Cost of driving schools?

North Carolina offers two 3rd party CDL testing schools through Johnston County and Davidson County community colleges. Both programs are full compliment and have many recruiters knocking down the doors before you graduate

 

Any idea how much would it cost for the whole course?

 

Those are both excellent choices though somewhat pricey. A community college near Wilmington, NC in I believe New Hanover County is structured much the same way but less expensive.

Ncmickey, a contributing member of this forum graduated top student in his class at JCC and is a good source for information regarding cost and curriculum.

 

I just made a post in this forum sub section, but I will add here....I am looking to obtain my CDL so I recently visited a local school. They have told me that because I am unemployed/underemployed I can apply for a federal Workforce Investment Act grant which will pay for 100% of my training, materials, medical exam, and DMV fees. This is a grant, not a loan so nothing to pay back. Anyone done this? Too good to be true?

Some info on WIA: http://www.edd.ca.gov/jobs_and_training/Workforce_Investment_Act.htm

CJ

 

Thanks.. I'l take note of that.

 

How much actual time behind the wheel is considered appropriate when evaluating a CDL school?

 

I don't know what some consider appropriate, but I can tell you that at the school I attended, which was a four week, 160 course, we had 20 hours behind the wheel, including 3hours of night driving. I've heard from drivers of other schools who had less than five. This is probably a good criteria by which you should base a school's eligibility. Jus sayin.

 

Great question.Every school varies.I would find a school with a real good reputation and here's what you need to do.Call the school ask them how much drive time and backing practice does each student receive.What is there success rate.How many instructors do the have.Then any other questions you may have.There's a lot of schools that are nothing but scam artist.Find one that takes pride in their work rather then take only the money.

 

I am starting with a CDL school that offers 1 on 1 training. It is 2 to 3 days a week for 4 weeks. We study for the permit test at home on our own time and the training is all driving. About 25 hours total driving. Some in a 10 speed some in a 13 speed. The cost is only $1895. I was a bit skeptical after talking to other '160 hour' schools with price tag of $4000 to $6000. I called several of the big trucking companies to check and they all said the school was on their approved list.

So, I am finding out that some of the other schools are 80 hours classroom time to pass the written test and 80 hours 'driving' which is only about 20 hours of actual driving and 60 hours watching someone else drive.?? Someone correct me if I'm wrong.

 

A classmate of mine went to one that costed around $1,300. He says they threw him in an automatic truck and the instructor just got him to drive around the ministry test routes (while the instructor talked on the phone or napped), as well as backing between a couple painted lines in a parking lot. THAT is brutal... They are out there.