Express CDL Programs

Discussion in 'Trucking Schools and CDL Training Forum' started by speedyk, Apr 8, 2017.

  1. speedyk

    speedyk Road Train Member

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    This might be controversial to some, but I'd appreciate arguing about it elsewhere so that someone who wants an accelerated program can find info easily without digging through arguments and war stories. What would be ideal is if anyone who knows of other short CDL programs could post similar information, and only that.

    This is what I've concluded after reading far too much about CDL work on TTR and other venues...thank you, @Toomanybikes, for putting it out there.

    If you read TTR closely, you can find quite a few posts quietly suggesting just getting a CDL however you can and then shopping it around for an employer. Someone with a new CDL likely has to start at the bottom anyway, and there are lots of local companies who are no worse than the megas. If you don't want to do that, this thread is not for you. There are plenty of 120/160 hour and up schools to choose from, and threads about them, elsewhere.

    I've spoken with most of the schools below (except OC Truck Rental, who haven't replied yet) and they are knowledgeable about getting a CDL and don't make promises beyond that. Most take credit cards (not sure about OC Truck Rental yet), so if you have some credit headroom you can charge ahead.

    The ones I've found so far...prices are current as of 4/7/17...

    California...http://www.orangecountycdltruckrental.com/ About $800 and a few days, not counting waiting for a DMV slot, which in California can be weeks. No third-party, they coach you for the test. They use a day cab and what looks like a container frame, which would make backing visibility easier. Their Yelp page has positive reviews.

    Arizona... http://www.arizonacdl.com/faq/ About $1500 in seven days, no sitting around when not driving, only show up when it's your turn to drive. They are third-party testers. They send a packet with info to pass the written tests in advance.

    Nevada... http://russiantruckdrivingschool.com/ They charge $1800 for 3-day automatic, $2200 for 3-day manual trans. They have a DOT physical partner with walk-in down the street. They are third party testers. Unless you read Cyrillic you won't be able to read their website. If you use the Chrome browser, it will offer to translate it for you. But on the phone or via email it's no problem speaking English, very friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful. They offer longer classes and have mega recruiters visit if that''s what you want, and offer a 1-day refresher. If you inquire they'll send a pdf of their courses and fees. They offer a lodging deal with a local place for $140/week during training.

    Desert Truck Driving School in Sparks only charges 300 more ($2500) for a 120-hour class and teaches 7 days a week. They estimate 3 weeks if you go every day all day. If you're doing OTR, this seems like a good deal. They aren't third-party testers.

    Colorado... http://cdlcollege.com/CDL_Courses_Fees_Testing They charge $1865 for CDL A "Local", which means no trip planning or OTR training. For that you get 8 lessons, additional lessons are $250. They are third-party. There is no schedule, show up and take a lesson when you can. The owners ran a regional LTL company.

    One little tidbit I found by doing this legwork. You can take a completion pack from a school in one state and a DMV in another state will accept it, if you have a permit there.
     
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  3. CrappieJunkie

    CrappieJunkie Wishin' I was fishin'

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    Keep in mind most trucking companies wont hire you without school for the simple fact their insurance provider wont hire without some kind of schooling.
     
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  4. UsualSuspect

    UsualSuspect Road Train Member

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    Yo Mama's
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    I can only say this about this school, they do not have a license by CA DMV to instruct or teach you how to drive the truck, and they are not a recognized as a post secondary or trade school either. Do a search on DMV's site, and the Post Secondary School sites in California and you will see most of the bargain basement school are not licensed or authorized to teach you anything, and most have numerous complaints about them taking their money and not providing the proper instruction.
     
    Chinatown Thanks this.
  5. Jonny1

    Jonny1 Medium Load Member

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    Jan 14, 2007
    Nashville, TN
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    Controversial?? I guess that depends on your situation. If you have been a driver years ago and just need a good refresher, it might not be a bad deal. But a fresh new driver,...I would say it would be a failure in the making. I went to a class that lasted 8 weeks, yes maybe over kill............but I could safely maneuver in tight traffic filled streets (Nashville) and had a ton of (not false) confidence....was I turn key driver, not by a long shot.....I had alot to learn from my trainer. I could not imagine climbing into a trainers truck after only 5 days of instruction and a handful of hours behind the wheel. I think it would be dangerous and irresponsible. There might be a few who have experience driving an 10 speed in a box truck that possibly could fake it till they make it, but not many. Just an opinion
     
    Last edited: Apr 9, 2017
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