Basic Question As I Am Considering Applying For CDL Training

Hey everyone,

An aspiring Trucker here and I have been highly considering applying to either Roehl or Prime pending some more investigation. I don't have a CDL currently, and although I'd love to apply to either of the two companies I mentioned, I still have a ways to go to commit to either program.

Currently I am looking to apply as a local School Bus Driver part time. Their training will result in a Class B CDL, if in the future I do apply, will I be eligible to take the CDL Class A Training, if at the time I hold a Class B CDL?

Thank you in advance, for this website has been a fountain of knowledge.

Peace and Blessings to all on the Road.

If you're not homebound by a family member or other pressing circumstance and your end goal is to acquire a Class A -- take the most direct route available to you.

If you get a Class B and want to go A, there will be another round of testing and training to upgrade. If you get a Class A and decide it's not for you after you've finished your year with any given company, a class B company will snap you up in a heartbeat.

Hey everyone,

An aspiring Trucker here and I have been highly considering applying to either Roehl or Prime pending some more investigation. I don't have a CDL currently, and although I'd love to apply to either of the two companies I mentioned, I still have a ways to go to commit to either program.

Currently I am looking to apply as a local School Bus Driver part time. Their training will result in a Class B CDL, if in the future I do apply, will I be eligible to take the CDL Class A Training, if at the time I hold a Class B CDL?

Thank you in advance, for this website has been a fountain of knowledge.

Peace and Blessings to all on the Road.

Howdy, good sir, and welcome to Trucking Truth!

Roehl and Prime are both excellent choices. One is almost the 'shortest' training; other being the 'longest!' LoL! If you are leaning toward Prime, plan on a stellar record of employment history. Check out posts and You Tube, provided by Kearsey (fka Rainy...) & re: Roehl, we have many active diaries on that company, as well! Hit up PJ (one of our amazing moderator) as he, also, started with Roehl~!!

Regarding the CDLB and Class A .. the only crossover, as I believe, is the Airbrakes portion of BOTH tests. That's pretty much it, sorry to say. Others correct me if I'm wrong, You don't need similar endorsements for a Class A (ie: passenger, et al) but in a bus, you sure won't need (hope not!) Tanker endorsement, nor doubles/triples. The Class E restriction.. is another ballgame; the 'auto only' restriction.

What type of freight are you looking toward?? ie: Dry Van , Flatbed, etc??

Have you seen the AMAZING starter pack that the bossman put together???? Second article is where you can read and SEE if trucking really IS FOR YOU!

After that, carry on for the reality .. learn and study!!

Hoping this works for you.. again; welcome!!

~ Anne ~

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

Peace and Blessings, back :)

If you're not homebound by a family member or other pressing circumstance and your end goal is to acquire a Class A -- take the most direct route available to you.

If you get a Class B and want to go A, there will be another round of testing and training to upgrade. If you get a Class A and decide it's not for you after you've finished your year with any given company, a class B company will snap you up in a heartbeat.

LoL.. took me an hour to say what you did in a split minute, haha!

Stay safe; all!!

~ Anne ~

Thank you everyone for answering my question. I'm not too concerned about extra training from B to A. As of this point in time, it's more of job availability in my area and school bussing is real convenient and fits my schedule.

Do companies such as Roehl and Prime allow CDL B drivers to apply for their CDL A paid training program such as what Prime and Roehl offer? Or are paid training programs geared for non CDL License holders to apply?

Anne,

Thank you for all the info, I've seen the starter pack the boss has put together and it's the main reason I come to this website. I'm not too sure what I'd be interested but as of now I am leaning towards refer or flatbed to begin with. My ultimate aim is to work for a faith based company, such as Bennett and focus on transportation.

Can you tell me more about what it means to have "stellar" work history?

Thank yall, and God Bless and I will be checking out Kearsey's youtube.

Thank you for all the info, I've seen the starter pack the boss has put together and it's the main reason I come to this website. I'm not too sure what I'd be interested but as of now I am leaning towards refer or flatbed to begin with. My ultimate aim is to work for a faith based company, such as Bennett and focus on transportation.

I mean heavy duty and super heavy duty transport.

Can you tell me more about what it means to have "stellar" work history?

Anne is referring to the FMCSA's requirement that trucking companies gather any new driver's work history for the past three years. This is to keep terrorists from using big trucks the way they used commercial airplanes in the 9/11 attack on our country. That work history establishes where you were and what you've been doing over the past three years. Prime is very strict about that work history, other trucking companies put a little less importance on it. Prime will want to see steady employment during the entire time and they want to see that any employers during that time will consider you for re-hire. They don't want to see you getting fired from a job, etc. That's all Anne means by having "stellar" work history. If you don't have it, all is not lost, but you might not land a job at Prime.

Thank you everyone for answering my question. I'm not too concerned about extra training from B to A. As of this point in time, it's more of job availability in my area and school bussing is real convenient and fits my schedule.

Do companies such as Roehl and Prime allow CDL B drivers to apply for their CDL A paid training program such as what Prime and Roehl offer? Or are paid training programs geared for non CDL License holders to apply?

Anne,

Thank you for all the info, I've seen the starter pack the boss has put together and it's the main reason I come to this website. I'm not too sure what I'd be interested but as of now I am leaning towards refer or flatbed to begin with. My ultimate aim is to work for a faith based company, such as Bennett and focus on transportation.

Can you tell me more about what it means to have "stellar" work history?

Thank yall, and God Bless and I will be checking out Kearsey's youtube.

Howdy, again!

If you are ultimately looking at 'heavy haul,' it would be in your best interest to go flatbed, out of the gate (from the get'go.) Regarding CDL B to A, others have done this, and perhaps they will chime in, but as mentioned in another thread .. why not just get your CDL A first, and then you can still drive CDL B vehicles?!? Makes sense if you are going the private school route.

Regarding 'stellar' employment history; Prime is a stickler with work history. If you have gaps in employment, or if you've been a job hopper, chances are they won't take too kindly to that. << Kearsey has a video on that, too!

Glad to help in what little ways I can, and wish you the best, Ramsses~

~ Anne ~

'preciate all the respoonses, great community here !