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Getting a CDL without the schools.

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by proxima, Jul 7, 2012.

  1. Jul 7, 2012 #1
    proxima

    proxima Light Load Member

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    37
    Mar 19, 2011
    Jacksonville, FL
    0
    I am talking with a company up north that in intrested in hiring me, but my only downfall is that I do not have a CDL. I have over 5 years experience hauling, handling, and transfering fuel (JET A, AvGas) and for my job, a CDL is not required since we are regulated by the FAA. I do wan to get my CDL and that is my only hurdle. I have thought about schools, but I do not want to fork over 7k for a 3 week course, and I have to take time off of my current job. I also thought about the Community College route, but the problem I have with that, it is a hour and a half drive to that particular campus, and an hour away from my work, and I still will have to take time off of work, not mentioning the fuel cost. All I need is the CDL w/ Hazmat, and tanker.

    A friend of mine said that I should get with an o/o and train under them, but unfortunately I do not know any. Any suggestions on how to meet with o/o or a way to get CDL training that won't eat too much into my work time? I am open to any suggestion, but I am looking for the most cost efficient way to get my CDL without paying an arm and a leg, or even take a year out of my life.
     
    proxima, Jul 7, 2012
    proxima, Jul 7, 2012
    #1
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  3. Jul 7, 2012 #2
    Ivory

    Ivory Bobtail Member

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    Jul 6, 2012
    Northeast of Atlanta
    0
    I would venture to say that not many O/O would be willing to train a total stranger, for many reasons. With that being said, a fist full of dollars for Driving School training, or a commitment to one of these BS trucking companies willing to train, but then you give up your job. Your options a very limited, you chose the battle.
     
    Ivory, Jul 7, 2012
    Ivory, Jul 7, 2012
    #2
  4. Jul 7, 2012 #3
    Ranger70

    Ranger70 Light Load Member

    189
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    Aug 28, 2010
    Joliet Il
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    First question, Does the new employer want the CDL training to come from a school ? If so then you know what you have to do. Some schools have weekend courses. Alot of places want the training to be from an acredited school. The problem is not getting your CDL it is how you get it. A lot of insurance company influence on company policy these days so you would be best to ask the company about this.
     
    Ranger70, Jul 7, 2012
    Ranger70, Jul 7, 2012
    #3
  5. Jul 7, 2012 #4
    bighaulc-15

    bighaulc-15 Light Load Member

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    Apr 24, 2012
    new albany IN
    0
    the best thing to do is go to your local DMV or BMV and take your CDL ritten test and then find a local rigging companie like I did and learn how to do their job and tell them you want to earn your cdl and they will show you how to drive and let you use thier truck for the skills test
     
    bighaulc-15, Jul 7, 2012
    bighaulc-15, Jul 7, 2012
    #4
  7. Jul 7, 2012 #5
    kwayne88

    kwayne88 Light Load Member

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    15
    Jun 3, 2012
    Leesville, La.
    0
    Since you are in Florida it wouldn't work for you, but for me I found a guy on the 'net that had a single axle international with a flat bed trailer and automatic transmission.

    Went to the DMV here in San Antonio, took all the test for the permit, then I went to his place, drove the truck around a little, and he set me up with a test at a small DMV office in a small town. In all reality, the driven test was a joke. If a person couldn't pass that they shouldn't be pulling a 16 foot bumper pull trailer with a pickup.

    Got my class A with no restrictions. Was told by some other drivers it should have had an automatic only restriction but no such restriction on mine.

    Only problem I had was finding someone to hire me. With no experience I couldn't even get anyone to take my resume. I finally had to fork over the money for a school, and now I start orientation Monday with a carrier.
     
    kwayne88, Jul 7, 2012
    kwayne88, Jul 7, 2012
    #5
  8. Jul 7, 2012 #6
    rusted

    rusted Bobtail Member

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    0
    Jul 7, 2012
    0
    If you can get your learner's permit on your own, all you need is the driving. Some schools will offer to provide that at a reduced cost.
     
    rusted, Jul 7, 2012
    rusted, Jul 7, 2012
    #6
  9. Jul 7, 2012 #7
    CenutryClass

    CenutryClass Road Train Member

    1,539
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    Feb 15, 2006
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    I got my CDL without a school in 2007 and not as much as a response from anyone... going through some structured program increases your chances of landing a job exponentially
     
    CenutryClass, Jul 7, 2012
    CenutryClass, Jul 7, 2012
    #7
  10. Jul 7, 2012 #8
    proxima

    proxima Light Load Member

    63
    37
    Mar 19, 2011
    Jacksonville, FL
    0
    I would rather go to school, with my current job, it is hard to go to school to get my CDL, I work odd hours and my weekend is during a weekday. I would also consider Florida State College, but it is over an hour away from my job, and about an hour and a half away from my house. I am looking for other alternatives if I can. The closest school to me is Roadmaster, but I heard nothing but nightmares from my friends that went there. The o/o that I do know, got smart and moved out of Florida, I think one moved to Henderson, NV and the other went to St. Louis. I do drive trucks for a living, but they are not combination, and that is what I need experience in, also they are FAA regulated.

    I am just looking for an alternative than school.
     
    proxima, Jul 7, 2012
    proxima, Jul 7, 2012
    #8
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