Getting A CDL

Hi, I am also from NY (NYC) and in the process of upgrading my CDL B class to an A class permit. I found your reply to be quite informative about the CDL process with Schneider - as I have been conducting a lot of research on this site (enrolled in the High Road online training, as a supplement to NYS DMV CDL book) and YouTube (reviews, experiences) about different companies.

I see many companies have a commitment of 1 year or longer. I'm scared I won't be able to make the cut, fulfill my contractual obligation and not wanting to impact or ruin my credit - as a result I am contemplating upon successful completion of my A class permit taking classes locally as I have found some schools that allow 1:1sessions per hour and when I am confident, ready renting a truck for the road test.

But it is good to know Schneider is also a viable option for me (as I wouldn't want to go out of state for training, just to come back to NYC and have to retest). Thanks for the valuable information, Safe travels

I’m from New York and trained with Schneider in Indianapolis which is obviously handled different than at Swift as they test you at the training facilities. They had me test on site in Indy and submitted everything I needed to the federal database. When I got back to NY I just had to go in to the DMV and pickup my CDL. Pretty convenient.

The time with the mentor(TA) was shared with another student and you sleep in the truck with the other student. Nobody likes that part. I got lucky and got a local trainer so I was in the same hotel room during the mentor weeks as I was the rest of my training (6weeks for my original account). When I ran in to my old TA last week he told me they are no longer putting his students up in the hotel for those weeks and are instead making them sleep in the truck at the OC.

A couple uncomfortable weeks are well worth it in the end. I think you will have this no matter what paid training you go through. Just keep your eye on the prize.

The CAT program which is what I went through, only has a 9 month contract. If you are not able to fulfill the contract the amount you have to pay back is on the lower end as well, just over 2k but the longer you make it the less you have to pay back.

Couple things though, that contract goes into effect as soon as you sign it. If you quit or are kicked out of the training you have to pay it back. The 9 month part of the obligation does not begin at the start of training, it starts when you begin driving solo. So I started training Nov 8th but my 9 month clock did not start until January. No matter where you go make sure you read the contract carefully. So many of the students in my class had no idea what they actually signed into.

That’s how it all worked when I trained this past Nov/Dec. I know at Indy they changed the actual training process which resulted in a lot more students failing out in the first two weeks before getting assigned TAs. Some things to think about and discuss with the recruiter if you take that route.

Good luck.

Hi, I am also from NY (NYC) and in the process of upgrading my CDL B class to an A class permit. I found your reply to be quite informative about the CDL process with Schneider - as I have been conducting a lot of research on this site (enrolled in the High Road online training, as a supplement to NYS DMV CDL book) and YouTube (reviews, experiences) about different companies.

I see many companies have a commitment of 1 year or longer. I'm scared I won't be able to make the cut, fulfill my contractual obligation and not wanting to impact or ruin my credit - as a result I am contemplating upon successful completion of my A class permit taking classes locally as I have found some schools that allow 1:1sessions per hour and when I am confident, ready renting a truck for the road test.

But it is good to know Schneider is also a viable option for me (as I wouldn't want to go out of state for training, just to come back to NYC and have to retest). Thanks for the valuable information, Safe travels

I’m from New York and trained with Schneider in Indianapolis which is obviously handled different than at Swift as they test you at the training facilities. They had me test on site in Indy and submitted everything I needed to the federal database. When I got back to NY I just had to go in to the DMV and pickup my CDL. Pretty convenient.

The time with the mentor(TA) was shared with another student and you sleep in the truck with the other student. Nobody likes that part. I got lucky and got a local trainer so I was in the same hotel room during the mentor weeks as I was the rest of my training (6weeks for my original account). When I ran in to my old TA last week he told me they are no longer putting his students up in the hotel for those weeks and are instead making them sleep in the truck at the OC.

A couple uncomfortable weeks are well worth it in the end. I think you will have this no matter what paid training you go through. Just keep your eye on the prize.

What's the duration of the classes, from 6am to what time

I got my CDL in PA after graduating from Swifts Richmond Academy. Once you graduate Swift, will send you home (via Greyhound Bus) to test in PA.

I’m from Pennsylvania and just got my CDL learner’s permit, I’m looking for a paid CDL training probably at Swift. Couple of questions: 1: How do i get my CDL after training if the training location is out of state

What's the duration of the classes, from 6am to what time

Between 8-9 hours to the best of my recollection.

Have you applied to Swift yet?

Yes, i have. waiting on the next step.

during mentoring do i get to shower every day and where do i sleep when the truck is not moving

What's the duration of the classes, from 6am to what time

Between 8-9 hours to the best of my recollection.

Have you applied to Swift yet?

When you are in training, you will sleep in the truck, same as once you are a solo driver in your own truck.

Showers may not be possible every single day, but no more than every other day is likely.

Showers are highly over rated. Bring a package of body wipes, the small ones work but I like the larger ones. Available at Walmart. That way, if you can’t catch a shower every day you can still be clean.

What's the duration of the classes, from 6am to what time

I got my CDL in PA after graduating from Swifts Richmond Academy. Once you graduate Swift, will send you home (via Greyhound Bus) to test in PA.

I’m from Pennsylvania and just got my CDL learner’s permit, I’m looking for a paid CDL training probably at Swift. Couple of questions: 1: How do i get my CDL after training if the training location is out of state

Anything moving along for ya, Tekashi? All the vets of TT are here for you.

Have you decided on which company to go with, yet? Got more questions for the forum?

Did you ever apply here? Apply For Paid CDL Training!! These are all free, and many pay YOU while they train you.

Hope all is well, waiting for an update;

~ Anne ~