How easy it is to transtion from jamaica to the stats to be a otr

You would have to check with the state you intend on moving to as to whether your CDL can be transferred.

 

I've known many drivers from other countries, to be honest, the thought never occured to me to ask...that is a good question.

 

I don't know about school but some companies will treat you as a brand new driver.

Years ago I was talking to a driver from Poland. 20 years driving in Europe and he was basically a fresh faced newb all over again .

 

School, yes. Everything from the beginning.
Just find your Jamaican buddies here in the States and skip OTR.

 

I was in CDL school with a man who had 30 years driving experience but in Puerto Rico. He taught me more tips and tricks than the instructors did but him being in school should answer your question. He became a rookie once he moved here.

 

Problem with the UNITED States, is that we're not that United! Although a CDL is a Federal License they are issued by each state and different states have different rules. Most have something in place for transferring in from other countries. Although being a CDL I would expect to start from scratch. Won't really be a big deal though, just some tests on the computer and then go out on a road test to prove you can drive. A school can set you up and have it done very quickly. Start checking out the US rules vs what your used to and most importantly get your driving record (certified / notarized if possible) so that you have actual proof of experience. I'm assuming your record like ours will say what class of license you hold and how long you've had it. You could also get letters from previous employers verifying your ability. You probably won't need all that stuff (get the driving record though) but it's good to have. If you pick a huge company it may be slightly harder, but smaller ones don't try to complicate things as much. MANY of the drivers in the US are from other countries so it can't be that hard.

Good Luck

 

Having driven overseas, you'd be surprised how many "CDLs" are just a piece of paper that doesn't even have a photo on it. The biggest problem that overseas drivers have, other than the EU, isn't the size of the equipment. It is the fact that we have laws and safety regulations. They are going to be just as shocked driving over here as I was driving over there.

Jamaica shouldn't be that bad other than I believe you drive on the wrong side of the road.

 

Umm.... well, I would never attempt to drive in Jamaica because they drive on the left side of the road and in the USofA we drive on the right. I see a lot of problems with making the transition to driving from the left side to the right side.