Central Ref vs Prime Inc CDL training schools

Illinois is a non-transferable state. If you get your CDL license outside of IL and you move to IL your CDL will not transfer, you MUST take all the CDL tests, including the skills tests, before you can have a CDL in IL. This is often hard for people since many do not own their own semi-truck.

Drive safe,
Tanya

 

There are several states like that ... The DMV's don't have trucs to use for the tests and in some cases you'll have to rent one at a few hundred $$$ or have a friend drive you to the DMV with a truck that they'll allow you to use.

 

So if you have a CDL in another state for 20 years, then move to IL, they won't let you transfer your license without re-testing? That's just stupid. I'd be moving.

What about a regular drivers license? Or is it different?

 

Glad it helped ... When I completed my training I was assigned a trainer out of Sacramento CA. Guy called me on Thursday and said he'd be in terminal within 2 days ... 6 days later he arrived. When the training Department found out they offered me a new trainer. I decided to stick it out with mine as he seemed to be a good guy and was late due to truck issues. I'm glad I did ... The next 28 days out were great. Stopped in Vegas for a few hours (our only Casino stop), ate Mexican food 3-4 times a week (what else do you expect from a Mexican trainer) ... Guy covered all the food and drinks on the truck even though I told him I would handle my own ... even pissed him off when I payed a few bills before he could.

You'll have your ups and downs but you'll be fine as long as you get a good trainer ... if your trainer is trash call for a new one.

 

I believe that company schooling is a little more in depth than the regular CDL mills because these companies are actually personally investing in you by training you. Their schooling programs may also be set up a little different than a regular mill because they know you will continue on your training with one of their trainers for a couple months. So some stuff maybe left out during the schooling part of it to be later learned while you are with your trainer. You maybe just schooled enough to get you your license and then complete your actual training once you are with your trainer.

I am sure that these companies will want you to be thoroughly trained because you will actually be driving for them and using their equipment and dealing with their customers. Not only will you be shown driving skills but I am sure they will be mixing in company policy, paperwork, company procedures, etc...

What it boils down to is what company is going to best suit you and your individual needs and in the long run.

Be sure to take the time and do some thorough research of all companies you are interested in and also take the time to personally talk to their recruiters and get the finer details. Maybe a good thing to make a list of questions so that you are prepared when speaking with them.

I surely would not choose or make any employment decisions based upon others experiences! A company that I personally despise maybe a company you have a long lasting good career with!

Good luck man....

 

Definitely like the other poster said, if you aren't being trained properly or your trainer is making you do shady ##### then speak up immediately and call safety! It happens all the time and isn't a big deal so don't feel as if you are causing trouble or making a scene with your employer because you want to switch trainers.

 

I have been away from prime about 4 years, but I think they have the best program out there. The CDL instructors are o/o that teach you how to drive with real loads and how to run your own business. And most of the 2ed trainers are real good also. But don't let them push you to lease a truck right away. Give your self at least 2-5 years to learn the business before you take on the expense of a truck

 

Nobody pushes leases at Prime - and if they get caught, they can expect a future in pushing leases at England or Swift.

 

That is correct! We had a student, had his California CDL for THIRTY EIGHT YEARS and he came to the school to turn it into an IL CDL. He could have gone down to the DMV with his truck and tested but he ran into some issues so he attended the school and got his IL CDL that way. He said it actually worked well for him.

Regular driver's license are easily transferred if you can prove residency.

Drive safe,
Tanya