Moving from out-of-state

Do what GasHauler said. The CDL, residency, etc. is all easy. Because they are easy to overcome with MONEY. Without the money, you will be crawling through a mile of broken glass for everything that you need to do.
All this is no different than going to college, or on vacation. You have to prepare and plan ahead (yes, the money thing again). Unless you are about to hit rock bottom, or have some woman's husband after you, take you time and try and do it right. Remember, haste makes waste, and trying to rush through it can get you in a bind that might knock you out of a trucking career.
Best of luck to you.

 

I'd make sure you have a "plan B" in case things don't work out...there are plenty of stories here of new drivers who don't quite make it out of the gate, and you'll be a long way from home.

 

Get the CDL in Hawaii. There is NO difference between the states!
AFTER you graduate from that mill then you can move to the mainland BUT do not move to IL as you will HAVE TO take another driving test to transfer your license and that is costly renting a truck and trailer unless you are working for someone and can use theirs to get the test in, but in the rest all you have to do is show residency, get a job then after you that take the CDL written test,you're good to go UNLESS another state decides to do a drivers test. But no other state had a crooked governor selling CDL's which is the reason behind this stupid move from an idiot state!

IF you have the $$ you can rent one of those RV's from RV America or someone like that, go to a KOA or travel trailer place that rents slots on a monthly basics then you are set until you have decided where you really want to live. But CA?? Really? Why?? But i'd sell as much stuff as you can before moving to the mainland as it's costly and if you're not married why? Sell it all, get an OTR job and live out of the truck for a year untill you've saved up for a place then rent but really renting with no spouse and being OTR is throwing away good money! But thats IMHO!

 

NJ,

California is a big state. I'll make some assumptions....

You've studied up on which school(s) you'd like to attend, and also which areas in the state have greater amounts of freight, and from these areas have narrowed your choices. If none of the above, do this first.

OK. Stay at the housing associated with the school you attend. In your off hours, check local motels/hotels to find which ones rent by the week and month. Your best prices will be found at Non-chain, locally owned establishments, and those who rent by the month will cost less. Choose one as your residence, and pay a month in advance. I have a boilermaker friend who "booms out" to long term projects regularly, and this is what he does, often staying for a year or more in the one place. While in the Los Angeles area, Rick can generally find places to stay for between $300-$500 per week... depending on how far he wants to drive to his job. You don't have to stay there long... You should be looking for more permanent accommodations while there, IF, that area is where you will likely be working out of. Use that "temporary joint" for your "permanent address", then, once you move, do a change of address with the California DMV within ten days.

Once you've chosen your school, establish a relationship with someone there... before you swim across from Hawaii. Let THEM know what your seeking in housing, and ask what's available. They may know just the place. If not, there will be other students at school. Some may be local and will help with finding suitable housing if you're a friendly person.

You WILL need wheels in California... nothing is likely to be close. Perhaps rent while schooling, but have your vehicle ready set up to ship over, along with whatever belongings you'll need.

As for transferring a CDL from another State to a California license... check it out IN ADVANCE. Some years ago, when I moved from Oregon to CA., the CDL and motorcycle parts of my license WERE NOT transferable. I was able to get a "citizen license" by taking an eye AND written exam. However, for the other two parts, it was as if I'd never had them, and was beginning at zero... Hopefully that's changed. In every other State, all I have had to do is take the eye test and pay the money... no problem.

If you're serious, get on it... AND I wish you the best of luck.