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

actually you can get a permit on Monday and return on Tuesday with a truck/trailer (that was driven there by a CDL holder) and test out and if you pass, go home with a CDL. There are no "hours requirements" behind the wheel to test for the DMV. However, in reality, your normal person with just 4 wheeler experience will need more than a day to get some experience with trucks, before he tests out. In your case, you can get your permit on Monday, drive your buddy's truck with him in the jump seat to get experience, and do this for a day, a week, a month whatever it takes for you to feel you're ready to test. All your accredited truck schools give you about 10-15 hrs behind the wheel over a two week period. This will be mixed in with skills driving on their lot as well as street driving and freeway. All major truck companies demand a certifird truck school training to be eligible for hire.