There are various ways you can go about obtaining your CDL, but I am going to list four of the most common ways here. Everyone’s situation is different, and therefore there is no one size fits all.
No one method is better than the other. It all depends on your individual circumstances. Weigh the pros and cons, and just go for it.
The hardest part isn’t picking a path, but taking the first steps down that path. So here’s to you starting this new journey to change your life, and I wish you all the best!
1. Company Paid
There are various starter companies that will give you a conditional offer of hire. They will send you to a school that is either their company school, or an associate school they pay for.
Either way the course of the school is usually very short, and very quick. You have to really rely on yourself, and your own ability to push yourself to learn your pre-trip usually on your own time.
The main benefit to this method is not having to put up any of your own money to go to school. You will most likely have some sort of contract with the company that sent you to school.
This contract may spell out a monetary value you will owe your company, or the bank your company partners with to obtain your school loan. It also may spell out a timeline the company expects you to contract with them. If this timeline is broken, you may be sued for the amount of school, and possibly any paperwork or legal fees.
It is important to read your contract thoroughly.
Don’t let contract scare you. Doing the time to pay the loans should not deter you from going out, and getting your CDL.
This is still a great option, especially if you don’t have the money, or ability to take out a loan for a private school. Check out my article Choosing A Company Sponsored CDL Program if this interests you.
2. Private CDL School
So there are many private CDL schools out there that focus solely on you receiving your license. These schools are usually more in depth, and take longer to finish. They also vary greatly in terms of teaching styles, and equipment condition, and availability.
There prices can range from $4000 – $10,000. Most of the times these schools take cash, and if you need a loan you will have to take it out with a bank. The school usually has to be paid in full before you attend.
The best thing about this method of obtaining your CDL is that you will usually have a more in-depth understanding of your truck, longer time to learn your pre-trip, more practice driving, and perfecting your maneuvers.
This usually guarantees you will end up earning your license in the end.
3. Use A Friend's Truck
Of course this method only works if you have a friend that already owns a truck, and will let you learn on their truck. In my opinion, they have to be a really good friend if they will let you do this.
The only thing you will have to worry about now is finding a place to practice your maneuvers, and learning your pre-trip inspection on your own, or with the help of someone knowledgable.
With all the benefit you gain from utilizing someone’s truck there are definitely plenty of downsides to counter.
A lot of trucking companies that you may be looking to get hired by may require a certain amount of hours of training by a varified school, for insurance or policy reasons. This could be a huge disadvantage, even if you have this option. So, you need to weigh this variable in your choice of going to a school or not, and also in choosing which school you go to.
Another variable to weigh is whether, or not, your friend’s truck is an automatic, or manual. Depending on the companies you are looking to get hired by, and what you are expected to drive you should lean towards manual if you have the choice.
What ever truck you take your driving exam in is what will determine whether, or not, you have a restriction on your license.
Learning on a manual will prevent this.
4. Community College Program
Not everyone lives by a community college, or technical school that offers a truck driving program. If you do, you are in luck! Most of the time these programs are well laid out, and very comprehensive.
You will more than likely have a great understanding of your pre-trip and maneuvers. You are on a timeline still just like anywhere else, and you need to make sure you take your schooling seriously no matter where you choose to go.
Keep in mind you are not guaranteed anything, and you have to work at it.
No one will take your exams for you. School loans can be a tricky thing, but community college will generally be cheaper than a private entity school. If you can, avoid all the loans, and pay your way.
The key point of this article is that, which ever path you choose, you are on your way to a better future.
The hardest part is taking that first step.
With a little research, and effort, you can find a solution that works for you.
If there is any advice you have, and would like to give please comment below! Any and all information is appreciated.
Here’s to moving forward!
Shelby
