Noob wannabe with a couple of questions

I would try Schneider or FFE first, then one of the other big training companies. Many of them do have terminals in the El Paso area.

 

Are schools really necessary?!
Are you serious?

You "figger" correctly.

YeAH!
Those manuals come in real handy.
I read a bunch of 'em on how to fly an airplane -- which I have absolutely no experience in. Would you like to go flying with me?

A better question might be, how do you plan on learning how to PROPERLY operate it FIRST?

YuP!
There IS a temporary license after successfully passing the written tests, but I think you'll be required to be in possession of a CDL-A before anyone will let you "borrow/rent" a Big truck.

Additionally, to be driving a Big truck legally with only a permit requires a licensed CDL-A driver to be with you at ALL times while you're on the roads IN that Big truck you borrowed or rented.

NaW -- they just take your word for it. I mean, what's the big deal about renting you an $80,000 Big vehicle you don't know how to drive?

How big is your yard at home? Just don't do it around my neighborhood.

I'm finding it difficult to believe you're serious.
Of course a trailer is required for road testing. How are you gonna demonstrate you can successfully BACK a trailer if you aren't pulling -- or pushing -- one?

If you think you can find an EASY way to do a difficult thing, you'll be needin' waaayy more help than anyone here will be able to provide.

If, by chance you SOMEhow attain a CDL-A by the methods you've listed above, -- with absolutely NO real experience under you fanny, there aren't too many Big truck truckin' companies that will even consider hiring you -- without, ........... TRAINING.
WooPs!
Right back to square one.

IMO, your chances of obtaining a CDL-A using your preferred method are zip-zero-nada.
I hope.

 

I don't remember.
However, a NOOB (newBee) is one thing and a wannaBee is another.
And a student should have an instructor.

 

I just attended PIA Career Services truck driver training in clarksburg, wv. They are CVTA certified. I'll outline the steps things went in for me.

First of all, I didn't have the money in pocket to pay expenses. I applied for a state grant to pay for it, and recieved it. I was sent to a doctor's office for a DOT physical and drug test. The course was 4 weeks long (first two in class, last two on road). The first two weeks outlined the ups and downs of the trucking industry, how to fill out log books, and the material needed for the written test (earns your CDL Learner's permit). The school I went to, the tuition included air brakes, combination, doubles and triples, tanker, and hazmat.

After the first two weeks, we were taken to the yard, and learned coupling and uncoupling, sliding 5th wheel, sliding tandems, and backing...the backing isn't hard on the test, but you have to remember that on the test, you just have cones to run over, not people or cars. We would go to the yard every other day for a couple hours to work on backing, and the rest of the time was out on the road. First couple days on the interstate to learn how it runs, next couple on windy mountain roads learning downshifting and upshifting, and then in city traffic learning off traffing in more critical areas, and how to navigate 90* turns. Double clutching was the hardest part about learning it, but once you're mind is trained, it becomes second nature.

Also, the CDL tester was a third party, not a DMV employee. We did our backing at a Yellow Freight terminal

Hope this was informative

Michael

 

CRST will do it...they want 8 months if I remember correctly. It'll vary from 6 months to around 18 months. Many companies will send you to their school. For example, Schneider, CR England, and Swift will train you for your CDL if you make a commitment to them.

 

3 Wheelin' -------------------
DO NOT EVEN CONSIDER
C.R. ENGLAND !!!!!!!!

Check out the "Report BAD Companies" thread here at Truckers' Report for the LOW-down on C.R. England.

IMO, Schneider would be a good choice.

 

Hmmmm, kind of like saying if you want free room and board go to prison......