New Driver Rules Question

This is correct ONLY when referring to LCVs (longer combination vehicles): defined as a truck/tractor with two or more trailers. Basically, this is the requirement for your doubles/triples endorsement.
http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registrati...cense/how-do-i-get-commercial-drivers-license

 

it is no wonder people get confused
what goverment regulation doesn't seem to be contradictory with another regulation

 

Amen to that... On my time off, I often wonder if the confusion itself is it's own ploy to drum up more money from tickets...

 

I also tried taking the cheaper route, but you will only be cheating yourself, and setting yourself up for either small or large driving errors that will probably result in an accident, or worse, injuring someone. There is SO MUCH that good training offers that you will not find in a book or from an individual. Do what I did, suck it up and pay the money. I paid Swift $4000 for my training (the Phoenix location has an excellent training program, but Swift has them all over the place). As long as you drive for them for 13 months, it's half-price, and it gets paid off a little ($37.50) each week. If you decide to drive for them for another 13 months, they will actually pay you back that same amount. For me, I ended up making more $$ for another company than I would have staying with them, even with that extra $37.50. I also recommend training at an ACTUAL TRUCKING CO. (swift,schneider,england) as opposed to a private company due to the very fact that the trucking companies know you will probably work for them and WANT you to know everything, whereas the private ones just teach you the basics, and only want your money, and you'd be setting yourself up as I mentioned above, if you go to a private place. Best of luck

 

From what i have been told prime has the best training program of the big companies.

 

Hmmmm, couple of points here. First off, GOOD TRAINING. Are you gonna get GOOD TRAINING, or are you going to be getting just barely enough training to pass your driver's examination? Second point, is that this poster is considering ENGLAND to be "good training."

Unless I am sadly mistaken, the training you will get at England will be in how to go broke as a lease operator, and while you are in training, instead of being trained, you will be learning by the seat of your pants, because you will be driving while your "trainer" is sleeping. Before going to any "Training Company," be sure you know exactly what you are getting into. In other words, read EVERYTHING in your contract, but most importantly be sure you UNDERSTAND what you are reading. If it is in fine print, be extra cautious about it!

Just because you are going to a "school" doesn't mean you will be getting good training. As was mentioned, talk to some companies and see what they recommend. If you do decide to go to a school, (and most new drivers do get into the industry that way,) do a bit of investigating first. Talk to some current students, and if there is any way to find any graduates, talk to them. Check the school out with BBB, at the very least.

School recruiters, and trucking company recruiters are paid by the number of bodies they put into seats, so consider them to be "used car salesmen." They will tell you anything to get you to sign a contract.

 

I never went to school and regained my CDL going on two years ago. I took the written test on my own and the drive test in my brothers truck, then teamed with him for three months. After that Swift hired me, taking three months recent experience in lieu of school. They required me to finish their training before qualifying to run solo.

 

Washington state requires 160 hours of approved training in order to obtain a CDL. Other states may have their own criteria.

You need to check with your local DMVif you want the facts.

 

As I said. Verifiable experience or school. You had 3 months verifiable experience. That's why Swift hired you. May God bless your soul, as you must live with the Swift reputation.

 

Their is legislation passed called MAP-21. When it is implemented you will be required to take an accredited college course before you can even go take your tests. Daytime and nighttime driving. So get it while the getting is good!