But what do I know I've only been at this truck driving thing for 27yrs.
    Good luck to you.
     
    ladr, Bean Jr. and Crude Truckin' Thank this.
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