Obtaining CDL-A question

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by Patriot19, Aug 26, 2013.

  1. Patriot19

    Patriot19 Bobtail Member

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    Aug 21, 2013
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    Hello,

    My goal is to get a CDL-A, to use part time until I retire in the next 5 - 10 years. Then I would have the CDL to use full time if I chose.

    I am pretty sure I can pass the written tests just from studying myself. I have a full time job now, so I can't really take much more time off work then maybe 3 weeks vacation to learn anything. I don't have thousands of dollars laying around to just pay for a academy and I doubt a trucking company wants to pay for me to do it part time.

    With that said, what I am wondering is can I possibly find a owner/operator that would train me for the skills test, if I paid him/her cash for their time and use of truck. Would the Virginia DMV allow that? Seems like they would if you can pass their skills test when you test. I don't know just really want to get my CDL, and am starting to hit a lot of obstacles with anyone being willing to help out with the skills test.

    Am I trying to obtain something that is just not possible until I can work full time at it?
     
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  3. Oaker

    Oaker Medium Load Member

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    One other option might be a Community College program where classes are held on weekends... specifically for folks who work. Don't know what the costs would be though, but probably similar to a regular CDL program.
     
    Tonythetruckerdude Thanks this.
  4. Moosetek13

    Moosetek13 Road Train Member

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    New drivers are usually required to be OTR for at least a year.
    That is full time, and then some.
    You live on the road.

    No one will hire you for part time work when you are starting out.
     
  5. Truckin2Eat

    Truckin2Eat Medium Load Member

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    Not sure of Virginia, pretty sure its the same but in Georgia you can pay and go take your test for learners permit. And practice driving with some who has a truck. Then go back and pay and take road test. But make sure everything works on that truck lights etc. It's just like when you take your licence test in a car everything has to be up to par the insurance things like that. I'm also not sure if you can take it in a company truck or not. And what ever fees you and who ever truck you are driving agrees on is between you two. You know like fuel time for using truck or what not. Only down fall with using this method of getting your cdl is no experience or accredited school completion. And that causes problems with getting you a good job. Hope this helps
     
  6. 900,000-tons-of-steel

    900,000-tons-of-steel Road Train Member

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    Easier to work a class B job p/t than class A.
     
  7. gascyldriver

    gascyldriver Bobtail Member

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    Aug 11, 2013
    Michigan
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    Michigan has a truck driving school named Trainco which has weekend classes. I am going to go there myself. I don't know if they are in Va. or not but there might be some schools there that have that option.
    I know what you mean about not having thousands laying around. Some schools might offer financing. That's why I am taking weekend classes , so I can continue making money to help pay off the loan I am taking out for Trainco. Its 3000.00. But its actually 4000.00. Some summer special they have.
    Good Luck
     
  8. Tonythetruckerdude

    Tonythetruckerdude Crusty Deer Slayer

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    hunting...../ retired
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    To the OP...right here is your best option by FAR.....they will be able to work with your schedule, and with the ability to get grants/student aid money shouldn't be a problem either, you'll have a job placement program already in place with most community colleges, plus a testing site for your CDL...check locally to you before you try an find an O/O with the time to really help you.
     
  9. moneylong

    moneylong Bobtail Member

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    Aug 26, 2013
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    well the best thing to do is hit it hard for 4 months....... go to a trucking school 3 weeksd when u retire get on with werner or roehl ..drive for them or 3 months and then no worries any one needs a driver part time or full time ....and they will pay for school...
     
  10. moneylong

    moneylong Bobtail Member

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    Aug 26, 2013
    florence al
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    hard to drive part time when it take 2 days to get where ur going or a day to get unloaded and loaded up again allthough depends on company
     
  11. Patriot19

    Patriot19 Bobtail Member

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    Aug 21, 2013
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    Well Blue Ridge community college returned my call, so I will see what they offer. However, sounds like I might be putting the pot before the kettle or however that saying goes. If the community college does not have something that works, I reckon I can just wait till I retire and take the truck driving school full time.

    Thanks for all the posts!
     
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