Going to Truck School out of State I reside in? (California resident)

I just bought a house in Henderson, last month in Seven Hills. I chose Las Vegas area due to the hot weather (I love hot weather for some reason) , and no personal income tax in NV.

 

A lot of the local guys here in this area of Southern California have gone to Dootson in Arcadia

 

I did the Dootson's into first lesson, it seemed to me that it wasn't a traditional 160 hour school? When they explained the "packages" to me that was the impression I got. If you went there, is that how it goes? Or am I completely off on that?

 

$15 should be a minimum, with a starter company driving a truck at even $0.25 a mile and lets say you average 60 mph thats $15 a hour. So dont let them screw you on what you can really make.

I went out of state for school, went to Arizona for the Swift Academy, retaking the written when back to california wasnt a big deal, I just hated having to pay so much. $35 in Arizona to test and change my license, get back to California and they charged $67.

 

California Community Colleges don't have CDL programs. If they do, or there is one here that has one, let me know.

 

Found this post on a school in Santa Rosa ; "Jose G Campos Truck Driving School"

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I'm actually glad that you mention them. I was approved to start there in December 2012. (Going through the dept of rehab). But, due to a scheduling conflict, I'm actually gonna start in a month or so. But, I've been up there and spoken with Jose and he seems like a good guy. I mean, he was even telling when the drug tests were etc., I guess because if I were to fail, he wouldnt get paid. This is where the state agencies sponsor people to go, so you know they are going to be credible. I think this is pretty much the best school around. I've looked for others and this seems to be THE school in the north bay area.

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Here's another post :

I haven't signed on with these folks yet but they have the big advantage of being about 600 yards from my home. $3300 if you pay up front for 160 hours of instruction, all of which is truck time if you have already passed the written tests when you start. They have three Volvo tractors, a couple of box trailers and a flatbed. NOT a big outfit, obviously, but the people seem nice. Does anyone know anything about them? What should I be asking them?

 

STAY AWAY FROM TRUCK NATION SCHOOLS here in California. The saying you get what you pay for rings true for 2500.00, it is still a rip. I will elaborate on this later once I finish. I'm already having enough problems getting behind the wheel time out of them.

 

Dootson has several different plans. A lot of the local companies just need you to have a CDL. They will teach you as fast of as slow as you need to in order to get your CDL, they will also tailer it to your schedule and your employers schedule. They also offer the GI course which is longer.