Is Commericial Driving for You?

Driving a Truck - A Successful Future

The enrollment of young drivers entering truck driving schools these days continues to grow, and more CDL programs seem to pop up in papers and magazines professing to offer short cuts and discount rates to pick one school over another.  But with so many choices, at so many different costs,  program lengths, and employment placements, who do you choose? Truck driving schools can be costly, difficult to plan around schedules, and most of all some may not be everything they say.

Your CDL - choosing the truck school to match your goals.

You have already made the decision to take control of your future by entering one of the most in-demand professions next to nursing.  But where do you want to go after school? Planning your complete route to success is the surest way of getting there.  So your first thought about obtaining your commercial driving license should be location.

Locations - Finding A Driving School Near You

Unless you have the ability to travel to a new location, the first concern should be where you are in relation to your options. Many of the top truck schools have multiple training locations.   Some are run through local colleges  and many have their facilities specially designed to bring you the best in multiple training features. Where do you start? We have listed various truck schools with a short overview of locations, cost, and length of time until completion. Search for a truck driving school...

Earning Your CDL - the cost of success

On average the cost of receiving training to learn to drive a truck can range anywhere from $1,400 to over $5,000. This can vary depending on the amount of training you are needing, the equipment you want to learn to operate, and any special endorsements you are looking to obtain.

On the bright side there are a number of trucking companies that will assist with the cost of going to truck driving school, if you agree to sign-on with them for an arranged amount of time.  In addition to companies helping out, many schools have financial programs in place to assist with the cost, which are usually payable over a period of time.  So don't worry about the cost too much.  If it's a creditable program that tailors to your needs, the benefits are worth the cost.

What am I going to do at Truck School?

Welcome to camp...O.K.  It's not going to be that bad, but it will be a return to school. Instructors.  Early mornings. Cramming the day's lessons so they will stick...you'll feel like a kid again.  Preparation will be your number #1 goal.  Take the experience head on and ask for more.  There is no such thing as being over prepared for success.

Where do I go when I get out of school?

Many driving schools have placement programs and though many companies do not hire drivers right out of school, most of the larger carriers will. You can also try the various  recruiting / placement departments available, as they are typically very familiar with this problem and should be able to assist you in finding a starting point.

Overall, finding truck driving schools where you can get a commercial drivers license that fits your budget, schedule, and location shouldn't be too difficult.  With a little planning you are looking at quickly making $40,000 + a year. But to insure success, remember one little thing, network, network, network.  Whether it is with drivers, recruiters, or warehouse employees, the word can get around quickly about openings and opportunities within very small circles. It is in your best interest to be in the know.  And even though mom said it a thousand times she was right... Try to be nice and polite. You never know when the guy next to you could be your boss of the future.