School pushing me to do full course.

Discussion in 'Trucking Schools and CDL Training Forum' started by TankerYanker36, Sep 23, 2020.

  1. TankerYanker36

    TankerYanker36 Light Load Member

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    I drove 10 years ago for about 8 months.
    Recently signed up for a trucking school to get back on the road. I already got my permit and all endorsements before signing up for the school. Passed all tests on first try.

    I asked the school for the refresher course which costs $900 and includes only 6 hours of training and one chance to take the real test. If I fail the test then I can add another two hour training session for $185, and pay to take the test again which will cost $250.

    The school keeps saying they don't recommend the refresher course for me because its been so long. They say I should pay $2250 for the 20 hour course which includes 3 chances to take the test.

    They say because many things changed since 10 years ago.

    I've been studying the pretrip inspection online so I pretty much have that all memorized.
    The only need for me would be to practice menouvering again to get back used to it which I think i can re learn fairly quickly which would save me over $1000 if successful. I'm not the type of person who struggles alot to get things rolling in trucking class.

    Does anybody think its worth it to try and save $1000 and take the refresher course? Or should I play it safe and work towards paying the $2250 for the 20 hour course?

    Thanks for reading.
     
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  3. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    As far as finding a trucking job after graduation; a 20 hour course won't be any better than a 6 hour course. Don't waste a thousand dollars for the extra 20 hr. course.
    The only course better than the 6 hr. course is a 160 hour course.
    `
    Edit: which state do you live in?
     
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  4. TankerYanker36

    TankerYanker36 Light Load Member

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    Thank you sir. Thanks alot
     
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  5. bryan21384

    bryan21384 Road Train Member

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    Well what's changed in the 10 years you haven't been driving? It isn't like you just forget how to drive a truck.
     
  6. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    Elogs, Drug Clearinghouse, hair follicle drug test.
     
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  7. TankerYanker36

    TankerYanker36 Light Load Member

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    Thats what I figured probably nothing much has changed. Maybe new items in the pretrip inspections but I can't find anything much different online
     
  8. gentleroger

    gentleroger Road Train Member

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    I have several gray hairs that demonstrate the lack of veracity in this statememt.
     
  9. TankerYanker36

    TankerYanker36 Light Load Member

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    I live in California
     
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  10. gentleroger

    gentleroger Road Train Member

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    How difficult was cdl school for you 10 years ago? Did everything just click or did you struggle? What was yoir score on the cdl test? If it was more than 15, you might want to go with the longer course.

    Plus as China said, you should check with who you want to hire on with as to what's required.

    My guess is the reason the cdl school wants you to do the 20 hour course - which has a lower potential profit margin - is the high percentage of people who sign up for the 6 hour course, and fail.
     
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  11. rachi

    rachi Road Train Member

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    Go sign up with prime or swift and let them foot the bill. You sign on the bottom line and then drive for them for a couple years and your school is paid off. Then your free to move on and upgrade if you wish.
     
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