Ever dreamt of driving those enormous trucks and trailers you see on the road every day? The drivers of such cars are not superheroes with superpowers or anything like that; they have undergone CDL training with one of the best CDL training companies.
With CDL training, driving commercial vehicles becomes easy.
CDL training companies are a good way to make this happen. All you need to do is enrol, pass the exams, get the CDL license and live the dream. With CDL training, driving a commercial vehicle becomes easier.
Read this article for information about CDL training and the best CDL training companies in 2024 that offers comprehensive programs.
WHAT IS CDL TRAINING?
CDL Training is a vital step to take towards becoming a truck driver and making truck driving a profession. The best CDL training companies offer this program to mold you into becoming a truck driver. To further your training and add endorsements.
The stereotype is that one is born with the ability to drive any vehicle. Talent is only an addition. You still need to learn how to become a licensed driver. The first step in driving a large commercial vehicle is to enroll in one of the best CDL training companies.
It is a certification that shows both the carrier and employer that you are qualified to drive their vehicle. Most people believe that since you can drive a regular car, it’s the same as driving any kind of vehicle. Usually driving a commercial vehicle often needs the driver to possess special skills and knowledge beyond the norm.
Back in the day, before 1986, many states permitted the use of commercial motor vehicles with a regular driver’s license. This stopped after the passing of the Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Act. It became compulsory for everyone to have a CDL for vehicles such as eighteen-wheeler trucks, semi-truck, buses, local delivery vehicles, buses, dump trucks, and more.
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WHERE DO I GET CDL TRAINING?
For a CDL license, there are various ways to get it. The first is to enroll at one of the best CDL training companies or schools. It is just like a regular driving school.
A CDL company is an institution that trains students through every step of their CDL instruction. This includes everything from the beginning to certification. Usually, these schools offer other services, but we are not focused on them.
There are generally three types of CDL schools and they are:
1. Licensed
The state you are training licenses A licensed school. This school meets the minimum requirements for the state in terms of curriculum, training, instructors, facilities, and so on.
2. Certified
A certified commercial driver’s license school is inspected and certified by a third-party company. The contrast with a licensed school is that in a certified school, it is different. To graduate from a certified school, it is mandatory to meet the US Department of Transportation (DOT) requirement for the trucking industry.
3. Accredited
Any CDL that is accredited is one that is approved as accredited. The US Department of Education, and thus meet specific regulations and policies that are required.
HOW DO I GET MY CDL TRAINING LICENSE?
To get the CDL license, you can enroll in one of the best CDL training companies or do it the regular way. The CDL, like a regular driver’s license, is distributed by the state in which you reside. Although it may differ from state to state.
Here are the steps to take to get your CDL.
Check your state’s eligibility requirements.
State laws regulate the requirements for a commercial driver’s license (CDL). Almost all states require you to be 18 or 21 years old and have a regular drivers license.
You must be able to read English to understand the road signs designed for commercial vehicles. No criminal records regarding the use of a motor vehicle. Last, you must be legally present in the state for a CDL.
Choose A Vehicle
Since you need a CDL to operate large and heavy vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating of over 26,000 pounds, hazardous materials or any vehicle that transports at least 16 passengers. This is where license class comes in.
Get A Copy Of State CDL Manual
It is important to pass the knowledge test, and to do this; you need to read the manual. The manual is available in English and Spanish in many states and you can find it online. To avoid being caught off guard, study the CDL manual and make use of practice questions.
Complete CDL Application
If you want to apply for a CDL, the best CDL training companies will give you a form to fill out. It could be available online or at the DMV depending on the state and its requirements. Read the instructions carefully and inspect the entire document before you fill it.
In addition, you have to provide a 10-year history record check concerning all states licensed you to drive, date you live there and your legal address.
Get Your Learner’s Permit
To get your learner’s permit you need to gather all essential documents from earlier procedures and bring them to the best CDL training companies or DMV.
All states charge a fee at once or you may have to pay an individual fee separately. These documents include identification, proof of citizenship status and proof of residency.
Pass The Exams
This comes after turning in the CDL application. Take two tests to get your CDL, a written knowledge test and a practical skill test. If you don’t pass the first time, retaking the test will cost you an additional amount.
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15 Best CDL Training Companies In 2024
1. All-state Career School
It is located at West Mifflin, Pennsylvania. With a 50 percent graduation rate, it is one of the best CDL training companies with a specialty in trailer driving. They prepare you for class A and class B levels of commercial drivers license.
All-state Career School is one of the best CDL training companies. They are committed to delivering ends on career programs that train students to develop marketable skills in the trucking industry. They offer commercial driving programs designed to help you develop skills that prepare you for career opportunities.
2. Apollo Career Center
The school is located in Lima, Ohio. It is a public school and one of the best CDL training companies that offer driving-based programs. It includes Class A and Class B courses and forklift operation courses.
Working with Apollo helps you to be useful in the various fields of freight transportation and supply chain world. They offer customized training that trains the workforce for industries.
3. CET-COLTON
CET-COLTON was founded in 1967. It is a private non-profit and one of the best CDL companies. With Net-price of $16,084, Antony Soto and Russell Tershy. It has a 71% graduation rate.
CET offers a 10-week course that prepares you for the commercial driving test. They also get you ready to maintain a vehicle and prepare you for the interviews and resume writing.
4. Delta Technical College
It is located at Horn Lake, Mississippi. The best CDL that trains truck drivers. The CDL training course is thorough and comprehensive.
Its features are classroom range and remedial training. The students learn both theoretical and practical training skills. They fulfill their training for an entry-level position in the trucking industry.
5. Fortis Institute
Fortis Institute is private for profit. One of the best CDL training companies in 2024 with a Net price of $17,807. Located at Forty Fort, Pennsylvania.
It is perfect for learning to drive a semi-truck. But the advanced tractor-trailer driving program is a comprehensive teaching and prepares you for an entry-level position.
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6. National Tractor Trailer School Inc
One of the best CDL training companies in 2024. It was established in New York in 1971. It is a private for-profit school with a net price of $17,807 and a graduation rate of 83%.
National Tractor Trailer School has an impressive admission and graduation rate because it does a great job at preparing students for a driving career. Also, it is committed to helping students achieve excellence behind the wheel and outside. NTTS revels in diversity, as it trains people from all over the world.
7. New England Tractor Trailer Training School of Connecticut
It is a private for-profit establishment. Founded over 55 years ago, located at Somers, Connecticut. NETTTS offers hands-on career training programs to students in the New England area.
One of the best CDL training companies with trained instructors with vast experience and skill. NETTTS provides a program that specializes almost entirely on tractor trailer-based courses. The expertise is strong, and the instructors are high-quality.
8. New England Tractor Trailer Training School of Massachusetts
It is a private for-profit school that provides intensive training for future tractor-trailer drivers. With a net worth of $16,386 and a graduation rate of 72%, it is one of the best CDL training companies in 2024, located in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island.
9. New England Tractor Trailer Training School of Rhode Island
If you are looking for a practical and theoretical program, then the New England Tractor Trailer Training School of Rhode Island is perfect for you. Guaranteed comprehensive and lengthy practice time. Students here are fully equipped with the skill to navigate the road.
Located at Pawtucket, Rhode Island. It is a private for-profit with a net price of $12,863. you’ll graduate fully comfortable with your new skills as a professional truck driver.
10. North American Trade Schools
North American Trade School is another private for-profit, one of the best CDL training companies. With a net price of $12,361 and 82 percent graduation rate.
North American Trade Schools take care of the theoretical, classroom-based parts of understanding truck driving by practicing enough on an actual truck to feel confident when testing for your CDL.
It is located in Baltimore, Maryland.
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11. Penn Commercial Business/Technical School
It is a private for-profit with net price of $14,911 and a graduation rate of 66%.
The Penn Commercial business/technical school is located at Washington, Pennsylvania. The course is offered in three formats: daytime, evening, and weekend.
While the weekend program takes 12 weeks to the daytime’s six weeks, the ability to work the weekdays can make this a great way to transition careers.
12. Viking Driving School Inc
Founded in 1996. It is located at Illinois. As one of the best CDL training companies.
Viking Driving School offers excellent driver education training for teens and adults throughout the northwest side of Illinois. They also offer a variety of CDL programs that help students become professional truck drivers.
The training happens 7 days a week on both a full and part-time schedule. Teachers are highly intelligent and experienced. One of the many perks is personalized assistance and individual mentorship.
13. United States Truck Driving School, Inc.
US Truck Driving School offers a variety of CDL training and courses. They also have courses and training for each license class. The courses prepare students for the transportation industry.
It is on 48th Avenue, Wheat Ridge. John Mauro, a former Indy 500 race car driver, founded the company in 1978. It is one of America’s largest commercial driving schools. And one of the best CDL training companies.
14. America Truck Driving School
Existed since 2000. It is a family-owned and run company that caters to the needs of aspiring truck drivers. It provides training and support for students who want to have a CDL. The instructors are brilliant and they teach you everything you need to know about commercial vehicles.
One of the best CDL training companies is in California. Known for providing flexible scheduling, prioritizing safety and customizing training according to the students’ needs.
15. Roadmaster
Roadmaster is located on Blair’s Bridge Road Lithia springs, Georgia. They are one of the industry-leading CDL training companies in 2024. They pride themselves on providing comprehensive courses in CDL. They use both practical and theoretical teaching methods.
The goal is to empower the students through excellent education, high job placement, and building a good reputation.
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How long is training for CDL?
The time it takes for a CDL trainee to complete his/her training depends on the time committed to it. The estimated time required to spend is six to eight weeks which happens when you are able to commit to full time classes.
But putting in consideration that there might be unforeseen circumstances, weekend and night classes allow you to complete the training at around the average amount in time. States have specific requirements, rules, and regulations that impact how fast or slow your CDL training goes. Ultimately, the time spent training for the CDL will depend on both your availability and what you are looking to get out of it.
Are free truck driving schools really free?
Imagine that after passing your training, you work for the company as agreed. Then you find out they are paying you very little for long hours. Bound by the contract and ‘free CDL training,’ you must endure and work for that company to pay off your training.
If you decide to leave because of the strain, you may have to pay your free CDL plus interest. It’s a scheme to extort from you. If you quit, you’ll owe for the training they promised to pay for. Or If you don’t complete training or stay for your designated contract length, you may be responsible for the cost of training.
Choosing the right truck driving school is important when you can’t pay your tuition. Look for a school with a long history and great reputation for CDL training. The best CDL training companies.
A well-established CDL training company doesn’t tie you down to a contract that isn’t of advantage to you. The safest way to secure a successful career as a professional truck driver is to go to a well-established CDL training school. They provide job placement help options and financing that will help you pay for your tuition as long as you work for your new employer.
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FAQs
Affirmative! There are weekend CDL training and night CDL training.
Getting a CDL can take six months maximum or three weeks minimum. But on average, it takes seven weeks or thereabouts to get a CDL when attending full-time classes.
The average cost of CDL training is between $3000 to $7000. Private driving school course is more expensive.
Any truck, tractor, or trailer driver must have a CDL.
You will learn to complete a vehicle inspection, safely drive and operate a truck, and back a trailer.
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Conclusion
This article tells you all you need to know about getting your CDL and how choosing the best CDL training companies can determine your future in the industry.
References
- lawinsider.com– 15 Best CDL Training Companies In 2024
- truckerdaily.com– 15 Best CDL Training Companies In 2024
- mathesoninc.com– 15 Best CDL Training Companies In 2024
- learnhowtobecome.org– 15 Best CDL Training Companies In 2024
- roadmaster.com– 15 Best CDL Training Companies In 2024