DIY CDL, is it possible, and what are the steps?

Western Express hires drivers with a CDL-A and no cdl school.

 

Theres plenty of local outfits that will hire you off the street and train you to get a CDL but don't be surprised if your co-workers don't like you. My current company hired some kid who worked at McDonalds to get CDL training and now the boss is obsessed with replacing all of the experienced drivers with 3 week wonders just to cut costs.

 

Dutch Maid Logistics in Willard has a cdl training program.
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The Sygma Network may have what you need.
This company will hire you with only a cdl permit.
Click here for information > Apply On Company Site

 

You just have to have your full Cdl in order to get into Dutchmaid?

 

No, from my understanding, you need a cdl-a permit. Give a call to find out for sure.

 

my first company paid a truck school to test me for upgrade of class B to A cdl. granted this was 35 yrs ago.

some LTL companies have "dock to driver" programs.

 

Oh moose, I am so sorry, of course not they don't do it for free, and it costs but because soooo many people want a cheap (READ EASY) way to get a CDL, there seems to be the need to clear up misconceptions, like "renting a truck" to get a CDL.

No matter what, there is no way around it, the truck has to get somewhere to be used as a testing vehicle. I know here, in Michigan, you can't just show up with a truck without a CDL holder driving it, they can legally ask who drove it and proof they have a CDL and i know a few who were failed because they drove a "rented" truck.

I was lucky when I had to go through it to get my class A back thanks to my state, I owned a few trucks and had a driver who were kind enough to "offer" to "take" the truck to the testing location. Of course the examiner was the same guy who I interviewed for my first open driving position but decided to become an examiner so he was sooooo "shocked" when I came out of the cab and my driver was sitting in the passenger seat. It saved me $400 for the truck "rental".

There are a few "reputable" places that will give you four hours with a driver and a 40' flatbed for $1000 and then give you the exam somewhat around that four hours. They pass most of the people there, it is a really great place if you have to get a license to keep a job but for those who are serious I don't think it is a smart move to use them.

 

Go get a county job. You get a pension & they’ll get you your cdl

 

I realise that this post is over a week old and I haven't bothered to read any of the replies; but it is very possible to obtain your CDL without insurance (speaking from firsthand experience). The trick is to find an O/O who needs help and is willing to train, or else an Ag co-op that needs help in the spring. However both of these options are are much easier to find in rural areas, so if you aren't close to an agricultural setting you may be screwed. Both provide training AND a job.