Truck driving can be an enjoyable, fulfilling professional career for many. But to become a truck driver in America, you have to complete CDL training school. On the plus side, there are many different ways in which you can earn your CDL or commercial driving license.
Let’s take a look at what it takes to become a truck driver and break down the best truck driving schools in America.
What Is CDL Training?
CDL or commercial driver’s license training is the necessary education you have to complete to earn your Class A or Class B CDL/truck driving license. In a nutshell, CDL training is any program or course that prepares you for CDL exams, which you have to pass in order to acquire that license.
Most aspiring truck drivers complete CDL training programs, which are offered by private and public schools alike. Depending on your budget and schedule constraints, one or another type of CDL training might be better for your needs. Driver training at trucking school is focused and intended for future tractor-trailer drivers for trucking companies.
What CDL Training School Options Exist?
CDL training schools come in a variety of different types and price points. CDL training schools may be:
- Licensed, which means they meet the minimum requirements for the state and prepare future drivers to be commercially licensed. These are acceptable for professional truck drivers, but may not result in easy job placement, even with a CDL license
- Certified, which are also fully licensed schools that have been inspected and certified by another third-party institution. Graduates from certified schools meet the requirements from the US Department of Transportation for the trucking industry
- Accredited, which are CDL schools that are approved and accredited by the US Department of Education. They meet additional regulations and policies, so they’re the least common type of school but also theoretically the most valuable
Technically, there are three distinct types of CDL training schools. Let’s take a closer look at each type.
Paid CDL Training Schools
Paid CDL training programs — also sometimes called company-sponsored training schools — are the simplest, most straightforward ways to become truck drivers. They provide stepping stones for aspiring drivers to become fully licensed in no time.
In essence, you apply to a paid CDL training school that is owned and operated by a big carrier company, like a freight shipping organization. They train new drivers and give them their commercial driver’s licenses. Even better, they provide graduates with driving jobs at the end of training.
The potential downside? You have to stick with your contractual obligations, like driving for the training company, for a few years after graduation. You may receive a low wage during your first year or so of driving.
Paid CDL training programs are called such because they pay for your schooling.
Private CDL Training Schools
Private CDL training programs are the opposite; you pay for your schooling, but in exchange, you're under no obligation to work for a specific carrier company after graduating from school.
Private CDL training schools give trainees more one-to-one time and attention from their instructors. They certainly cost a little more than paid or community college schools, of course. But on the plus side, you may receive additional focus and attention from instructors that you need to succeed in this industry.
Furthermore, private CDL training schools are slower paced and longer conveyed to more truncated, fast-paced paid CDL programs. Still, there's an argument to be made that private schools provide more well-rounded, comprehensive education to their students.
Community College CDL Training Programs
Community college CDL training programs are exactly what they sound like; commercial driver’s license schools that are offered by community colleges. These programs are relatively affordable and, like private CDL programs, don’t lock you into any contractual obligations to an employer after graduation.
There are over 900 public community colleges in the US. They enable you to earn not just your CDL but also take other classes in other topics if you choose. In some states, community college might even be free via College Promise programs. In essence, you could earn your CDL in between six and nine months for a very affordable price if you attend a community college.
What Should You Expect in Truck Driving School?
No matter which type of truck driving school you decide to attend, you should expect a few core features and experiences.
First, you’ll likely have to take a few orientation classes or complete online orientation seminars. These may include computer-based driving or driver simulator training.
You’ll have to acquire a commercial learner’s permit before you earn a CDL. This lets you drive on public roads with a qualified CDL holder, like an instructor. To acquire your commercial learner’s permit, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration will check your driving record over the past 10 years, you have to have proof of medical qualification, and so on.
After you get your commercial learner’s permit, you’ll be partnered with a CDL instructor. For two to four weeks, you’ll go out on the road and learn the ropes of driving big commercial transportation vehicles.
You’ll run loads across the country with your instructor and learn what you need to pass the CDL exam. You aren’t paid for this phase of instruction, but your program may cover room and board (if you attend a paid program, that is).
After you complete your two to four weeks of training with your permit, you’ll qualify to take the CDL Exam. The exam is comprised of three parts:
- A road test
- A vehicle inspection test
- A backing skills test
Once you pass all three parts of the exam, you’ll obtain your CDL. Then you can be hired by freight shipping companies as an official truck driver!
What Are the 4 Best Truck Driving Schools?
There are lots of different truck driving schools to potentially attend. Here are four of the best schools to consider.
1. Sage Truck Driving Schools
Sage Truck Driving has a collection of schools scattered throughout the country. It offers in-depth and 1:1 teaching arrangements for all students, so all of your training time will be spent with your instructor instead of other students. It's relatively affordable and comes with a pre-hire program to help students find jobs immediately after graduation.
2. Roadmaster Drivers School
Then there’s Roadmaster Drivers School, which is an industry-leading CDL training program. It offers comprehensive CDL courses, behind-the-wheel instructions from knowledgeable trainers, and after-graduation job support.
3. HDS Truck Driving Institute
HDS has accreditation from the ACCSC, and it’s a family-owned school based in southern Arizona. It educates future truck drivers very well and ensures quality, well-rounded education for your future career.
4. Midwest Technical Institute
Last but not least is Midwest Technical Institute, which teaches you about every element of the trucking industry and all the best truck stops. This is a great school to check out because it allows you to connect with recruiters and talk to professionals in the field. It offers extensive on-the-road hands-on experiences that teach you skills like 8-speed manual transmission driving.
How Do You Find the Right Truck Driving School for You?
If you don't know which driving school you should attend, think about your finances. Some schools are certainly more expensive than others — if you are on a tight budget, a community college or paid program could be right for your needs.
However, also consider the fact that private schools provide you with a well-rounded education and may connect you to better network contacts or job opportunities after graduation. If you take out loans, you need to be earning money quickly after earning your CDL, so having the right job contacts and network for your career is crucial.
Bottom Line
As you can see, you have a lot of different options when it comes to truck driving schools in terms of price, schedule, and more. The bottom line, however, is this: you must earn your CDL before you begin your truck driving career.
Once you get your CDL, you'll want to sign up with a shipping company that treats you like the professional you are. At RPM, we treat each of our carriers as customers, and we will help you find the best jobs and the best routes for your needs.
Consider working with us today and contact us for more information.
Sources:
Commercial Driver's License Program | FMCSA
Commercial Driver's License (CDL) | Enterprise State Community College
How do I get a Commercial Driver's License? | FMCSA
5 Key Differences Between CDL vs. Non-CDL Driver's Licenses | Indeed.com
