Looking for some advice on getting CDL training.

Discussion in 'Trucking Schools and CDL Training Forum' started by JohnnyLugo, Jan 24, 2024.

  1. JohnnyLugo

    JohnnyLugo Bobtail Member

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    Howdy!

    Just looking for some advice here, seeing if anyone has gone through the same or similar experience I'm having now. I'm new I been studying for my CDL permit and feeling ready to take the test. My dilemma is getting hands-on driver training. From my understanding, there are two options unless someone says otherwise. Option A: Attend & receive training from a company and be stuck with them for a year or more. Option B: Pay out of pocket for a school that might/might not help me land a job. The problem with these 2 options are they both would require me to quit my current 7-330 gig. Going through a Company would require attending in the day no? Also they don't pay you or if they do I here its about 600 gross a week which would leave me struggling to pay bills. Guess I would have to get a part-time job after school. Paying for my own school is much the same. Classes are in the day, they dont pay you, would probably have to quit my job and get a new one after school. Anyone ever face the same issue? What did ya'll do or recommend.

    Thanks!
     
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  3. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    Where is your location?
    Some cdl schools have weekend classes for those that need to stay with their current job while training.
     
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  4. TB John

    TB John Company Shill of BYOB & CBD

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    Check your local community college some offer CDL training. Some can be very flexible, days, nights, weekends, full-time, part-time etc.
     
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  5. JohnnyLugo

    JohnnyLugo Bobtail Member

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    San Diego, most companies I have looked at have there schools up north like around Riverside and such. I have found some local private schools which I'm leaning towards. Again just looking for info from people. Thanks for your response much appreciated.
     
  6. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    Try for a 160 hr. school in your area and no less than 120 hrs.
    Get all the endorsements before graduating, including hazmat endorsement.
    What type trucking job do you prefer?
     
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  7. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    If you prefer something more local, look at Coastal Transport with a terminal in San Diego.
    • Graduate of a CDL Driver Training School within 12 month of application. School must be on the Coastal approved list.
    • Class A CDL with Tanker (N) and Hazardous Materials (H) Endorsements or X Endorsements required.
    • Minimum Age: 23
    Approved cdl schools list on this page:
    Careers – Coastal Transport Co., Inc.
     
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  8. JohnnyLugo

    JohnnyLugo Bobtail Member

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    To begin with I'm not sure I guess as a newbie I would take anything for the experience. Once I've established some driving and experience then personally, I would like to be over the road do some long haul see the country though I know it would be working that's fine with me. I have no kids, no pets, nothing. Small apartment but that's about it. Thank you so much for all this info I really appreciate it.
     
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  9. broke down plumber

    broke down plumber Road Train Member

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    Not sure where youre from but Tennessee collage foer applied tech is a 222hr 8week class 7:45 to 2:15 mon-fri . 2295 for books and class . I believe.
     
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  10. broke down plumber

    broke down plumber Road Train Member

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  11. JohnnyLugo

    JohnnyLugo Bobtail Member

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    Hello again, I had a question that maybe you might or might not have information about. I found a school that works for me not just in price but in schedule as they offer weekend classes. It is however a smaller school not big name and seem to have great reviews. Cost is something I can work with $4000 as opposed to the larger ones in the area charging around $7000 and only offering classes during my work hours. In your experience however how likely would I be able to find a job afterward since is not a large school and only two days a week?
     
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