A lot of newcomers in the trucking industry are in look out for training and on-the-road experience.

If you’re interested in fetching a professional career as a truck driver, choosing the right CDL training program is essential.

→ Types of Truck Driving Schools

Licensed School – has met the minimum state curriculum, facility, and training requirements.

Certified School – is already licensed by the state. It has to be inspected by third-party company to make sure the additional training standard is met for example that the school is a member of The Commercial Vehicle Training Association. Students only graduate when they pass the DOT standards for the trucking industry.

Accredited School –  meets certain regulations and policies set by the US Department of Education.

→ What do the Learning Lessons include?

Classroom training:

• Rules and Regulations
• Driver wellness
• Driver qualifications
• Hours of service restrictions
• Road policy
• Defensive driving
• Operating practices
• Vehicle maintenance
• Components of the vehicle
• How to perform a pre-trip inspection
• Map reading, trip planning, and keeping log books

Hands-On Training:

• How to drive and handle a commercial truck
• Operate and maneuver a commercial truck
• Back up properly
• Couple and uncouple trailers
• Connect and disconnect air brakes and air lines
• Identify and inspect elements of the truck
• Alley docking
• Parking, including jack-knife parking
• Perform a four-point brake test
• Interact with traffic
• Control a truck at high speeds

Once the training is completed, all you need to do is pass the CDL test. After that, you are ready for the road!

→ Important Factors considered when choosing a truck driving school

Cost and What is included in the price

The average cost of truck driver training is between $4,000 and $10,000.

Don’t sign with the school that has the lowest tuition, because it has to meet all of your other criteria as well.  Other criteria factors are program length, the type of equipment, the school facility and training range, job placement services, low student-to-instructor ratio’s, and really knowledgeable instructors.

Location

The second source people use is location. Although most cities have numerous truck-driving schools, if you are interested in a better option that is far from your location, then you might have to either move or make a long commute to it every day.

In a career which can take you all over the country, the location of the school shouldn`t be a problem.

Quality of Training

The school that provides training should not have more than four students in the room. The instructor is supposed to give equal time to each student.
Some schools have more than one practice yard. Even though that sounds great, if the instructors are moving from one to another to check the students in their driving, some maybe will be repeating their mistakes and no one would be able to point them out.

Repeated mistakes can become habit.

When a student is behind the wheel the instructor should be monitoring the student and making suggestions. Instructors should be there to correct students at any time.

Equipment

The truck driving school equipment should present a real time experience. It should also be well-maintained, new, modern, and shouldn`t be short of any important safety features or functions.

Instructors and Reputation

A highly regarded driving school will have quality instructors that are well educated and have plenty of experience in the industry.

Instructors should be informed about the industry; keeping up with the trends, changes, and new regulations.

Job Placement

The goal is to start a successful driving career after finishing the training. That`s why it`s good to know the success rate of the school within the recent graduates finding work.

Another thing that needs to be taken in consideration is if the school offers personal coaching, or if they partner with local transport companies.

→ Truck Driving Schools

United States Truck Driving School 

Since 1978, USTDS has been a privately owned family business that is incorporated in the state of Colorado. It operated two different truck driving centers.

Programs: CDL A Class Training, CDL B Class Training, CDL Refresher Courses and Fleet and Industry Training

For CDL A Training the program length is 3-6 weeks / 160 hours.

However, the program includes 50 hours of classroom instruction,;15 hours of laboratory and parked vehicle instruction; 24 hours of driving range basic vehicle handling and 71 hours of public roadway driving while with a qualified driving instructor.

The classes can be scheduled at daytime or night time.

Requirements:

• Must be 18 years old
• Have a valid Driver’s License
• Obtain a valid Commercial Learner’s Permit
• Have a valid DOT physical
• Legally be able to be employed in the United States
• Be able to read, write, speak and understand English per FMCSR 391.11.

📞 303-848-8443

Great Lakes Truck Driving School

Situated on over 10 acres, this facility is centrally located and is within 30 minutes of downtown Cleveland.

Consists of a 9,000 square foot building and have spacious classrooms, offices, and student break/activity areas.

Programs: Class A CDL, Heavy Equipment, Operation Safety & Compliance, OSHA / MSHA / HazMat & Hazwoper / Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S).

📞 440-236-3436

Tennessee Truck Driving School

Tennessee Truck driving facility is being designed to meet the need of the transportation industry at the local and national level.

Programs:

• Short 3 week training program.
• Practical training.
• New classes started every Monday.
• Tuition financing available regardless of credit.
• No upfront cost.
• Job placement assistance for all graduates.
• Pre-hire placement before graduation.

Requirements:

• Must be 21 years old.
• Need to have a valid license within the United States.
• Have the basic fundamental skills to read, write, and speak the English language as per F.M.C.S.R.
• Be able to understand highway traffic signs and signals.
• Make entries on reports and records.
• Be a lawful permanent resident of the United States
• To have original or certified copy of birth certificate to get permit from DMV.
• Obtain a 7 year MVR with no convictions in the past 3 years of any of the following: DUI, Refusal to take a chemical test, hit and run, leaving the scene of an accident, or careless/reckless driving.
• No more than one DUI in the past 5 years or 2 DUI’s in a lifetime without getting a pre-hire letter from a carrier first.
• All Students will be required to take and pass a DOT physical and drug test prior to enrollment.
• A high school diploma or a GED is not required to attend our school.

📞 865-330-0035

Springs Truck Driving School

At Springs Truck Driving School they mirror the standards set by the Professional Truck Drivers Institute.

Programs: CDL A Class Training, CDL B Class Training, CDL C Class Hazmat, CDL Refresher Training, Class B Passenger.

Requirements:

• Be at least 18 years of age.
• Must be able to pass a Department of Transportation (DOT) physical as required by Federal & State agencies.
• Be able to pass a drug screen if administered.

📞  719-338-1550

US Mule CDL Driving School

US Mule CDL Driving School is affordable and professional driving school for different vehicles like car, cdl trailer truck, bus, motorcycle and even forklift.

📞 929- 302-2122

Bulldog CDL Truck Driving School

Bulldog`s Truck Driving School main philosophy is that success is based upon hard work, dedication, and a good, solid education.

They produce the safest, most professional, and best-educated truck drivers in the industry today.

📞 708-456-0007

Katlaw Truck Driving School

Katlaw Truck Driving School provides complete truck driver training at affordable prices. They prepare students to get their CDL and begin a lucrative career in trucking. Students are trained both in the classroom and behind the wheel of a big rig in our spacious training yard.

Programs: CDL Class A is completed within just 3-4 weeks; CDL Class B is 70 hours.

📞 678-945-1900

Truck Driver Institute, Inc.

Founded in 1973, TDI has consistently graduated the most well rounded truck drivers.

Programs: CDL Class A and CDL Class B.

📞 800-848-7364

Sunny Truck Driving School

In 1995, Sunny Truck Driving School was opened to train anyone who wants to make a career out of driving a commercial truck.

Programs: CDL Class A and CDL Class B.

📞 718-353-6745

Progressive Truck Driving School

Progressive Truck Driving School Inc. offers a wide variety of truck driving programs to meet the needs of students and employers.

📞 773-736-5522

Roadmasters Driving School

They have 30 Years of Experience in truck training. They have produced more than 150,000 Graduates.

The program lasts 4 Week Class A CDL Training and exam prep with flexible schedules.

📞 1-866-489-5760

Sage Truck Driving School

SAGE offers a wide variety of truck driving and CDL training programs across the country to meet the needs of new drivers and employers.

SAGE’s basic CDL training programs are designed based upon the entry-level driver training (ELDT) standards set by Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).

Programs:

• Comprehensive Tractor-Trailer Driver Training
• Commercial Driver’s License Essentials
• Advanced Class A CDL Training
• Truck Driver Refresher Training
• Truck Driver Training Externship
• Straight Truck Class B Driver

→ CDL Training Companies

Prime Inc

Class A CDL training program gives a real-world experience and prepares you for anything that could happen on the road.

The Prime Training Program offers new classes that start every week.

Qualifications:

• Must be at least 21 years old with a valid US driver’s license for the past 12 months
• Be able to obtain U.S. Passport, TWIC Card and Hazmat Endorsement
• Have a verifiable work history and references
• Have an acceptable motor vehicle record
• Must be able to meet minimum medical qualifications set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

Training process:

Before you get behind the wheel you can experience hands-on, computer-based and simulator training. Work 1-on-1 with an instructor while you learn how to drive a semi truck. Once your training is finished, you’ll return to a Prime training center to take your state CDL exam. After you pass your CDL exam, you’ll continue to train with a trainer for 30,000 miles.

📞 1-877-774-6356

Schneider National

Schneider offers tuition reimbursement to many recent driving school graduates.

To become a professional truck driver, you will need to obtain a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).

Schneider does not have a truck driving school, but they hire CDL training graduates.

Programs:

• Paid CDL training and on-the-job experience
• Up-front payment with a reserved Schneider job
• Tuition Reimbursement after graduation, up to $400/month

📞 800-44-PRIDE

C.R. England

CR England was founded in 1920 and is based out of Salt Lake City, UT.

It operates its own driving schools.

This allows the company to recruit and train those with no CDL or truck driving experience.

Roehl Transport

Roehl Transport started in 1962.
Their training seems to be more thorough, their program is a job. And while you are being trained to get your CDL, they will pay you.

Requirements:

• Minimum age
• CDL physical
• CDL Permit
• Passing written CDL endorsement tests
• Passing a CDL driving test in which you will be required to complete a 3-part exam. The exam includes a pre-trip inspection, a control skills test, and a driving test.

Training process:

• Phase One of Roehl’s CDL training program includes three weeks of training which covers basic controls, vehicle inspections, shifting, speed management, turning, docking, hazard prevention, accident procedures, etc.
• In phase two you’ll go out with a Certified Driver Trainer and work with live freight. Your trainer will provide feedback and teach you as you go along.
• Phase Three is when you get your own truck.

📞 715-591-7050

Swift Transportation

At the Swift Academy, they strive to give the students exceptional CDL training.

Training is just 4 weeks from the beginning to the receiving of the license.

📞 404-552-0624

Knight Transportation

At Knight they provide expert driver training to help drivers develop a long-lasting career.

The program lasts 4-6 Weeks.

📞 888-992-5782

PAM Transport

PAM Transport prides itself on helping student truck drivers begin their truck driving careers.

Requirements:

•  Must be 21 years old
•  Can’t have a DUI/DWI in the last five years

📞 800-283-5125

XPO Logistics

The CDL Driver School program is designed for individuals without prior experience, or Class B CDL holders who are looking to get their Class A.
The program is tuition-free. While attending the school, you can also earn a chance for paycheck.

📞 866-374-8347

Conclusion

The ultimate goal is to start a successful truck driving career.
Always prefer to choose the right training school that has a great track record for placing drivers with the best companies.

Where did you learn to drive?
Share with us in the comment section below.