Starting a trucking school in Phoenix, AZ

Hello Everyone,

I appreciate everyone taking the time to read my post. I would really appreciate any feedback, good or bad that everyone can provide. I have an idea of starting a trucking driving school in Phoenix, AZ. I say it's a "school" but initially it would be more closely marketed as a study group. I would hold regular classes, I would follow an outline, and I would provide the truck for the behind the wheel training but I'm not an actual "teacher".

I came up with this idea when I basically self taught myself and obtained my Class A CDL (with all enforcements) without going to a school. The biggest thing I had going for me was a selection of trucks I could practice with and a friend to teach me. For those of you wondering I had to obtain my CDL for my job.

My idea is to teach the "meat and potatoes" of getting your license. I would offer everything needed to obtain one's class A CDL, including the use of my truck to obtain the license.

I'm thinking a fair price for this service would be $895 (if paid in advance) $1095 (if paid via payments). Prices would not include actual cost of license to the state for testing, DOT Physical, or background if obtaining HAZMAT.

My question are:

Do my proposed prices seem fair? Too little, just right, or too much?

I'd like to offer job placement assistance. Are there national carriers that hire drivers with no formal experience or school? If so, which ones?

What do you feel is the best way to determine the demand for this service?

Do you guys feel there is a legitimate demand for something like this? (your CDL for less $ than a school)

Other than a website optimized to hopefully show up in a google search, what are some other good marketing ideas you may have?

Please feel free to chime in with other comments or suggestions I haven't thought of.

Thanks again for the help,

Casey