school?

I'd like to help, but I dont know exactly what you are asking here.

Can you clarify your post ?

 

I think the issue is that even though anyone can study and take the written test to get their permit, they may not find anyone willing to put them into a truck for "on-the-job training", without having gone through some kind of formal training before that.

 

I went to the private school (VA funded, disabled vet) so that I wouldn't be beholden to a starter company for 1 year. I wanted the freedom to change jobs if I had a better opportunity. Also, the private school was 5 miles from my house and offered a schedule I could do while maintaining my main job.

Starter company schools effectively loan you the money for their school, which is then deducted from your paycheck over a period of time (normally 1yr). If you leave the company before that time period is up, you have to make a lump sum payment on the balance. Also note that some starter companies have a tution assistance program after you are hired that will help pay off the private school. Again, this commits you to that starter company.

As far as getting the training from a friend, etc. Most insurance companies wont recognize this as training making it very difficult to find a job.

Hope that answers your question. Your original post wasn't very clear so I took a "shotgun" approach. Best of Luck.

 

Ahh, on re-read of your post, I see you have 9 years as a trucker.

3-4 years ago, it became a requirement (in most states, mine included) that new CDL drivers attend an accredited school for training prior to licence issue.

 

Most insurance companies require new drivers to have 160 hours of schooling.

 

Name me a company that will hire me...then train me...then put me to work when there are 1000's of unemployed EXPERIENCED drivers out there?