Private Schools

Topic 983 | Page 1

Page 1 of 2 Next Page Go To Page:
Kevin B.'s Comment
member avatar

Ok folks, i went to a private school last night to check out what they're all about. I found out that they do two courses a 1 month and a six month class, obviously the latter has more stucture. My question is would you (anyones opinion) do the 1 month or the 6 month? I know I know, its different for each person. I just want to hear what the majority has to say.

Thanks, Kevin

Rolling Thunder's Comment
member avatar

Do both classes result in a Class A CDL? If so, why go longer? I am at the end of my second week of a three week course. The first week was a bit hectic, but now we are driving and it has become fun. No matter how long you spend in a private school, whatever company you go with will put you through their training. The only reason I could see someone doing that is if they are in to academics, but even then, what is the end result?

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.
Kevin B.'s Comment
member avatar

R.T., the recruiter told me that the companies that hire out of this school are more likely to hire a 6 month student rather than a 1 month student... you know now that you say that I bet ya that the 6 mos course is probably more expensive. that is probably the reason he kept suggesting it...

Old School's Comment
member avatar

Kevin, the main thing you want to get is a certificate from the school upon graduation stating that you had 160 hours (or more) training. That is the magic number for employment at most trucking companies. Some will require 240 hours, but most accept 160 hours.

So, you can do a one month course if it is 40 hours a week. So, you can see it is difficult to be working a job while you're doing a one month school. For some people that need to be working during that time it works out better to take a 6 month course because they can usually schedule their work time around the school time.

Most people just think they are getting a CDL , but that certificate is very important when it comes to providing evidence of your training to potential employers.

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.
Kevin B.'s Comment
member avatar

Unfortunately :( I am unemployed at the moment. Very LOOONG story, As I said I think the 6 month cousre is more money I kind of remember hearing $10k, it kind of went fuzzy at that moment. I also believe I read that other schools are $6k. Both classes interest me. 1. The less time at school = faster chance at getting on the road. 2. The longer class seems to me put less pressure on the student, kinda like holding your hand thru the process... ugh I wish the process was easier in determining what I want to do.... Did I mention I am a flip flopper? I dont want to make the "wrong" decision so I become incredibly undecisive! aka I dont want to EFF up..

Old School's Comment
member avatar

Kevin, you're a perfect candidate for the month long course then. That's what I did too, and it's not that bad. Here's how most of them work. First week is all classroom and some testing. You really should get your permit before starting school, that will make it so much easier for you. The rest of the time is spent learning to inspect the truck and driving time.

Go for it! That will put you that much closer to being employed.

Kevin B.'s Comment
member avatar

Old School you actually answered 2 questions for me. My next post was going to ask if I should get my permit first or not. That sir is good work by you.smile.gif

Old School's Comment
member avatar

Kevin, have you started the High Road Training Program? If not, it's something you really should do. It will make it so much easier for you to not only get your permit, but also to excel in the classroom portion of your school.

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.
Kevin B.'s Comment
member avatar

O.S. Yes I have, I am carrying a 95% right now with seven halts(boooo) but I kept getting hung up on wordage. Since then I have been sure to read every single word and if I didnt understand the question I re-read it, and looked the answer up to make sure I have the right answer!

Brett Aquila's Comment
member avatar

The most important thing to look for in a school is whether or not major carriers will hire their students. If you can get through the short course and major companies will hire you, that's all you'll need. The only purpose the schooling serves is to help you get your CDL and land your first job. If they do that, then they've done their job.

Ask the school for a list of major carriers that hire their students from the shorter course. Then go home and call some yourself to verify it. If they'll indeed hire you upon graduation from that course then it's a legitimate candidate.

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.
Page 1 of 2 Next Page Go To Page:

New Reply:

New! Check out our help videos for a better understanding of our forum features

Bold
Italic
Underline
Quote
Photo
Link
Smiley
Links On TruckingTruth


example: TruckingTruth Homepage



example: https://www.truckingtruth.com
Submit
Cancel
Upload New Photo
Please enter a caption of one sentence or less:

Click on any of the buttons below to insert a link to that section of TruckingTruth:

Getting Started In Trucking High Road Training Program Company-Sponsored Training Programs Apply For Company-Sponsored Training Truck Driver's Career Guide Choosing A School Choosing A Company Truck Driving Schools Truck Driving Jobs Apply For Truck Driving Jobs DOT Physical Drug Testing Items To Pack Pre-Hire Letters CDL Practice Tests Trucking Company Reviews Brett's Book Leasing A Truck Pre-Trip Inspection Learn The Logbook Rules Sleep Apnea
Done
Done

0 characters so far - 5,500 maximum allowed.
Submit Preview

Preview:

Submit
Cancel

Why Join Trucking Truth?

We have an awesome set of tools that will help you understand the trucking industry and prepare for a great start to your trucking career. Not only that, but everything we offer here at TruckingTruth is 100% free - no strings attached! Sign up now and get instant access to our member's section:
High Road Training Program Logo
  • The High Road Training Program
  • The High Road Article Series
  • The Friendliest Trucker's Forum Ever!
  • Email Updates When New Articles Are Posted

Apply For Paid CDL Training Through TruckingTruth

Did you know you can fill out one quick form here on TruckingTruth and apply to several companies at once for paid CDL training? Seriously! The application only takes one minute. You will speak with recruiters today. There is no obligation whatsoever. Learn more and apply here:

Apply For Paid CDL Training