Comments By Joshua P.

For Prime's Student Driver Training can I obtain a Connecticut CDLP before going to their facility or do I have to get a Missouri CDLP at Prime?

Thanks guys

So I hear that a lot of companies turn down candidates with gaps in the employment history, which I have a lot of. Im 28 years old trying to get into a career by going to CDL school, getting endorsements, passport, twic card, med card, etc. and Im nervous about getting turned down and getting all that stuff and spending all that money, all my CDL studying, and preparations for nothing. Im on unemployment now with an off the books job with a tree company since October when I got layed off from a fire protection company that I was at for a year. Prior to that I was working off the books for 4 years at the tree company Im with now, working off the books. Same as before these two jobs I was hoping around off and on the books jobs since I was 19 years old with long longest job being about a year and a few months. I just got partially on the books with the tree job last week and ill remain there until July, when I go to CDL school. Giving the short story I just gave what are my choices? Will there be a company that will take me or am I wasting my time? I really want to be a trucker and this will be the industry I want to have to retire from. As I asked in another post about the notarized letters from employers will this work for the situation Im in or do I need additional info?

Thanks Errol good to know.

If there is more than one rig available, can you choose or you take what you get?

I went through Swift's school, so I can't answer your question directly. But here's a Trucking Truth article:

Private Schooling Versus Company-Sponsored: The Basic Differences

Errol

So apparently Swift doesn't except anyone from CT to their company school due to legislative causes, I don't know. So I have to take a whole new approach with this, my plan B. I'll have to go to a private school which I don't mind at all, It opens a lot more opportunities and choices for potential jobs. How does the financial aid work? What's it take to qualify? What's the average price range? I am going to NETTTS.

Joshua wrote:

Unless I take that certificate back to CT, they test me and I get CDL and then bussed back to a place of orientation. Am I in the ballpark?

Ok, sorry I thought you went through it already.

Once you graduate the Richmond Academy, you will be bussed back to your home state to take the CDL test at a CT state DMV testing location. I attended Swift's Richmond Academy, it was a really good experience. I didn't realize they were testing for CT now.

Once you have the CDL in hand Swift will instruct you on where you will be attend orientation and get paired with a mentor for road training.

Please let us know if you have any additional questions. Good luck!

I don't know if they test for CT residents, I hope they do! I'm still early in my preparations for saving money, CDL permit with endorsements etc. I'm confident ill pass. I pass the practice tests thanks to the high road program and I'm familiar with the driving portion with commercial vehicles since I work for a tree company. Anyway sorry to bore you with my words thanks for the help and luck you stay safe out there.

This doesn't sound right. Were you tested by a CT State DMV examiner in Richmond? Did they hand you any voucher or official certificate?

Unless something has changed and/or I am wrong, Richmond Academy does not administer the CDL test, the state where you have your permit must test and pass you. They will give you a certificate, proof that you successfully completed the 160 hour course.

No haven't even gone through yet, just wondering what to expect. About the Richmond location I read that Swift has a company school there.

Unless I take that certificate back to CT, they test me and I get CDL and then bussed back to a place of orientation. Am I in the ballpark?

This doesn't sound right. Were you tested by a CT State DMV examiner in Richmond? Did they hand you any voucher or official certificate?

Unless something has changed and/or I am wrong, Richmond Academy does not administer the CDL test, the state where you have your permit must test and pass you. They will give you a certificate, proof that you successfully completed the 160 hour course.

No haven't even gone through yet, just wondering what to expect. About the Richmond location I read that Swift has a company school there.