Can someone give me specifics on how to become a truck driver?

Question

I'm from North Dakota and interested in becoming a truck driver and am confused on exactly what training I'll need.

There's a local job training center that gives this description of their program:

"This six week, 240 hour program includes classroom and behind-the-wheel training, and is designed to give you a good understanding of the trucking industry. You will start with the basics and move up to the finer points of the trade. The focus of the training is the knowledge needed for CDL Certification."

That costs roughly $4000. Is that a fair price? Will that training be necessary?

Also if that just gives me the knowledge to get my CDL certification, how do I get my actual CDL?

Thank you for any help

Answer 1

$4,000 is good for a Class A.  For a class B it's crazy.

There are some companies out there that will pay for your training but in return you have to agree to work for the for a certain amount of time.

After training you will take a driving/written test.  In Indiana it costs $100 & you have to pay each time you re-take it (ex. failing).  After you pass your test then you will be issued your CDL.

The training company should be able to answer any questions that you have.  

If you do not sign-up with a company that pays for your training, then find a training facility that will guarantee you find a job.  They will work with you to locate employers in your area and they will help you get signed on with them.

Another thing, now is not the time to become an Owner-Operator.  THe gas prices are too high.  So you really need to start out with a fairly stable company that can handle the price of gas & is not looking to go under.

In regards to the above post - If you have a family then don't sign on with JB Hunt or Schneider.  They will run you ragged.  Your home-time is terrible.

Answer 2

No!

There are many companies that hire and train you themselves.

You shouldn't pay for training.

Check the ads and call a few companies.

J.B. Hunt used to do that and so did Schnieder.

There are still many who pay you as you learn, don't fall into a scam.

Answer 3

Check you local community colleges. They often times offer a CDL course.  To drive tractor trailer you will need a CDL class A license.

Prices generally range from $2500-$5000.  Independant company costs more.  Community college costs less.

I would call up as many places as you can find. Then go into the school and talk to the instructors. Find out what they offer.  Then make a decision based on who give you the most training for the best cost.

Some programs are Mon-Fri in as little as 2 weeks.  Others are nights only and extend several weeks.  Some classes are on weekends only and generally last 6-8 weeks.  

Find one that is reasonable priced, fits your schedule, offers you the training you need.

Answer 4

$4,000 is  a fair price. That is what I paid for my training. If you go with a company that will pay for your training such as Schneider, Swift, or Werner they require you to work for them for a minimum of 1yr or you will have to pay them back. My classes were 8 week 280 hours

Answer 5

Like someone else said, check to see if there are any community colleges in your area that offer commercial vehicle driving.  A state-funded vo-tech or community college will have cheaper prices than a commercially operated school.  

$4000 is cheaper than some CDL training programs I've seen, but it's by far the cheapest.  Some vo-tech schools' tuition is closer to $1500, but it all varies.  You may want to check with the state to see if you might qualify for any sort of financial assistance.  The school should also have information about various ways to fund your tuition.  

Some companies do offer "free" training but there is a catch.  You must sign a contract with that company for a period of time (usually between 1-2 years)....and if you quit or get fired before your contract is up, you owe the company money.  They can ruin your credit if you don't pay.  So use caution and read all the "fine print" if you go that route.  Schneider, Swift and CR England are three companies I know of that will train you and help you get your CDL.  

Keep in mind that a very high percentage of drivers switch companies at least once, during their first two years of driving.  It may take time to find a company that's a good match, it may take time before you have enough experience to work for a company you really like.  So if you sign a contract, be certain you can "tough it out" for the duration!    

The way it sounds, "CDL certification" basically means getting your CDL.  Many schools are certified by the state to administer the CDL license test, and once you complete your training you will take the state's road test.  If you pass, they'll give you a waiver to take to the DMV and get that little piece of plastic :).  You can ask the school for more info on this- if they aren't licensed as a testing facility I can almost guarantee they have SOME kind of arrangement worked out to where it's a simple step from completing training to taking your state road test.  

Getting some kind of training from a school is almost mandatory.  The companies that hire "newbie" truckers all require you to have completed training at an accredited school.  

Once you complete school and have your CDL, you will probably know what company you're headed for (the school will bring recruiters in to speak with you, and you'll be able to pick which company fits your needs).  You'll have to go through another period of "training" with the company, usually no longer than 1 month.  You will be on the road with a driver trainer.  This is to help develop your "real world" skills and put the things you learned in CDL school to practical use.  It'll also help familiarize you with company policy, and have some guidance getting used to life on the road.  

Once you finish training you'll have a basic skills test with your company- and upon completion you'll usually be assigned your own truck.  Some companies do mandate that you "team" with someone for 1 month after training, before they'll allow you to go solo.  

Good luck with everything, feel free to message me directly if you have any questions.  BTW I am in South Dakota :)....recently moved there, but it seems to be a good part of the country for plenty of trucking job opportunities!