What is the Right Class A CDL Truck Driving School for Me?

Congratulations on making the decision to obtain your Class A CDL! The demand for good drivers is always going to exist and trucking affords you the opportunity to earn a great income and a way to provide for you and your family.

To say there are a lot of truck driving schools out there would be a massive under-statement, so how do you narrow down what program is right for you?

Related: How do I Get my CLP?

What is the difference between a school and a training program?

A school will:

• Teach you enough to pass the state CDL exam, and get your Class A CDL.

A training program:

• Provides you education to pass the CDL exam, and get your Class A CDL
• Includes in-house instructors who are vested in your success
• Supports you after you earn your Class A CDL with on-going training

What are the right questions to be asking?

Pay close attention to the details and promises of the program. When you call and speak to a recruiter, make sure to ask a lot of open-ended questions:

• What are the details of the training?
• What can I expect each week of training to look like?
• Is there a contract? What details do I need to know about the contract?
• How long of a time period is it before I go solo?
• What fleet will I be eligible for after training?
• What do the average miles look like? Home time? Is my home time guaranteed?
• Once I go solo, will I be able to bring my family members out on the road with me?
• What about my dog or cat?

Are there paid training programs out there?

It is difficult enough to learn the skills for a new career, but going 3-8 weeks or more without pay can make it even more challenging. Trying to focus on becoming a safe and successful driver is hard when you’re worried about the lack of pay coming in and how it may affect your family. Not all Class A CDL programs are paid, but there are a handful that are! If continuing to earn a competitive paycheck while you train is important to you, make sure to have this on the top of your priority list when selecting a program!

Still not sure where to start? There are some great resources out there to help you decide what Class A CDL training program to choose. Make sure to check them out!