Student Concerns

Zebcohobo is right. Don't freak out. Talk to the school and talk to employers.

I don't know that you can't find work with the 40 hour course. I just want you to know now that that may be the case.

If it is the case, you might just be able to get the other 120 hours from the same school, pay the difference and get the 160 hour certificate. That could be the least expensive and fastest way to reach your goals.

FYI, I doubt you can get financial assistance to go to another school if you already have your CDL. They aren't likely to understand the technicalities of training hours. They will just look at the fact that you have your CDL. Again, I'm not sure but I would bet this is the case and I'm not a gambling man.

Sorry, I wish I could just type one thing to make you feel better. How about hang in there and you will get what you want. It is obvious you are serious and committed. That will get you where you want to go.

 

IMHO, the 360 hour course will be of higher quaility and you will learn more. Still, if I were in your place I would figure the least expensive and fastest way to get the required hours.

If the cost is comparable and you can spare the additional time go for the quailty. If not go for the speed and cost. You are highly motivated and concerned about doing it right. If others that couldn't care less can make it on the 160 hours, you can do as well or better.

Whatever the outcome you will prevail. While this is a hurdle to overcome you have learned a valuable lesson here. You have learned that it is very important to research and plan before spending time and money on anything. You have learned this many years before most of us did. You have a real headstart with this experience. Nothing is a complete loss if it makes you wiser.

 

i would be willing to bet that the 40 hour course is supposed to be a refresher for drivers who have been away from the industry for a few years.

 

Exactly what I was thinking,the 360 will give you more seat time, which is never a bad thing. But getting 120 from the school you are at is faster. Take today and come up witha gameplan and make some calls monday morning. Try to relaxe and the answers will usually come to you. Good Luck and keep us posted.

 

if you can go the technical school/community college route it will be your best bet.....as well as lower cost.....

I did 380 hours at a local community college with an outstanding reputation and found they didn't get that reputation by accident.....10 hours a day, 5 days a week for 8 long grueling weeks

by graduation had over 750 miles in the seat, it seemed like almost as many backing in every concievable situation, and in all terrain and weather conditions as well.....

and it showed in the types of companies that recruited from there, and in the job I got, which was better than average for a newbie....

sounds like you made a really bad choice to start with but have realized it and are going to recover very well....that puts you ahead of alot of them who didn't realize the mistake they made and then ended up somewhere they didn't want to be.

good luck to you

 

no


American Trucker

 

yes that way they'll have time to do you background check before you get your CDL



American Trucker