Newb Question About Getting Into Trucking

Folks, please take it easy on me since I am spanking new to the forum :)

Fortunately, so far I have a good job, where I am happy but the way economy is doing, I wanted to have some back up options.

Hence, I am planning to get a CDL A license training through a school. If it matters, I am in Northern Virginia and there are a few options, like NVCC, LFCC (community colleges)which provide everything for around $1500 with WCG grant.

Question is, is it too expensive? Is it worth it? What if I prepare through the DMV and get my learners permit based on my own reading and all? Any other tips or suggestions?

Looking forward to you all for any if your input and advice. Thanks very much :)

Welcome to the forum S.S. Mind if I call you S?

So S, first of all we are not here to belittle or make things difficult for you. We are here to help,...it's the primary objective of this site and forum to help folks like you figure this out and take the path that makes the most sense.

With that said, $1550 out of pocket for a CC course is a good price. A couple of things; make sure the course is 160 hours minimum. Ask what companies have hired their graduates, if so how many. Two really important questions to ask. Remember, you are the customer and have a right to know basic information before you hand them your hard-earned money.

We typically suggest that all Newbies review these threads:

• Truck Driver's Career Guide
• Brett's Book: The Raw Truth About Trucking (free online version)
• High Road Training Program

The first two items are informational and provide a really good base of knowledge and help you establish a realistic set of expectations. Few surprises will occur if you review this information. High Road training is an excellent and highly recommended primer on CDL permit requirements and other important information relevant to attending school.

The other option for schooling is: Paid CDL Training Programs.

Take a look at this stuff and let us know how else we can assist you in this process. Good luck.

Thanks very much G-Town, I truly appreciate it.

Yes, it seems like a 160 hours program:

1-http://www.nvcc.edu/workforce/programs/CDLTraining.html 2-http://lfccworkforce.com/lfcc-workforce-solutions-partners-with-cds-for-professional-truck-driver-training-in-winchester-northern-virginia/

Unfortunately, I can't go for a company sponsored one, since I work in a different field than trucking.

Are above schools/places seem legit? Do you guys have any recommendations? If it matters, I can only attend the school over the weekend.

On another note, what if I don't go to school and take the knowledge exam after going through many online tests, manuals and all and get a CLP(learners permit)? Would that help in anyway?

For the record, I have never been inside a truck so driving a truck is definitely out of the way.

Thanks again for sharing the links and helpful information.

S S. asked:

Are above schools/places seem legit? Do you guys have any recommendations? If it matters, I can only attend the school over the weekend.

I looked at their web content, seems ok. I'd still ask them how they connect graduates with potential employers.

S S. asks for advice:

On another note, what if I don't go to school and take the knowledge exam after going through many online tests, manuals and all and get a CLP(learners permit)? Would that help in anyway?

I think it would help except I'd suggest getting the CDL permit on the school's schedule/recommendation because permits expire. I'd still review and take all the tests in the High Road Training Program

One other thought,...there are companies like Roehl (click on the link) that offer a modest salary while you are attending school (not to be confused with road-training, you get paid for that by every company). The reason I suggest this is because we have had several drivers who took the weekend route for school. Takes a longer time to complete and there is a chance of forgetting from week to week. Just something else to think about.

Most private schools require you to have your permit before you start. You can't do the yard without one.

Most private schools require you to have your permit before you start. You can do the yard without one.

Thanks, what do you mean by yard? Like road skills practice?

S S. asked:

Are above schools/places seem legit? Do you guys have any recommendations? If it matters, I can only attend the school over the weekend.

I looked at their web content, seems ok. I'd still ask them how they connect graduates with potential employers.

S S. asks for advice:

On another note, what if I don't go to school and take the knowledge exam after going through many online tests, manuals and all and get a CLP(learners permit)? Would that help in anyway?

I think it would help except I'd suggest getting the CDL permit on the school's schedule/recommendation because permits expire. I'd still review and take all the tests in the High Road Training Program

One other thought,...there are companies like Roehl (click on the link) that offer a modest salary while you are attending school (not to be confused with road-training, you get paid for that by every company). The reason I suggest this is because we have had several drivers who took the weekend route for school. Takes a longer time to complete and there is a chance of forgetting from week to week. Just something else to think about.

Thanks again. Is Roehl present everywhere? Like do they have schools everywhere? I am not attending school, but working full time in my field in which I graduated from school.

Most private schools require you to have your permit before you start. You can do the yard without one.

Usually that's true. If he is attending on the weekends, it is quite possible he will not be driving the truck for weeks. That is why I suggested he follow the recommendations of the school regarding obtaining the permit.

S S. asked:

Are above schools/places seem legit? Do you guys have any recommendations? If it matters, I can only attend the school over the weekend.

I looked at their web content, seems ok. I'd still ask them how they connect graduates with potential employers.

S S. asks for advice:

On another note, what if I don't go to school and take the knowledge exam after going through many online tests, manuals and all and get a CLP(learners permit)? Would that help in anyway?

I think it would help except I'd suggest getting the CDL permit on the school's schedule/recommendation because permits expire. I'd still review and take all the tests in the High Road Training Program

One other thought,...there are companies like Roehl (click on the link) that offer a modest salary while you are attending school (not to be confused with road-training, you get paid for that by every company). The reason I suggest this is because we have had several drivers who took the weekend route for school. Takes a longer time to complete and there is a chance of forgetting from week to week. Just something else to think about.

Thanks again. Is Roehl present everywhere? Like do they have schools everywhere? I am not attending school, but working full time in my field in which I graduated from school.

S S. you would need to check with Roehl to see if they hire from your area.

If you are asking what I think you are then you may want to save your money. Trucking as a back up plan can work but if you go to school and don't use your license right away then you are going to have to go back to school if the time comes that you ever want to drive. If you have a full time career that you plan on keeping I would forgo the expense of getting a cdl and just focus on the other career. Now if you plan on changing careers then the option of going to school on the weekends is a valid choice but you could also go with a company that will pay you while you are going to school such as roehl and others. But if you take that option there is a 1 year contract to fulfill.