Do I need to take a training class to obtain my CDL?

Unless your specific state requires you to have formal training, then no. However, if you don't have previous experience pre-tripping, and operating a commerical vehicle, then you will have a very difficult time passing the tests. Not saying it can't be done, but your better off taking a course. Shop around, theres more courses then the one offered at your local tech school.

 

If you are looking to get a CDL to get a job...you will need some sort of training. If you have a gig lined up, or need to add a CDL for your job...no, a school is not "required". It is not difficult, but the biggest challenge is not learning the material, but knowing what you need to know to pass the test...and be leagal on the road. Option one would be find someone with a CDL that can show you the ropes and what you need to know...or go find a "CDL Mill" school where for a fraction of a real school will train you just enough to get your CDL..and that is it!

 

Would you go to a doctor who was too cheap to pay for school so he/she just read some books and then got lucky enough to pass the test? Trucks, even class B trucks kill people in the wrong hands. Go to school. Get a loan if you have to but go to school. The last thing we need is another driver on the road who knows just enough to hurt someone.

 

That is a lot of money for a CDL B. You might want to check with your local school bus company. Many will train you for free or even pay you. You might have to agree to work for them for a period of time. I know a few people that did it this way and they didn't have trouble moving into "B" trucks later.

 

The short answer is, no, you don't need to take a training course.

I never did.

 

That's a helluva' lot of trust to put into a training system generally more concerned with money and shoving "driver's" out the door than properly training people to have not only the skills, but the judgement to safely handle heavy trucks.

Not going to a trucking school was a very active choice on my part. It wasn't because of money, it was because I didn't trust the driving schools. Generations of driver's came from an apprenticing system, and I believe its a much better, much more thorough way to learn to drive a truck than sitting around in a class-room and learning how to drive all of a 9 and 10-speed transmission...

You're right, I wouldn't go to the doctor who was to cheap to receive proper medical training, but, I also wouldn't go to the doctor that went to a school who's model of "education" and "training" was "just enough to get through the test".

The culture of fear the mega-fleets and trucking schools have instilled in the newest generation of driver's is going to #### this industry.

 

Some states are now changing the law and making it mandatory to go thru the schools. On the other hand they say that you can get grants and other type of help to pay for the school. One person told me that a $3500. school - actually only cost him about 700 bucks. I would really consider going for a class A tho if ya going thru all that work-- you'll prolly regret not doing that later.