Special Alert!!! Truck Driving Schools

good read alot of good information there thanks to all that posted

 

Good day to everyone out there and God Bless! I'm looking to get into the industry and DO NOT WANT TO GO THROUGH A CDL MILL. I went to TDI (Truck Drivers Institute) in Sanford, Fl. and was I was cautiously optimistic about the program; However, since I have been burnt in the past with similar type of schools (different vocation) I was not going to commit to anything that day. After some research in the past two days and some advice from veteran drivers, I have decided to check out a nearby Vo-tech that offers the CDL course. I still need to take & pass the FL DMV CDL written test before attending the course. My question is there any reputable online CDL prep courses and practice test out there?

Pantherjim
Eustis, Florida

 

Just asking, but what is the name of the Vo-Tech school you are thinking about. Check out the Crist CDL Training Center site on the web. A lot of pratice tests on there.

 

I'll step in here with a little ex instructors advice.
Go to the DMV, get a copy of the CDL manual and read it. At the end of each section there is a test. Take these tests several times but at different intervals. The first time is from front to back THEN put yourself on shuffle and do one then another until you can pass all of them.
These are the same questions you will be asked on your written tests.
The two parts people have the most problems with are the tests on the air system and hazmat.
The main problem on the drivers test is the PTI. I do know that these driver mills will run you through the PTI and ALL they have to show you is WHERE on the truck it is and what to point out to the examiner what you are doing but they aren't told the what it does how it does it and why it won't do it if! This is where you need to start to GET YOUR MONIES WORTH! ASK THEM HOW! Ask them how it works what a crack looks like and what makes it leak. Ask questions and don't take the it doesn't matter answer! You are paying STUPID money to learn how to pass a test and things you need to save your life and someone elses. It's not all how to shift a transmission, drive forwards and backwards and to walk around a truck and point out things if you have no idea how or what these things really do!

 

I went to a Community College for my truck driving training because it is a reputable tax supported school in our local community. I have seen too many private certificate programs that make some good money by signing up students with finacial aide packages that are federally funded, but I question the quality of their education, especially when some companies won't hire their graduates.

The Community College is not privately owned and so does not need to make a profit to stay in business, and does not have a corporate sponsor, like some state run schools do. I know of one that is sponsored by a large trucking company and they provide all the 10 speed tractors for the students to train on...and the training is geared toward OTR trucking....works out nice for the trucking company...but not all students want to work for CRST.

I did not want that...I wanted a good training program that allowed me a variety of experiences on a variety of equipment...I wanted a program focused on education, and not anything else....I found one here, got my certificate, my CDL, my endorsements and the job I wanted about a week before I finished the program. Basically a home run for me and the program...

 

So did you leave the training racket for the same reasons I did?

 

I do not know how to say this any other way, If you are a NEW Driver or recent Graduate of any Trucking school. Before you sign on with a company who promise's to repay your loan, or they have a School. Make absolutely sure that you read EVERY Document, every LINE, and ask all the questions you want. If they will not answer you then be concerned, if they tell you they can not answer the question ask for someone who can. As this is YOUR Life and if you think about some simple Math, you will be able to figure out if you are getting the screw put to you. Most companies average .28 per mile for new drivers, But when you are in training as a new Driver, you can get paid from 250 to 500 per week. now think about this for a second. Take the lowest amount a team makes ( ask the recruiter) ask how many miles the trainer and you will turn a week. Figure the math, then subtract the amount they say they will pay you. Now That is what the company will put in their pocket plus the mileage charge. You do have to take in to account that they are training you that does not mean you have to get cheated. Make sure you are clear on the terms of them repaying your loan, or how much they will deduct from your check each week, and do not forget when the truck is not rolling , you are not getting paid, BUT they will get their money. Carry it over to the next week, If you are in a position to pay for your training up front THEN do that. Never ever let any Employer get you into them, otherwise TRY like the world not to OWE them and NEVER let them get to far out on what they OWE you. Most Companies get paid upon delivery, at worst they get paid within 10 days, Any Big Company will have an operating Budget. Some of the smaller companies 10 trucks or less might ask you to wait until they get paid, sometimes this is not bad.
Also Pay Attention to Safety Bonus's, Keep Track of your Miles, not the Odometer, ask Dispatch what the PAID Miles are, get a notebook and write it down. I used to keep up with Load Number, Shipper, Receiver, Date Loaded, Time loaded. etc and I even kept copies of Signed document showing load was received with or without damage. This was a CYA, I learned the hard way I bought some 8k worth of grapes, the Consignor said they did not get Yet they signed the bills, I sent them in VIA Trip Pac, and I got the screws, Basically said I stole them, I laughed my tail off what the heck was I going to do with 8k Worth of Grapes? Needless to say CYAWBH ( Cover your ### with both hand.) if you have any doubts about a companies "wonderful" offer come back on here ask someone.

 

this is to good of a thread to die

I am looking at a ptdi school in ohio 4200 for 200 hours training
http://www.hrcareeronline.com/
the rest of schools here range 3900 to 5900 but only give 160 hours training

The one i was going to goto was trainco out of toledo until i read this thread they were the 3900 school but would add 800 to stay at hotel while in school 160 hours training.

the 40 extra hours training was the best point. we will see will start in november or december

 

"If they will not answer you then be concerned, if they tell you they can not answer the question ask for someone who can."

And adding to what Doc said, if the answer is vague and non committal? If you seem to be talking to a failed used car salesman? If the contract seems to be written in legalese that no human who has not studied Latin can decipher?

Run!

 

well might have t rethink that school I may get a grant and that is not listed on state of ohio approved schools. So might be Hamrick.