Worth getting a CDL in my situation?

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by LightSpeed1907, Jul 6, 2025.

  1. LightSpeed1907

    LightSpeed1907 Bobtail Member

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    I’m currently working in a non-driving career that provides a solid six-figure salary and good benefits. However, I constantly worry about the possibility of being laid off without a backup plan. I’ve always heard that having a CDL and a clean MVR is a reliable way to ensure steady employment.

    I now have the opportunity to earn a Class A CDL at no cost through the Alabama Skills for Success program. The only expenses on my end would be the initial DOT physical, MVR, and testing fees. The rest is covered by a state grant. The program is mostly self-paced and online, with the final five days spent at the school for range practice and the skills test.

    I also understand that I can self-certify as "excepted" to avoid needing a DOT medical card for each renewal.

    Given my current situation, would it be worthwhile to go ahead and obtain the Class A CDL and simply maintain it as a backup career option?
     
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  3. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    Does Alabama Skills for Success have job placement for their new cdl graduates?
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  4. LightSpeed1907

    LightSpeed1907 Bobtail Member

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    I believe so. The program itself is run through the community college system.
     
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  5. bryan21384

    bryan21384 Road Train Member

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    It's never a bad idea to get a CDL. It never hurts to diversify.
     
  6. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    Do that and get all the endorsements including hazmat.
     
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  7. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    Community colleges have an excellent reputation for cdl training.
     
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  8. tscottme

    tscottme Road Train Member

    Unless you have a CDL job waiting for you don't do it. Lots of experienced CDL drivers are not getting hired. THERE IS NO TRUCK DRIVER SHORTAGE. It's the "global warming" hoax of business media.

    If you get a CDL & don't have a job waiting for you it's not in demand after a few months. You might even need to pay for refresher course before getting a job. Not all CDL schools are interchangeable. Some employers only accept newbies from certain CDL schools or from their own school. Find the job before deciding about CDL school. There are lots of out of date stories that no longer apply in trucking. Companies hide working conditions from newbies and newbies have unrealistic expectations. Not all trucking employers are similar. You need to speak with current working drivers to know what you are walking into. Company web sites are highly optimistic if not false. Ditto for recruiters.
     
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  9. TripleSix

    TripleSix God of Roads

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    The problem I see is that any skills that you pick up in school, you are going to lose them by the time you need to enact a backup plan.

    CDL school gets you to the point to where you can pass a test. You will probably suck at driving. So, when you finally get to a training company, they are going to give you a road test. Half of you are going to fail. They send you home. See the problem with your backup plan now?
     
  10. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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  11. LightSpeed1907

    LightSpeed1907 Bobtail Member

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    I've been driving farm trucks with pintle hook trailers all my life. After I get my CDL, the plan would be to find part time work driving a coach bus. I don't think I would have an issue maintaining basic skills.
     
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