How many hours are required for a CDL refresher course?

I havn't driven in 15yrs. but had 7yrs flatbed prior, was told ins. carriers wouldn't take me without 160 hrs. so off to Roehl Transport I go. Starting in a few weeks.

 

I don't know about in your area but where I'm located Averitt runs ads saying refresher courses are available . You should really stay away from the large carriers . It's worth the search to find a smaller company that is less restrictive.

 

Most companies are asking for at least 120 hours. Go to that company's website it might say it there under new student requirements

 

Yea, the issue with refreshers is that their is not Government given number or even a guide. It is all based on Insurance company's and carrier requirements. Actually, there is no government rule on anything regarding truck driver training. None at all. No hours needed, no behind the wheel, nothing. But no carrier will take you with nothing lol.
I had to do one when I came back on the road from running local. Since local work counts as not driving at all by carriers.
I was at the school for 3 days classroom, and the rest of the time I stood on the yard teaching new students how to back up. Because the road trainers said I was good to go after 15 minute ride with them. Wonderful waste of 2 grand. Basicly all I did was to buy myself a job.

 

I just went through this a year ago. Your best bet is to call the companies you're interested in and ask. I was told everything from 15hours to 160(yeah no). I ultimately did a 40 hour course and hired on with Prime. They still made me go out with a trainer which wasn't necessarily a bad thing considering the poor quality training the school provided. Really gave me a chance to adjust to dragging a 53' trailer around again. For reference, I had been driving a straight truck for the past 6 years and I had just under two years TT experience prior to that.

Hope this helps and good luck.

*edit*

I apologize for being so dense. With 16 months exp. in the last 5 years, there are companies that will probably take him as is (with in-house type training probably. go out with another driver for a couple weeks etc). I certainly wouldn't waste more than a weeks worth of training time/money. That's just me though.

 

I last "drove" in 1997. I started to try and get back into a truck in February this year. I met the same "story". Need a refresher course. $4-5000. ########.

I finally just found a local company by calling in the phone book and talking to people I knew who I should drive for. I am now sitting here 5 months later driving a company truck.

I told them to take their "refresher" course requirement and stick it.

 

You need to stay away from the megacarriers. They are not "most companies". There are many companies that don'e require unneeded excessive hours with a trainer .

 

same here drove last time in 96,an went got my cdl and endorsements, and was having a heck of a time getting a job,till some local outfit hired me, but they really suck i ran out of fuel 3 times,and put my own in to the tank........i should have known better. so i need to get out of here i am in mn to who hired you with no recent?i been back at it since 5-17-12 relly trying to stick it out and go else where,i think i sit as much as i drive

 

Going to a truck driving school for a refresher is kind of a wasted step because who you hire on with will still send you out with a trainer. I know companies like Crete will sign you on and send you out with a trainer. You get everything you would get at a truck driving school without spending the money.

You just have to get on the phone and start calling the ones you are interested in.

You might get lucky with an OO, but at what cost? Reduced wages and no benefits?

 

I would NEVER consider a school to learn how to drive a truck,i jumped in a tuck in 94 with an OO i knew and he showed me, he was old school,and i feel i was thought better then some school,i see all kinds of idiots that cant do a simple lane change,when you have a stranded truck or car on the road. and i believe those are the school kids,or the double clutching, why double clutch,the clutch plate is in now leave it in instead of in an out and wearing the clutch. its the little thing i wouldn't want from them, iam sure i would have leaned some use full stuff, but yeah not for me.