Who says I have to go to driving school?

because a class b does not count

 

If you can pull that off, let me know. I'll come with ya!

 

No reason to "blast" ya...you are asking a legitimate question...one I'm sure many other "gonnabe's" would ask.

I think that, these days, it is more about the insurance companies demanding that a companies drivers have some PRACTICAL experience OTR in order for them to cover that companies' drivers....

Judi Kay

 

You could do exactly what you described. Without a problem, during good times. It may be a bit more difficult for the moment though. It is dog eat dog out here right now.

There are regs requiring a certian level (minimal) of instruction...about safety. And new regs coming done the pike regarding the level of training.

But for now, the restrictions are as you stated. The companies are at the mercy of their insurance company. And those insurance companies (the majority) want to see that certificate.

It would be easier to take a job with a company that utilizes the occasional Class A driver. While employing him for something totally unrelated. Won't add much to your experience level. but it will allow you to get some wheel time.

As far as the driver mill.... you have access to one of the best schools in you area. The local community college in that area, used to provide a 7 week course for only $700. I'm sure that's changed, but it's something to consider.

 

There is nothing saying you have to go to truck driver training school. All you have to do is go to the secretary of state and take the required tests. Then you will have to either borrow or rent a tractor & trailer and take a road test with either the state or a qualified third party tester. If you know someone who owns a rig you could just use that as well. I almost went that route myself but after giving it some serious thought I thought it would be better to go to a school in order to be up on all the current regs and hours of service among other things. But yes it can be done.

 

I never set one foot in any driving school. I got lucky and had someone (undisclosed person)teach me how to drive. If you have a relative or friend who is a driver already,that's about the only way around it. Need someone with lot's of patience.

Getting around practical driving experience with most of these cookie cutter companies will be the biggest challenge.

Again, that's one of those things where you have to know someone who can get you in.

I think it's much harder to do these days than 5 just years ago.


I don't think there is any reason why someone can't study the CDL materials and go take the exam when they're ready..

Best of luck but the truth of it is this has got to be the worst time for anyone to be breaking into truck driving due to this economy.

 

I had a friend that drove for a small trucking company. I had expressed an interest in driving to him before. The small company (10 trucks) they were getting ready to haul some loads for a new account and the times really required a team. I went thru a school to learn the basics and then teamed with my friend. I knew going in that these loads were short term but figured the experience would count. It did. When the contracts were up I got laid off. Knew it was coming and applied to another small company. Got laid off on Friday started driving for the other company on Tuesday and stayed with them for three years. I was lucky to have someone driving a truck who was willing to help me. At the time he had 2.1 million miles and had never so much as put a scratch on a truck or trailer. He TAUGHT me how to drive. I really feel the industry would be better off if more entrants were trained this way. I personlly commend you for thinking this way and wish you the best.

 

you don't I never did started out much the same boat with a class B as a matter of fact I took my class A skill test in a pickup with a gooseneck trailer

 

Ya'll should read the green FMCSR green book under sections 380.501, 380.505, 380.507, 380.509

It clearly states that an entry level driver is responsible for receiving training. The employer who is going to hire and entry level driver must make sure the driver received the training and keeps a copy of the certificate on file as long as the driver is employed.

With that said and I'm reading it correctly. An employer my have a current employee who is a LCV trainer offer entry level driver certification.

I also may be wrong all together and in that case ignore what I wrote. lol