Are all driving schools alike?

I went to TDI back in the 90's good school more expensive by one grand than Road Master. If you go with Roehl Transport its far less. expensive

 

Go to a Community College. Then they don't own you.

 

Agreed. Generally the instruction is waaaayyyyy more in-depth, a lot more time in the seat, and at least 1/3 of the cost of a push-you-through stand-alone cdl mill or company-sponsored slavery program.

Plus, you have options in hiring that you wouldn't otherwise have.

I went to an 8 week, 380hr CC program and only paid $854. The level of training was evident at orientation. There were 5 students in my class, the other 4 went to the cdl mills. None of them made it past the road test. I'm still here 16 months later.

Do your research for sure. Just like trucking companies, there are many 'schools' out there, but very few good ones. The rest are just #### looking to shove you through and get to the next class full of paying customers.

Good luck to you

 

Some companies only take u from certain certified schools. Look into what u want, then decide based on that. But I agree CC is the best bet, some of them are even certified, or so I've read. Search info on it, this website is full of great information

 

I would highly recommend going the community college route. That is what I did and it was an awesome experience. Plus as another poster said some companies will look to see where you got your CDL from. So being from a approved truck driving school by lots of companies opens lots of doors for new drivers right away.

Also the schools will basically get you pre-hired before you even finish the school. So there will be a job waiting for you at the end if you choose to go that route. At least that is what happened at my school.

 

Lower cost of in-state tuition would certainly be one advantage as well as most likely being able to go home and sleep in your own bed each night

Additionally, at least at my CC, they are used by quite a few smaller, more local companies in addition to the usual suspects. There were a lot of options.

I was able to avoid the bottom feeders and go with a smaller company with a yard 10 minutes from my house. Had an orientation date 2 weeks before I graduated. Home every weekend and just shy of 44k first year. Not bad for a newbie.

And doubt that would be the same story had I went with one of the cdl mills I looked at when researching schools and options.

It pays off to take the time and research and learn first, then pick what best suits you and your situation.

 

I think they are usually pretty good. Look for the longest hour program, you can go for 340, not 280, also get as much driving time on the road as possible, also backing range, DOT rules and regs, and maps, trip planning etc. They seem to be under 2000 dollars. My program cost me 920 for tuition, 75 for a big book, I had to get gloves, goggles, 2 log books, and various other gear. We even had a few fun days where everyone went on the road to do a an in-truck "orienteering" exercise, and ended up at a massive breakfast buffet at a really good truck stop. We also did this for graduation. There was also the truck driving "Rodeo" between 2 rival schools. (I'd file this all under "confidence" builders).

At the community college I went to, the program was the same cost whether you were in state or out of state. Some CCs do the in state/out of state thing.

It is usually very unlike that you can get grants or loans to pay for it. Generally you need to come up with the money, pay the people and take the class.


One beneficial thing about in state local CCs is that the programs are often 4-6 hours (part days) and you can continue working, and do not need to go anywhere-- you just keep on living where you are living. The only people who this would not benefit are unemployed people.

Another advantage that I have written of in several posts now is that CCs generally help students to find work after school. They have job boards and often employers contact the instructors directly. That is how to find those local jobs every one seems to want. In addition, once you have graduated, you are considered an "alma mater" of the college, and you usually have the use of their career center for as long as you live. Forever. So if you lose one job you can go back and they will help you get another job. This is an amazing advantage, especially when you are new to the job and do not know what opportunities are out there. They also have truck driving job fairs that will show you more choices than just CRST or Swift. Often if the trucking company really likes the school they will hire graduates of that school whether they have experience or not.

If you are thinking about living in the general area forever this is a good thing.

I waited until 6 months after graduation to get a job but started to communicate with the company I would eventually work for, a small 700 person company where you are not just a number-- After training starting at 32cpm, raise every quarter, bonuses Etc-- very generous pay, stand to make at least 40K my first full year if all goes well (next year).

I had to move 50 miles away to Omaha though to make life easier.

And remember that down the line, you will make more money if you stick with it. The first year is for experience.

Good luck.