Desert Truck Driving School Review (Reno)

I have to agree with Chuck. I arrived at Desert on 29 November 2007, and walked out of there 15 days later on December 13th with my CDL. I achieved over 160 hours of training in that short amount of time simply because Desert starts their training at 4AM (for those who are dedicated), or 8AM (for those with problems getting up in the morning). COB is at 4PM every day except Saturday and Sunday, in which case they start at 4AM and end at noon. It's pretty much a self-paced course, and you will get out of it exactly what you put into it. There are students there who have been enrolled at Desert for over a year now, some six, some three, and some just weeks. The bottom line is, Jimmy (owner) Sue and Frank will not kick you out of the school until you receive your CDL, nor will they ask you for more money if you repeatedly fail the exam, unlike a lot of other schools out there. They also have one of the highest pass rates of all the schools in that area. I especially like the BBQ's the school puts on every Thursday for the students which brings which brings everyone together to talk and share idea's about course work, potential job prospects, and whatever else happens to be the topic that day. It's just a great time all way around. They even have someone come in to do finger printing every Tuesday/Friday so you can test for your HAZMAT endorsement. If you do go to Desert, tell them Doug said Hello. Chuck, I think you even stopped by with you flatbed and Arrow Rigg one day while I was going thru the school. Nice truck! Good luck with your career!


VegasRoadDawg

 

How expensive is this school? Can you come in from out of state and leave with a Nevada CDL?

 

I started my schooling at Desert this week, and so far, I am glad I did. I really like the way their program is set up. First couple of days, you watch some videos, get classroom time and logbooks instruction. But day 3 you are IN a truck practicing backing, even if you don't have your permit yet. Then, you are on your own. you get a timecard each week that you punch in and out with, so they keep track of your school time. You must get at least 120 hours. Once you feel confident in your abilities, you can attack their 7 skills course on their lot. When you have your permit, you can go out on the road with an instructor at Midnite, until 4am..sometimes until 8 am......then stick around and practice skills on the lot, or work on your PTI.....and like a previous poster said.......they won't boot you if you don't do it in three weeks.....you just keep working on it until you are there!! 3 weeks , 6 weeks, 3 months! When they think you are ready to take your test, they'll tell you. But even then, if YOU don't feel like you are ready, you can keep practicing until you are.

And the equipment is quite old and nasty, but this will make you appreciate the equipment you end up getting from your eventual employer that much more!

the best part of this school................THE PRICE.....especially if you are paying your own way!! It's LESS than $2000 !!!!!!!!!!

 

As others have said, this school is self paced.. To get through it in a time frame that is not embarrassing (compared to the length of other schools) YOU need to be motivated. It is all too easy to get into a routine of showing up for only a couple hours each day.. and skipping days. My cousin has gone here, and did just that. I know that he will graduate, and I am certain he will get his CDL, but he sure has made it harder on himself.

Treat this school like a job ! ... put in a full day, EVERY day... examine the math...
8 hrs pr Day = 40 hrs week X 3 weeks = 120 hrs.
4 hrs pr Day = 20 hrs week X 6 weeks = 120 hrs.

add in missed days, and even longer.. and then, as said if you don't learn the skills they are not going to just graduate you, or let you take
the DMV test.

 

Will be going to desert for my training........ thank you for the great 411. i will ask for the 2 Franks.