Starting CDL Journey with Limited U.S. License—Need Advice

Hey everyone,

I’m 25 and recently moved back to the U.S. after living in Canada most of my life.

I’ve held a Texas Class C license for about 3 months now, but I also have 9 years of driving experience with a Canadian license (which unfortunately most companies don’t seem to recognize).

I’ve been reaching out to mega carriers about their CDL training programs with job placement, but many require at least 1 full year of U.S. license history — they don’t count my Canadian experience.

I’ve started contacting independent schools too. One recruiter from Premier Truck School told me they accept students with less than 1 year of U.S. license experience and still help with job placement.

My question is: Is it worth going to CDL school now, getting licensed, and trying to find a job with limited U.S. license history — or would it be smarter to just wait a few more months until I hit the 1-year mark and apply then?

Would appreciate any insights from people who’ve been in a similar situation. I’m trying to see my options.

Thanks!

 

Premier Truck School places students with CR England & maybe some other companies. Not a bad choice if you go as a solo driver.
Maybe @brian991219 will clarify about the US license.

 

Thanks for the reply,

Do you know any other good reputable schools in Texas? Ones with decent job placement? Theirs a lot of info out there, hard to narrow down.

 

im down in McAllen, tx but open to travelling.

 

Training Provider Registry

 

A few more months with a class C won't put you any farther ahead than you are right now.......doesn't count
Good luck

 

If Premier Truck School can place you, then go for it now.

 

Lone Star College on Richey Road, Houston is a good school

 

I would not consider CDL school until you have both 1) 1 year on a US license, and 2) an employer aware of your situation & willing to hire you the day after to complete CDL school. You can find a CDL school willing to take your money, no problem. But I think your goal is a CDL job, not just a CDL card & a school loan payment.

THERE IS NO TRUCK DRIVER SHORTAGE no matter how many fake stories you might have read about one. Lots of drivers with nothing complicated going on are having trouble getting hired. You will likely wait even longer. Once you have the CDL some companies don't want to see months & months pass without a CDL job. Find the job, then decide about school.

 

Have you tried contacting companies that run on both sides of the border? Something like UPS or T Force come to mind...