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What should I be looking for in a school?

Discussion in 'Trucking Schools and CDL Training Forum' started by Latino_Trucker13, Mar 16, 2012.

  1. Mar 16, 2012 #1
    Latino_Trucker13

    Latino_Trucker13 Bobtail Member

    6
    1
    Mar 14, 2012
    San Francisco, CA
    0
    So I want to know from experienced drivers what specifically to look for in a school. What should the school be focused on other than just how to drive a truck? What kind of questions should I be asking? what is a fair price for good schools? And can anyone suggest a school near San Francisco or Oakland that is worth the price? Thanks in advance for any feedback.
     
    Latino_Trucker13, Mar 16, 2012
    Latino_Trucker13, Mar 16, 2012
    #1
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  3. Mar 16, 2012 #2
    Allow Me.

    Allow Me. Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

    10,665
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    May 28, 2009
    Rancho Mirage, Ca.
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    Look for a "PTDI" certified school. I believe that stands for "Peofessional truck driving institute". These schools do a proper teaching method with class room and behind the wheel training. It will take about 4 weeks. There are schools that can rush you thru in as little as 3 days, which is no class room and yard and highway only. But truck companies will want more before they hire you. Tour any facility before you pay and ask questions. Watch out for "schools" that operate out of a vacant lot with a day cab/short trailer and no storefront.
     
    Allow Me., Mar 16, 2012
    Allow Me., Mar 16, 2012
    #2
    Latino_Trucker13 Thanks this.
  4. Mar 17, 2012 #3
    Latino_Trucker13

    Latino_Trucker13 Bobtail Member

    6
    1
    Mar 14, 2012
    San Francisco, CA
    0
    Thanks for your input =) i did see one school in Oakland that was just a yard and a modular building with about 4 run down day cabs infront of it. that definitley set off alarms in my head.
     
    Latino_Trucker13, Mar 17, 2012
    Latino_Trucker13, Mar 17, 2012
    #3
  5. Mar 19, 2012 #4
    porcupyne13

    porcupyne13 Bobtail Member

    32
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    Feb 19, 2012
    Los Angeles, CA
    0
    might want ask about their policy on re-testing in case you fail at the dmv. some schools might charge you for the use of their truck again at the dmv. i'm sure policies differ from school to school. my school was pretty nice in that respect. some people failed the dmv test a few times, still...they kept on training them till they thought they were ready and sending them back to the dmv. the only extra fee the student was responsible for was the dmv re-testing fees.

    we all learn at different rates, some need more or less practice than others and you really won't know what kind of student you truly are until you past the dmv tests. so checking on a school's policy on retesting might save you some money.
     
    porcupyne13, Mar 19, 2012
    porcupyne13, Mar 19, 2012
    #4
  7. Mar 19, 2012 #5
    Bikerdave

    Bikerdave Light Load Member

    287
    81
    Feb 23, 2012
    Middle of nowhere TEXAS
    0
    Make sure that is is an accredited school and also a 160 Hour minimum. Most companies that hire recent grads need 160 as opposed to a lot of mills that do 120hr courses
     
    Bikerdave, Mar 19, 2012
    Bikerdave, Mar 19, 2012
    #5
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