Preparing To Go To Trucking School!

Hello, everyone! I've been browsing the forum a bit, and I'm impressed by the level of positivity and overall kindness I see. This seems like a great community, and I'm glad I found it.

My dad drove a truck through my entire childhood and early adulthood, doing various jobs. The trucks were fascinating, almost legendary as a small child. Now that I'm in my 40's and tired of boring retail jobs, I'm looking to start training soon. I'm here to ask if you folks have any tips for schooling/my first few weeks on the road. I have a friend going with me, and she keeps talking about team driving, but I'm leaning far more toward going solo. Any input is appreciated!

You came to the right site for the best information. Almost every driver on here will recommend that you go with a company training program because you will have a job when you complete the course.

Ask any questions about what your needs are like OTR , regional or local. Dry van , reefer or flatbed if you have a preference. Also if you go with a company training program be sure to commit to 1 year there so you owe them nothing.

Also be sure that you are drug free at least for the last 6 months because urine and hair samples will be taken andyou do not want to be failed before you get started. Good luck.

Hi, Rick. Have you already picked a school? Private or company sponsored?

I'd recommend you and your friend wait until your training is complete before you make a decision about team driving. She may change her mind once she experiences what sharing a truck is like in reality.

Once we know where you will be going for CDL school and what company hires you, any members here who have experience with the same company can offer you more specific information about what you can expect.

You can check out the Training Diaries menu to see what new drivers have to say about the process where they are schooling/training.

Whoa! I didn't realize there was so little activity in the Training Diaries section. You can still check out older entries to get a broad idea of what to expect.

Hi there. I'm looking at PAM's training school + 6 month commitment, but I'm still doing my research. As I said, I'm really leaning toward solo driving, for a number of reasons. I think it would be good for me to get out there on the road by myself to come to terms with the last six or seven months of life. If anyone has suggestions on companies/schools, I'd be happy to hear it, I don't turn away good advice.

Hi, Rick. Have you already picked a school? Private or company sponsored?

I'd recommend you and your friend wait until your training is complete before you make a decision about team driving. She may change her mind once she experiences what sharing a truck is like in reality.

Once we know where you will be going for CDL school and what company hires you, any members here who have experience with the same company can offer you more specific information about what you can expect.

You can check out the Training Diaries menu to see what new drivers have to say about the process where they are schooling/training.

Paid CDL Training Programs

• Trucker's Career Guide: Choosing A Truck Driving School
• Article Category: Choosing A Truck Driving School
• Forum Topics Tagged "Choosing A Truck Driving School"

• Trucker's Career Guide: Choosing Your First Truck Driving Job
• Article Category: Finding The Right Truck Driving Job
• Forum Topics Tagged "Choosing A Trucking Company"

High Road CDL Training Program

As I said, I'm really leaning toward solo driving, for a number of reasons

Good! That's what is usually recommended for a new driver. Being solo helps a new driver develop vital skills such as managing your clock and planning your trips/routes. It's a steep learning curve, but it's best to learn right away by tossing yourself into the fire, so to speak😉

Check out some of the links above when you have the time.

The last link connecting to The High Road Training Program is without a doubt the best way to learn what you need to know in order to pass your permit tests. It is where most of us started.

I'm not familiar with PAM. I did apply there when I first started on the path to becoming a professional driver. At the time they wanted new-hires to team for 6 months before going solo, and their pay seemed a little too low.

Some of the company info on this site may be outdated since companies frequently change things like length of training, pay, benefits, etc. in order to adjust to current trends in the industry. You can get a general idea of what each company has to offer though.

So far as what company we'd recommend...most people here would recommend their own company. Why? Bc for the most part it is possible to be happy and successful at most any company you choose to begin your career with. The difference between a "good" company and a "bad" is more of a reflection of the individual driver's attitude and commitment.

I'm settling in to sleep right now. Other members can help you out if you have more questions.

Rick, definitely use the High Road training that RealDiehl linked. Get familiar with it and sitting for your permit tests will be a breeze. When you're ready, I recommend using this site's application as it goes out to many companies. I landed with a company I wasn't even aware of through that and I'm quite happy going through my rookie year with them.

I agree with the others about taking advantage of the training aids.

I studied the tests on this site and when I got to school I literally knew every answer on the tests we took in class. Made going over the subject matter in class kind of boring but the tests were a breeze. They're also the same questions that will be on the tests you take at the DMV.

I wouldn't commit to team driving until you've been out with a trainer. That'll give you a sense of what team driving would be like. Keep in mind that you and the trainer will be up at the same time. As a team driver you'll be trying to sleep while someone else drives, backs, gets in/out of the truck, gets lost or cusses at traffic, listens to the radio, sets the air brakes, farts, belches, etc.

As far as which company to consider I don't have much to offer. I used the GI Bill to go to school and applied to companies after completion.

I will say that if you're considering flatbed, Maverick Transportstion is a good company. They're based out of N. Little Rock, Ar. I'm not sure if they train to hire but it's a legit company and would be a great place to learn the ropes if they do offer training.

Good luck

I'm definitely going to hit up the training aids and any other useful information I'm provided. I like being prepared. I am meeting with the branch manager at A160 Driving Academy on Wednesday, so I definitely want to be prepared to not look totally clueless when I speak with her. Thank you for all the helpful input so far, I appreciate it!

Rick, I teach a CDL course. Two suggestions you could understand now.

• Get a toy truck
  You will see how a truck actually acts as you steer the cab/tractor. It is truly different than the view you get out the driver window.
• Drag a broom around the house.
  In an 18 wheeler, your rear end (the most important part) is maybe 70 feet behind you. Hold a broom or mop by the top of the handle. Hold that broom-end next to your hip. Now walk around the house and don't let the broom touch anything - chairs, door jambs, the dining table, the dog, anything. Note how far "out" you need to get to make a turn there.

Lastly, store up a big supply of patience. You will need it when you start backing the truck, and the trailer just won't go where you think it should go.