Should I sign up with Driver Solutions for paid CDL training?

Hi all, I've been trying to research which company to go through to get my paid CDL training. I keep reading bad reviews about Driver Solutions. I would love to become a truck driver and want to do this the right way. The company I go with has to offer paid training or I just can't do it. I'm lost and not sure which way to turn. Any advice on who to go through would help, thanks!

 

I am not familiar with Driver Solutions...I started with Stevens Transport's training. Free if you work for them for a year, at least it was 1 year when I started might be 2 now. There is a Stevens thread here if you want more info.

 

Driver Solutions will send you to C1 driving school. (owned by them) and you will either go to USA or PAM. Both companies have their pros and cons as starter companies, just like any other starter company. With PAM you will team drive for a minumum of 6 months after training. USA is solo after training. I do not have the temperment or personality to team drive with someone I do not know so PAM was out of the question for me. To big of a crap shoot and I didn't want the headache. Have a buddy who likes it but not for me. USAs night and weekend dispatch SUCK. But again my personal experience. I like my Fleet Meneger who also tends to agree with me about night and weekend dispatch so it helps. She tries to keep me preplanned thru the weekend.

Where you live depends on which C1 you go to. some are good and some bad. its all personal experience when it comes to that. I went to Little Rock, AR and it was OK. I learned what I needed to learn to get out of the school. Passed written and driving test first try.

There are other companies that hire out of Driver Solutions but you pick the bill up from C1 on a payment plan and the company pays you $100 a month towards tuition reimbursment up to 60 months (the average I have seen). C1 probably charges $150-$200 a month payment though. So be prepared. This works about the same at other companies. Like going to Swift or Stevens and getting the "Free" school. If you do not finish the first 12 months with them you will owe the full amount for their school.

Good luck

 

Just say no

 

I would check and see which carrier you would like to work for once finshed . I am a trainer for Epes and in your area they hire fron charlotte truck driver training . Just that we hire out of there points that may be a better school . Even if You don't care to work with Epes.

 

I realize i'm a bit late to the party here but i would advise against driver solution. i signed up, attended c1 little rock and was sitting at trooper headquarters to take my test after 3 weeks of training when i was dismissed from the program due to some bs paperwork i was unable to provide to PAM. My only option was to pay $4k and test the next week or go home.

 

I leave tomorrow for driver solutions and Pam. I'd sure love to know what kind of bs paperwork you're speaking of, as it could save me a lot of headache. Thanks!

 

Sky , did you check with Johnson county community college. Right up the road , and one of the best schools anywhere! Don't like schools having you sign contracts , locking you to one company!

 

Thanks, yes. JCC would be the optimum choice for me, but the financial side of it is where my problems lie. Johnston Community College is a great place to learn but I just couldn't come up with the money plan to make it work. My GI Bill is long expired, and other of red tape and hoops dealing with WIA. Family wants to be supportive but I'm too independent.

 

Look at Sampson County Community College. Their program is modeled after JCC. Lead instructor used go work at JCC.

Tuition is $201.40 plus $8 for driving record. You will need to get physical, criminal record, Pop and NC cdl learners permit. Your talking less than $500 for a really good training program. I almost went there but JCC was much closer for me.

I got a letter last week from them. Orientation is Nov 25th. And class starts January 13 th. They also have a class to help with your permit if you need it for $70. 6 nights in December.

http://www.sampsoncc.edu/CETruckDriverTraining3.asp