Out Of The Game For 4 Years

I have been out of the trucking industry for four years. I let my CDL lapse in 2016. Prior to that I drove for 13 years solid. I want to get back into the trucking industry and keep getting different answers. My question is do I have to start from scratch and go through driving school or should I get into a company CDL training program? I called a Truck school locally and the instructor said I have to start all over because I was out of driving for 4 years.

I have been out of the trucking industry for four years. I let my CDL lapse in 2016. Prior to that I drove for 13 years solid. I want to get back into the trucking industry and keep getting different answers. My question is do I have to start from scratch and go through driving school or should I get into a company CDL training program? I called a Truck school locally and the instructor said I have to start all over because I was out of driving for 4 years.

Hi, Shawn; and welcome to the forum!!

Of course, the local truck school is going to tell you that . . . They want your money!

Your best and safest bet would be to get into a company CDL training program, as you also mentioned, and here's why: You will HAVE a job with said company upon completion of successful training with them, and you MAY get some sort of abbreviated training, due to your prior experience of 14 years!

My husband was in a similar situation in 2003, and he went the paid school route, unfortunately. We didn't know then, what we know now. This website is invaluable . . . you can study and apply ALL in one place~! Brush up on pre trips, updated regs, and head to orientation, all from here!

Best of luck with your return to trucking; glad to have you on TT ~!

Anne :)

Welcome to our forum Shawn!

My question is do I have to start from scratch and go through driving school or should I get into a company CDL training program?

Actually the answer is yes. You have to start from scratch. You could go either way - it's your preference. Do you want to lay out 3 or 4 thousand dollars and then have to apply everywhere for a job, or would you prefer someone else invest their time and money in you and have a job lined up once you're licensed?

For me, the choice is clear. I'd find a Paid CDL Training Program that sounds interesting, and I'd make the commitment required to get back in the game while they pay me to do it. That sounds like a win win situation to me.

Shawn, it probably sounds crazy to you. After all those years, you'd think you wouldn't have to do it that way. That's the new reality. If you're out of the saddle for six months or more you just about have to be considered a total greenhorn. You'll be fine, just take the medicine and move forward. Before you know it you'll be making some great money and loving what you're doing.

Thank you so much for the info. I know what direction to go. What a great website I'm I joined!

I have been out of the trucking industry for four years. I let my CDL lapse in 2016. Prior to that I drove for 13 years solid. I want to get back into the trucking industry and keep getting different answers. My question is do I have to start from scratch and go through driving school or should I get into a company CDL training program? I called a Truck school locally and the instructor said I have to start all over because I was out of driving for 4 years.

Hi, Shawn; and welcome to the forum!!

Of course, the local truck school is going to tell you that . . . They want your money!

Your best and safest bet would be to get into a company CDL training program, as you also mentioned, and here's why: You will HAVE a job with said company upon completion of successful training with them, and you MAY get some sort of abbreviated training, due to your prior experience of 14 years!

My husband was in a similar situation in 2003, and he went the paid school route, unfortunately. We didn't know then, what we know now. This website is invaluable . . . you can study and apply ALL in one place~! Brush up on pre trips, updated regs, and head to orientation, all from here!

Best of luck with your return to trucking; glad to have you on TT ~!

Anne :)