Comments on: Choosing a CDL Truck Driving School – The First Challenge

By: Tronson R

Tronson R — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 20:44:31 +0000

I came across your blog today while searching for schools and you give a lot of great tips. Thanks!
I have truckers in my family and I’ve been on the road with them several times through out my life and I cannot wait to find a school, get certified, and go out on the road. I’ve worked different kinds of jobs and I actually enjoyed being on the road and helping my family do every bit of work on the long haul.
So again, Thanks! Very excited^^

By: Joni

Joni — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 08:29:16 +0000

I am just in the beginning stages of learning about becoming a trucker. I went to TDI in Sandford, Florida yesterday. I didn’t ask a lot of questions like what kind of trucks would I be training on. Thanks for your web site. And since then I have seen many postings that do not recommend this school. I did hear that Mid Florida Tech in Orlando, Florida might be a better answer to finding the right school for me.

By: BTtrucker

BTtrucker — Wed, 19 Jan 2011 12:53:17 +0000

Thanks TruckerMike,….. I had sent a post on Truckers Board and Brett put me in the right direction and i found your article.It was a Good Read and Answered all my Questions. I just need to ask some of the Question that you point out.

Once Again Thanks,BTtrucker

By: Brett Aquila

Brett Aquila — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 12:03:38 +0000

Hey Dennis - glad the info helped. We have a whole series of articles on the subject and you should be sure to read them all - they all have great information in them. Here's where you will find articles about finding the right truck driving school. Best of luck! Keep in touch and let us know how things go. It would be great to see you join our truckers forum where we can get to know you and answer whatever questions you may have. That's what we're here for! Hope to see you there!

By: dennis provost

dennis provost — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 18:54:54 +0000

Hey Brett. I read your post about getting into truck driving school. You gave a lot of info that was very valuable. I am looking into a private school. I am unemployed and already retrained in the Biotech field with not much response in the job search. That’s why I am looking into the trucking industry. Thanks for the info

With regards
Dennis Provost

By: I Don’t Know Nuthin’ About Trucking - Now What? | Becoming A Truck Driver: Help, Stories, Advice, and Opinions

Mon, 09 Mar 2009 09:54:37 +0000

[...] of the student truck driver! A note from TruckingTruth: We also have another great article called Choosing A CDL Truck Driving School: The First Challenge” that also has a ton of great information on choosing a truck driving school. We really [...]

By: Tough Times In Trucking: Getting Pre-Hired Is No Guarantee | Becoming A Truck Driver: Help, Stories, Advice, and Opinions

Fri, 06 Feb 2009 15:20:47 +0000

[...] Choosing A CDL Driving School [...]

By: TruckerMike

TruckerMike — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 13:51:00 +0000

Hi Lorenzo,

As Brett said, just make sure they are state certified. Most of the schools in my area are 4 weeks long if you go full time and can be much longer if you go part time. For my state, in order to be certified, they need at least 160 hours of training and there has to be a certain student to teacher ratio. I know my school has a max of 16 students per class. It may be different for Arkansas, I’m not sure. Might want to swing my your DMV and ask if they have a list of state certified schools. While you’re there, you might as well pick up your Motor Vehicle Report showing all the tickets (or lack of tickets) you’ve recieved. You’ll most likely need it before you join a school. Plus, it’s just good to know what’s on your record and what isn’t. Many times, moving violations will come off your record in a short amount of time while others stay for a while.

Good luck!

By: Brett Aquila

Brett Aquila — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 09:37:21 +0000

Different schools have different setups. They each design their own curriculumn. Making sure they are state certified is important. Other than that, their main job is to get you your CDL license so you can get a job. Once you do that, the real learning begins once you get out on the road.

By: lorenzo jones

lorenzo jones — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 03:06:29 +0000

Why do they have four month cdl school and a three week? I live in nlr arkansas.

By: Brett Aquila

Brett Aquila — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 13:39:35 +0000

Excellent article! Really well-researched and dead on. I, too went to a private school and I was glad I did. I was able to scrape up the money so it was no big deal. Not everyone can though, that’s the problem.

After 15 years of driving I can honestly say that I’ve never heard anyone complain about where they got their CDL training from. More than likely it’s because it doesn’t take you long to realize that 98% of what you’ll learn about being a truck driver comes from your experience on the road.

So the main point of the schooling is to give you an introduction to trucking, give you a feel for the truck a little bit, and get your CDL license so that you can get hired by a trucking company and go out with a trainer and really begin learning what driving a truck is all about.

I’d say the most important thing about your schooling, regardless of where you attend, is to learn all you can and make the most of your time. The same goes for your time on the road with a trainer. Make the most of it. It’s incredibly valuable time, and before you know it you’ll be on your own!

Great article, Mike!