As I said earlier, it is highly recommended that you practice, based off the requirements of your state’s CDL manual, before showing up for testing.
Source: www.youtube.com
Chose only the best driving school
As with anything, you must research, shop around, and get the best value for your money. Remember cheaper isn’t always better and expensive doesn’t always mean best. So, when you look into schools, do your homework!
Source: cdlmichigan.com
Most offer financial aid, tuition assistance, or a payment plan. Some will offer special deals or support for military Veterans (but make sure they are accredited and VA approved).
Keep in mind there are other cost as well, such as living expenses, and other fees not included in the school.
When researching a school, check their student feedback and related reviews. You can do a Better Business Bureau check as well. Another option is to go online and ask question on the various trucking related forums.
How long does it take to get CDL
That is a good but tricky question. The short answer is fairly quick because, in some states, it is not an actual requirement that a person, who is pursuing their CDL, must go through a formal training course. So basically, if you have access to a vehicle, can study the materials, and pass the exams, well that is all that you need.
From the other side, the reality is something else. Most, if not all, companies will not hire you unless you have attended a proper training program or if you don’t have several years of proven, safe driving under your belt, since receiving your CDL. Or, another option is if you were a CDL operator (transportation) while serving in the US military.
Source: www.kishwaukeecollege.edu
With that in mind it highly, highly recommended that you attend a formal CDL training program. These are in every state; they can be private, at the community college, or for a trucking company.
Once you have successfully completed all the requirements your license will be good, in the state of issuance, regardless of where you work. And just like your regular driver’s license, a CDL is recognized from state to state (just make sure the additional endorsements are as well).
Source: beasafetrucker.com
Different training centers have different standards. But a safe estimate is 160 hours of drivers training, and about 72 hours of classroom training, or about 6 weeks.
But most drivers say, “They never actually stop learning”.
