Little background about myself, I’m 23 years old been around trucks since I started walking. My plans all through school were to drive. I graduated high school and life happened. Given the situation at the time, I needed a job/career that I made decent money (room for advancement too of course) and benefits. I started in the river industry working on the Mississippi River on a river boat. My company has given us warnings of this winter when work gets slow. Due to COVID and demand being down on our cargo we haul, the whole year of 2020 has been a large ? mark. I’m afraid I will be laid off this winter and I can’t afford to be out of work. I want a back up plan (CDL) to limit my down time in case the worst happens. I’ve driven before with my dad, know my way around trucks, how they work, and how they operate.
Now to my question. I’m wanting to get my CDL here in Tennessee. The closest road testing centers to me is Columbia, TN and Jackson, TN. I’ve heard through the grapevine from a few guys saying that the Columbia center is easier? Sounds REALLY SILLY to me honestly but it’s worth me to ask I suppose. I would figure they are the same but some ride along testers are tougher than others... Anyone have any input here? Any 1st hand experience with these 2 offices?
Getting Tennessee CDL
Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by Voltrucker, Oct 25, 2020.
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Where are you located exactly? I got my CDL in Murfreesboro at Truck Driver Institute. There's a couple of schools there. It was pretty easy to get it in Murfreesboro. I'm living in Memphis now.
tscottme Thanks this. -
I don't have an answer for the question you're asking but your post raised some red flags.
1. You didn't mention a CDL school in your post. While you may, "know your way around trucks" and be able to pass the written and driving tests right now few, if any, companies would be able to hire you without a 160 hr training certificate. As with most hiring decisions, the insurance companies will require it in order for a company to hire you. You'll need to go to a school (whether you need it or not) to obtain the 160 hr. training certificate.
2. A CDL isn't a Twinkie. It's not something you can put on a shelf indefinitely as a, "back up plan" and expect to be taken seriously when applying for a driving job months or years later with no verifiable experience. Depending on how stale your license is you may need, "refresher" training before starting to drive. Most companies don't offer this and those that do will want you to pay them for the training or sign a contract agreeing to work for them for a period of time.
It only takes 3 weeks to finish a CDL school. Wait until you're ready to start driving. You can be earning a paycheck on the 22nd day if you do it right.tscottme and firemedic2816 Thank this. -
R. E. West Transportation in Ashland City, TN has their own cdl school and a job at graduation.
The school is free and there's no contract to sign.
They pay $10.00 hr. while in school and provide meals and lodging.
R. E. West Transportation
R. E. West Transportation
R. E. West, Inc. is a proud member of the U.S. EPA SmartWay Transport Program. Developed jointly in early 2003 by EPA and Charter Partners represented by industry stakeholders, environmental groups, …
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We have trained hundreds of drivers over the years, and if you want to be a truck driver, you will need a class A CDL. With TLD, you will receive your class A CDL and be able to start driving right after your graduation from the program.Last edited: Oct 26, 2020
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That’s cool that you’ve been around trucks your whole life etc, none of it counts toward verifiable drive time.
I think by going the route you’re looking to follow (as far as having your license as a backup), you’ll likely struggle to find decent driving work if your current job lets you go in the future, unless you’re cool with rock or dirt hauling with a triaxle.
Consider doing the 160 hour school just to make your life easier if and when you’re let go. You literally have nothing to offer the insurance gods of the industry.dunchues Thanks this. -
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