Comments By Seatack

Finally started CDL school!

Background Info

I obtained my CDL permit in January of 2022. Initially I wasn’t sure of how I wanted to go about receiving driver training. Because I obtained my permit before the new ELDT laws went into effect I’m exempt from those stipulations. I knew I didn’t want to do any company sponsored training. The main reason being, having to go OTR for weeks or months at the beginning. Next was, trying to find a local job that would hire me with a permit and give me on the job training to obtain my class A license. After filling out multiple applications and speaking with driver supervisors and HR representatives it seemed like that wasn’t going to work out for one reason or another. Either they didn’t do that anymore or they didn’t have openings for any more permit holders. Next, I thought about getting some seat time with a friend and trying to tackle the State tests on my own. After reading stories on TT about others having trouble obtaining a job, as a rookie, without formal training, I decided that attending a local school would be my best course of action.

So, I began calling , and going to all the local schools here in Jacksonville to see what they had to offer. There are about 5 schools here in Jacksonville. I considered tuition amount, student to instructor ratio, location, and course length. After a month or so, I settled on attending Florida State College at Jacksonville (FSCJ).

So, that brought me to enrollment. What a shocker when I found out the class is fully booked for the next 5 months! I decided to enroll anyway. I made a job change to night shift to accommodate the upcoming class schedule, and waited .

It is a 320 hour/ 8 week course. Classes are held Monday through Friday from 8am to 5pm. Aside from their course being one of the most affordable for me locally, the campus location and class times allowed me to work full time while attending school. 16 students, 4 weeks in the classroom (1 instructor) and 4 weeks behind the wheel ( 4 instructors).

Class began on August 22, 2022.

Thanks for chronically your cdl school journey! I will be starting cdl school at a local community college in Florida this summer. I'm excited to follow your diary as you will complete your journey before I even begin. Hopefully I will pick up some valuable information from your journey as I'm preparing for mine.

Long time lurker, and 1st time poster.

Backstory: I have always had a love for trucks! I was raised by my grandfather, who owned 3 dump trucks. He was an owner/operator in the 90's who employed 2 of his sons. All 3 trucks were 1988 GMC Brigadiers. I would spend my summers riding shotgun on their routes, re-grooving tires and greasing trucks. I even learned to drive and shift gears on our 3/4 mile street. The business ended when my grandfather passed away and my uncles joined the military shortly after. Fast forward 20 years and here we are today!

I've been in retail and food service the last 15 years and wanted a change. I decided my love for trucks has been on the back burner for long enough. Last month I got my Florida Class A permit with tanker endorsement. I didn't even find out about the new ELDT law going into effect till after I got my permit. At least I'm grandfathered in under the old rules now. I am currently working a great paying full time job but, money isn't everything! My ultimate goal is to be an Owner/operator down the road.

Here is my current situation. I am currently weighing my options for obtaining my CDL. I do not want to got OTR! (I have a high school aged child). I also cannot afford to be without a job. Here are my options.....

1. Go to a community college or other CDL program while working my full time job. (2 months as a full time student, or 4 months as a part time student) 2. Train with a friend who is willing to let me get some wheel time in his 10 speed tractor (no trailer). Then, go to a private CDL training facility who will prepare me for the state road test. 5 day program (4 days of pre-trip inspection/ yard & road training and state test on the 5th day)

I will be paying for either one out of pocket. I am fully confident in my ability to learn the pre trip inspection on my own and would use the private training mostly to learn how to drive with a trailer and backing maneuvers.

I understand there are paid cdl training jobs available but I don't want to go OTR or be forced to sign a contract of employment.

Option #1 would probably prepare me better for the career change but, would have me repeating a lot of stuff I already know because I have a permit and, it would take 2-4 months

Option #2 would probably put me in the "dreaded" I didn't go to an approved CDL school boat. But, I would be free to join a local or small company as a rookie/ no experience driver (probably go through some company training) and begin my CDL career with no strings attached.

Which one you would choose and why. Also tell me about your non-OTR experiences that lead to you getting your CDL.

Thanks in advance, and I look forward to reading all the responses

-Seatack