Training?

Hi All

I attended a truck driving program picked and paid for by WIA. Unfortunately the training was horrible. It was supposed to be a 17 day, 164 hour training program. I was there for over 5 weeks and only got maybe 7 hours range time and 2 hours behind the wheel. Because of the overcrowded classes I quit.

I met a OTR driver who is willing to train me on the cheap. Between his help and finishing at the school i could probably pass the CDL exam for a cost around 400-500 bucks maybe less. The CDL school trains on automatic trucks so i wouldnt really know how to shift smoothly. Also, the school never had time to allow me to hook up a trailer on my own.

Do most companies require a test drive from a student driver before hire? or Do they test drive after the training period?

There is a community college across the border where i could get excellent training for around 2200 bucks. But, most of these trucking companies it seems just want a body. I prefer to save the money. What do you guys suggest?

By the way, I wouldnt want to go through a company sponsored training program like swift or schneider either.

thanks

crunch