I need advice please

Relax, it isn't rocket science. Keep in mind, if you do not have a pretty spotless record (felonies, DUI, poor MVR, poor work history, can't pass drug test, etc.) obtaining a CDL will end up as a waste of money. Many schools make it pretty easy to pass. You are paying them after all and they'll only teach you enough to get your CDL so don't expect to learn a lot. You real education will come once you start a company training program, and then really ramp up when you're on your own. Just take it slow, think about EVERYTHING you're going to do AHEAD of time and things should go smooth. I would suggest actually going to a company sponsored CDL training program if you're THAT worried about it, yes, you'll be a slave to that company for a period of time, 9 months to a year usually, but you won't spend all you have only to find out it's not for you.

 

Sometimes in North Carolina the Goodwill Industries will pay for CDL school. Check on that, then after graduation you can pick and choose which company you want. Study the "CDL Practice Tests" at the top of this page so you can get all the endorsements which will give you even more jobs to choose from. Start thinking about what type of trucking you want & we can recommend some good companies. Calm down, trucking school is easy.

 

My classmate had his CDL paid for by the Job Corps. As for everything else, you need to relax and focus on just learning as much as you can... plus develop the skills to pass your state exam. As previously stated, most of your actual learning will be from whatever company picks you up in a real operating environment. Even after ten years of being in this field, I am still learning something new everyday.

Don't let any pressure cloud your concentration when you start working on basic maneuvers. It will only frustrate you more and you may end up developing bad habits because you are rushing yourself.

I do wish you the best of luck though.

 

living in nc you have many many options. if you can afford the upfront of around 1000 the nc community college system has some of the best training anywhere from 1/3 or less the cost of the stand alone cdl mills. and will give you 8 week, 380hrs, and more seat and range time than any of the mills that just teach you barely enough to pass the test. the nccc system course at any of the campuses will put you through a rigorous program that will have you more than prepared for any company you go with......in addition it has the advantages of not locking you into a company sponsored slavery program under a contract, gives you choices on where to go, and the state program is well connected to many smaller and more locally based companies in addition to the usual suspects at the mega bottom feeders...

plenty of good companies running out of or based in nc as well with 40/77/85/95 running through the state puts you in good freight lanes going in every direction. plenty of opportunities here if you do your homework and think out of the box and don't fall for the recruiters bs from the usual suspects.

check out epes out of Greensboro (where I'm at and a really good gig), cargo transporters out of Claremont, Watkins shepard out of conover, there's a bunch of smaller reefer outfits out of mount airy that hire and train students if you don't mind running teams......Tyson out of Wilkesboro area hires students as well.......

 

I agree... if you CAN find good company sponsored training, I would just bite the bullet and get a CDL through them. I paid about $3K for my private CDL course. They literally just coached me enough to pass the test. On the academic part, I scored highest in my class. When I was picked up I brought it up. They just told me to take my certificate and put it in a nice frame and hang it somewhere where people would actually care. My true proof of being a great driver is to run one year without an accident so I can get a $125 monthly safety bonus.

Keep in mind, this is not just about passing a CDL state exam or even getting on board with a good carrier. You needing a clear head is the most important due to you handling a 80K lbs vehicle through the roadways that you share with everyone else. You have to be calm and clear headed to ensure the safety of you and your fellow commuters.

 

You won't go to mexico so don't worry about that.

Canada maybe. but that depends on the company.

I would also read as much as you can here and take the practice tests. BUT also look into the Smith System that will help you drive safely.

 

Might want to look at Millis' school, top shelf school/equipment, top shelf education, they actually teach you to the basics of being a professional driver. In my opinion, most(not all) "truck driving schools" are CDL mills that teach you to pass the test, Millis has a vested interest in your education, because you will work for them a year or so to repay your tuition. They are not afraid to send someone home that isn't going to cut it. I know a couple of guys that have been there 5-6 years "waiting for something better" to come along. And before you ask no I have never worked for Millis a day in my life, but I do live/drive local operation within 15 miles of their training facility/hub in Trenton, Oh. and share the roads around here with several of them daily, no problems so far. There are several threads/pages on this forum about them and their school some good, some not so much.
http://www.thetruckersreport.com/truckingindustryforum/millis/
just my $0.02...

 

Go to a company paid school. They are much cheaper if you should fail, and if you do not fail and stay the allotted time, they are actually free. This is not the sort of job you learn in school. It's the sort of a job you learn out on the road via the experience of driving day after day and doing your job.

Moreover, what is the outcome of any school whether it's with a company paid school or a private school? A skill set that enables you to pass a CDL test and that's about it. You don't actually learn to become a driver until you complete company training and after your first couple of years of driving. Of course, the more experience of safe and on time driving you have, the more options and better opportunities you will have.

Indeed, the harsh reality is the vast overwhelming majority of drivers will never make it past the first year, let alone 2 years. So even completing company training does not guarantee anything. It will just afford you the opportunity to become a company driver. Then the ball is in your court as it is all up to you.