

CDL Skills Training Options | CHEAP Schools
CDL Skills Training Options - Cheap and Free CDL Schools, plus other options.
THREE types of CDL Skills Training Programs
Some large trucking companies maintain their own Truck Driving Schools. These trucking companies operated schools can be a good option for responsible individuals who do not have the financial means to pay for a private truck driving school. Upon satisfactory completion of the program you are employed by the trucking company that gave you the so called "free" training. The "catch" is that you have to sign a detailed contract before you start training. The contract normally requires you to meet standards at the school and to drive for the company for a specified period of time under specified conditions. If you fail to meet the conditions set forth in the contract, they will make you pay for the training and/or penalties for not fulfilling the contract . . . sometimes as high as $20,000. If you stay healthy and don't have a personal crisis while completing the terms of contract, this can work out just fine. However, in some cases, it has been the financial ruin of many a good man! CAUTION: READ AND UNDERSTAND AND BE PREPARED TO MEET THE CONDITIONS SET FORTH IN THE CONTRACT!
FOUR advantages of Company Sponsored CDL Schools . . .
- FAST - Usually less than a month
- High Quality Training - Includes followup after you receive your CDL for successful over-the-road driving (you basically work-for-them so they want you to succeed)
- Little or no up-front tuition (read your contract - they aren't giving you "something for nothing"
- Guaranteed Job! You are pre-qualified to work for the company upon completion of training
Advantages of regular Truck Driving Schools -
- Competitive - Abundant choices available
- No long term contract
- Fast track to getting your CDL - as little as two weeks
- Training can be tailored to your needs
Will one of these cheap or free alternates Truck Driving Schools work for you?
- Employer Training. A huge percentage of CDL holders got their Skills training through their employer. Example: an excavation company - the new guy rides along with the old-timer who is a CDL holder. Once you obtain your CDL Temporary Permit, YOU can drive the vehicle, with the "old-timer" CDL holder in the passenger seat to gain experience to pass YOUR skills tests. Most employers want as many of their employees as possible to have a CDL - using the company vehicle for the skills test if the official skills tester doesn't provide a test vehicle for an additional fee (offered in many locations).
- A Friend or Relative with a CDL. If you have a friend or relative with a CDL, you can often go out with them in exchange for helping them with their loads, to obtain your on-the-road experience to pass your skills tests.
- School Districts often provide the School Bus CDL skills training for their prospective employees - especially those who already have their CDL Temporary Permit.
Advantages of CHEAP alternative CDL skills training
- No tuition - DIRT CHEAP!
- A more "relaxed" environment
- No scheduling problems