What is to stop me from getting initial Cdl learners permit on my own!

Hey-There's nothing to stop you from doing that.That's kinda how i got mine.Worked for a wrecker service when the CDLs came out,grandfathered in and started that way.It worked for me back then.Go for it.The only thing that will stop you is you.Take care.Brian

 

nothing stopping you. down side will be looking for work. many people report an inability to find work without having gone through an accredited program. not saying it will make your job hunt impossible, but definitely will make it harder.

 

I think it will show a future company how you have taken the incentive to obtain your own CDL without the aid of any schools. I have never been to a CDL school but that is really neither here nor there. Once you get your permit try and log as many miles as you can. Keep a record of your logbook even if you run under the 100 mile radius so you will have something to show. Try and also get as many endorsements as you can. Companies like the fact that you as a driver, can be cross trained. Here is a couple of things to keep in mind as you try this on your own.

1. Learn how to be very good at doing a pre-trip and post-trip inspection. Companies like the fact that you will take good care of their equipment. It will also protect you as a driver for roadside inspections.

2. Learn as much as you can from your friend on tie down procedures. Since he or she will haul various types of loads, each one will have their own way to properly secure that type of cargo. Regardless of what you haul, it still has to pass FMCSA requirements. (Federal Motor Carriers Safety Administration)

3. Go to the FMCSA and the NTSB, (National Transportation Safety Board) and get on their automatic e-mail list. They will notify you free of charge of any changes concerning regulations.

4. Read through the FMCSA regulation concerning what a "Driver" is responsible for. Then read it once a week for a month or two. It helps to get your information straight from the "Horses Mouth".

5. Ask questions and try and get as many different opinions as you can. Then look it up.

These are just a few things that will help you by the time you do get your CDL. The most important thing to remember is that when you are sitting behind that steering wheel, you will be help responsible for your equipment, your load and the safety of all you encounter. Your company could share responsibility if something goes wrong but you, as the driver will be the first in line, when the fingers start to wag. Good Luck!

 

You can do it that way; many do. It will take longer though, to get on with a quality company. If you're unemployed, you can get a free CDL school through the WIA program. Driving is the easy part.

 

Here is what you do. Go down to your RMV/DMV and get a CDL book ... Read it 7 times then go take all the tests all at once.. And you are in.. After than ask them to endorse your current license and you should have a class c cdl.

I would then go for the class B with the help of someone local. Then after that repeat the process for a class A.

There are plenty of trucking companies that will train you, and there will be plenty more. Don't get roped into a long term contract with anyone.

And you are worth full pay after 6 month to a year, or your next job.. So after you get you license ask for what you are worth at your next interview. Don't be shy !

 

WIA grants are not automatic for the unemployed and most people are turned down for one reason or another. Certain strict criteria must be met. Not all unemployed individuals are eligible for WIA grants and you have to jump through hoops and provide ALL kinds of information, sometimes in triplicate. IRS forms, W-2s, household bills, companies where you applied for work, letters from former employers, spousal information including wages, hours worked and income earned for last three years, year-to-date statements for each of you and more. You also have to meet with career counselors, take aptitude placement testing and much more. If all works out and one does qualify, the CDL program you select MUST meet with the agency's approval, such as a community college, PTDI-approved course or something else it approves of. I went through the process and it took more than three months of logistical paperwork, repeated phone calls, clarifications with the IRS, haggling with counselors and all kinds of other things but if one is persistent it can pay off if one can get qualified. The current (it changes constantly) qualifying criteria is as follows:

• Has been terminated or laid off, or has received a notice of termination or layoff from employment;
• Is eligible for or has exhausted unemployment insurance;
• Has demonstrated an appropriate attachment to the workforce, but not eligible for unemployment insurance and unlikely to return to a previous industry or occupation;
• Has been terminated or laid off or received notification of termination or layoff from employment s a result of a permanent closure or substantial layoff;
• Is employed at a facility, where the employer has made the general announcement that the facility will close within a 180 days;
• Was self-employed (including employment as a farmer, a rancher, or a fisherman) but is unemployed as a result of general economic conditions in the community or because of a natural disaster; or
• Is a displaced homemaker who is no longer supported by another family member.

 

I went down the office, filled out alot of paperwork, took all the assessments, waited two weeks was then told that I had "hirable skills" and was not eligible for any of the tuition to be paid by WIA. It is not "free" for everyone. In my case I was currently employed. As usual, individuals that likely will make the most of the assistance are not eligible. I told myself that, "It's alright, at least you are not getting your schooling on the taxpayer dime."

 

Yep, since you were employed you likely made too much. I applied via the "Dislocated Worker" program after I was forced to take an early retirement from my job and since my former career is a dying industry leaving me no real, solid prospects, it was a niche for which I qualified. As far as getting an education on the taxpayers' dime, we -are/were- those taxpayers and I take no prisoners regarding the fact I'm able to get back some of those mega tax dollars I paid throughout the years.