CDL School, or Use Independent Trainers?

Probably going to be harder not getting it through a program finding employment. It is not impossible mind you but it will limit his opportunities.

 

Most companies will require that you be a graduate from an approved driving school if you don't have recent verifiable experience with a OTR company ( over the road )

 

Starter companies care a great deal.

Because I say I have 16 years experience....does that corroborate the statement?

And what about the driving record of this instructor?

You really have no way to verify his/her background...plus it isn't so much the companies policies...it comes down to their (the companies) insurance carrier requiring certain minimum standards and background.

 

If you are in San Antonio I most highly recommend the Swift Academy there. I finished yesterday and it was a great school with awesome instructors. I'm not a rocket scientist but I scored 100% on the classroom work, the driving range and on my DPS road test. To me that is a testimonial to the professionalism and detail of my instruction. In three weeks you will have your CDL-A followed by six weeks (240 hours) with a mentor (trainer driver over the road) and then be assigned a truck as a solo driver. Your cost will be $3900 in the form of a 0% interest, no credit check loan and if you stay with Swift for 13 months your debt is paid but if you stay for 26 months your school cost is $0. If you are a veteran you get $1000 off. If you have a place to live in SA you will save the $500 motel bill loan.

Like any company you will hear/read good and bad things about Swift. The greatest advantage of this course of action, be it with Swift or any other training company, is that you will have PTDI certified training as well as current over the road (OTR) experience and a job which will open up far more employment doors than the DYI method you are considering. Hiring at most companies is based on the company's insurance company requirements and I suspect the DYI method will result in nothing more than rejected applications because of the insurance company stink eye.
Frank

 

Most companies that hire new drivers with little or no experience will require 160 hours of an accredited PDTI school. It's an insurance company requirement.
Anything else and you'll be wasting your money (more than likely)
The industry has this pretty much sewn up and it's hard to get around.
Now if he's unemployed, most states have grants available thru your unemployment office that will pay the full amount of tuition at a local acredditted school.
It comes under the Displaced Workers Act.
Also, if he's a recent veteran (10 years or less) he may be eligible for the tuition to be paid under the benefits.