Central sponsored schools?

I just graduated from Central's Salt Lake City school. The school is really tough, it's 2 weeks long. On one Friday we started backing, and the next Friday was the road test. If a week behind the wheel is enough to convince your instructors that you are safe enough to earn a CDL, then this is a good choice. We had 23 people who were supposed to start the class, 19 showed up, 11 passed the drug screening/background check, 10 passed the CDL exam, and one of them left immediately afterwards because he got a non-trucking job offer he felt was worth the $3000 exit fee.

Of the 10 who passed the CDL exams, several of us had to retake the written portion, one failed the backing test the first time, and two of us had to retake the road test one time.

One guy in the class was local. He joined us in the dorm for the first week but went home to his girlfriend a couple times during the second week.

The biggest thing about this school is that they are preparing you to drive for Central, and I get the feeling that other companies probably won't look at you without several months experience if you decide to part ways with the company. They have a 1 year contract with a $3000 buyout for the school but they only deduct $1500 during the year if you finish out the contract and waive the other half. If you want to drive for Central, you have to take their school or have 3 months OTR experience. They don't seem to accept students from other schools (including accredited schools). From talking with my recruiter about it, if you aren't a fast enough learner to get your CDL in 2 weeks Central doesn't want you tearing up their trucks after graduation.

 

Do not go to the Alabama school I can't tell you how bad it is I drove a truck with 2 flat tires none of there trucks will pass a inspection taped up steering wheels I did my best to get out of there I stayed in a trailer there with no tv no cell service it sucked 1 girl was there for 8 weeks she was still there when I left the instructor there will cuss at u so be ready if u go

 

The school in Fontana has pretty much brand new trucks, volvos and Freightliners. It is a VERY fast paced course...sorta. I felt the first week dragged by (lots of class time and hurry up and wait). The 2nd week we had 2 days to learn to alley dock and parallel park, then it was the skills test. If you're a slow learner, don't have much common sense, an attitude, and or a complete #######, then you will fail. I felt the instructors did a pretty good job and everyone was professional.