New Driver, Studying For CDL Permit. Looking For Some Suggestions
Topic 33700 | Page 1
Here's a great place to study for the permit test: High Road Study Guide
Looking for a company that will spot you the training? Paid CDL Training
Some people's experience in training: CDL Training Diaries
And always check these forums. We'll help you out.
CDL:
Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles:
- Any combination of vehicles with a gross combined weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 or more pounds, providing the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of the vehicle being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds.
- Any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds, or any such vehicle towing another not in excess of 10,000 pounds.
- Any vehicle, regardless of size, designed to transport 16 or more persons, including the driver.
- Any vehicle required by federal regulations to be placarded while transporting hazardous materials.
I am a fan of Prime, because it's who I started with.
Having said that, I'm not a fan girl of them either. I only occasionally sip the Kool-aid.
What name on the door isn't going to be as important as how much their structure works with your needs. You will see a whole lot mentioned about success being dependant on yourself, your ability to get the job done, and your safety record.
Some of the drivers here started with the "worst" companies, and have built exemplary safety records and amazing driving skills. I am sure they will chime in.
Bottom line though, use company sponsored training to your advantage. There is a reason why this page cheerleads it so much.
Company Sponsored Training:
A Company-Sponsored Training Program is a school that is owned and operated by a trucking company.
The schooling often requires little or no money up front. Instead of paying up-front tuition you will sign an agreement to work for the company for a specified amount of time after graduation, usually around a year, at a slightly lower rate of pay in order to pay for the training.
If you choose to quit working for the company before your year is up, they will normally require you to pay back a prorated amount of money for the schooling. The amount you pay back will be comparable to what you would have paid if you went to an independently owned school.
Company-sponsored training can be an excellent way to get your career underway if you can't afford the tuition up front for private schooling.
Yeah, you can't go wrong using the study guide/practice-test-material that Errol suggested.
Prime actually has a terminal in SLC. You can find it on Google maps simply by typing "Prime Inc Salt Lake City". I took an Uber from the terminal one day and spent several hours at the Natural History Museum of Utah.
NaeNae is right that company sponsored training is best. It pretty much guarantees you a job upon getting your CDL and finishing training.
There are drivers here who went to Independent trucking schools and were still able to find great jobs. They can offer you some advice if you choose to go that route.
CDL:
Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles:
- Any combination of vehicles with a gross combined weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 or more pounds, providing the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of the vehicle being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds.
- Any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds, or any such vehicle towing another not in excess of 10,000 pounds.
- Any vehicle, regardless of size, designed to transport 16 or more persons, including the driver.
- Any vehicle required by federal regulations to be placarded while transporting hazardous materials.
Terminal:
A facility where trucking companies operate out of, or their "home base" if you will. A lot of major companies have multiple terminals around the country which usually consist of the main office building, a drop lot for trailers, and sometimes a repair shop and wash facilities.
Company Sponsored Training:
A Company-Sponsored Training Program is a school that is owned and operated by a trucking company.
The schooling often requires little or no money up front. Instead of paying up-front tuition you will sign an agreement to work for the company for a specified amount of time after graduation, usually around a year, at a slightly lower rate of pay in order to pay for the training.
If you choose to quit working for the company before your year is up, they will normally require you to pay back a prorated amount of money for the schooling. The amount you pay back will be comparable to what you would have paid if you went to an independently owned school.
Company-sponsored training can be an excellent way to get your career underway if you can't afford the tuition up front for private schooling.
OOS:
When a violation by either a driver or company is confirmed, an out-of-service order removes either the driver or the vehicle from the roadway until the violation is corrected.
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I am currently studying for the CDL exam to get my permit and just wanted some recommendations on a good company to start with once I have my permit.
I am in the Salt Lake City area.
Thanks!
CDL:
Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles: