Driver Training - California Bay Area

Hi everyone, I am currently working on getting my CDL and have a few questions to ask you all.

First off, I am located in San Francisco Bay Area (California). Planning on getting my CDL permit within the next month and want to know if anybody knows of a place I can get some driver training here in the San Francisco Bay Area. I am aware that I will need driver training in order to become familiar with truck driving and pass the driving portion of the CDL licensing test.

If anyone knows of a place where I can get driver training, please let me know. I am looking for a place that is inexpensive if at all possible.

Once I have my CDL I want to become a residential driver for a waste company. Do they ever make exceptions for new drivers? I know that most companies require at least 1 year of experience driving a commercial truck, this is why I'm asking. Also, does anyone know of a company that will hire me and train me to drive in order to get my CDL? I am aware of the big trucking companies, but do not want to drive OTR. That is not possible for me at the moment.

Looking forward to feedback, recommendations and comments. Thank you very much!

 

I'm actually going a different route. Don't wanna fork out the thousands of dollars to go to school. Also have bills to pay and can't afford to not work for weeks. So after passing the written test and getting my permit, where can I get the actual driving time I need to pass the driving test for license?

 

Can't seem to find the goodwill program your talking about. Is there anyway you could find out the name for me?

What are the requirements for this program? What does goodwill get out of it?

Thank you.

Yes I know. However, if you read op, you would see that I'm trying to avoid going to school. Just want some driver training when I get my permit. Know of any places that can give me that?

 

Okay, may end up going to CDL school if I can find an affordable accredited one in SF Bay Area. Does anyone have some recommendations?

Chinatown, I'm still interested in finding out if Goodwill can pay for CDL school. Please let me know if you find the name of the program.

Was also wondering if there are other companies that will pay for CDL training? Dr.Pepper, pepsi and red bull are companies that I had in mind. Any similar companies as well.

Has anyone experienced a company (similar to the ones mentioned above) hiring you on as a driver, and paying for your CDL training? Or has anyone had an experience where you get hired for another position, let's say working in the warehouse (shipping & receiving), and the company decides to pay for CDL training because you let them know you would like to be a driver?

If so, what companies have done this? Really need to get my foot in the door, someway, somehow.

Thank you all! I greatly appreciate the feedback.

 

Thanks Allyn! That's a great program. Have to wait for an opening in the bay area that offers that program.

Any other companies that offer something similar?