It's been softly spoken like a rumor. You don't have to go to school to get your CDL's. So, naturally every now and then I get the question to seek verification of what inquiring minds new to the game have heard...."Can you get your CDL's without going to truck driving school? I heard you can take a CDL home study course or get online training."
It's not a rumor. Yes you can avoid the trucking schools to get your CDLs by taking a home study course or online Training or simply getting a copy of the study manual from your local DMV, but there are some issues with getting your CDLs that way that you will have to be prepared to overcome.
Many people don't know that you don't have to go to a truck driving school to get your CDL license. There are CDL Home study courses and online training websites for getting your bookwork completed. In most cases the biggest challenge from getting your CDL Class A's in this way will be finding someone to let you use their tractor trailer to take the driving test.
There are some training schools and small trucking operations that will rent a tractor out to you but not a huge number so it might be hard to find, especially if you don't live in a large city.
After conquering that task, your next challenge will be finding a trucking company who will hire you without going to a trucking school for training, unless your trainer has some sort of credentials to show for the training program.
However there are some drivers who go this route and do just fine. Just be advised of the challenges.
Back in the day their wasn't trucking schools or online trucking tools. The Old timers learned truck driving on the job in many cases but most often from their loved ones or respectable company owners or friends of the family. There are a few people who offer services to train you.
Make sure you do your investigations on their services because as you should know, for many, their main interest is in getting paid, not making sure you receive proper training for a successful and safe career. Of course there are some good ones out their who actually have a passion for teaching others their skills in hopes of you learning the best and leading a great career but don't assume everyone you meet has that mindset, check them out, ask for references and then check them out.
CDL Training and Knowledge Based Videos
Get familiar subject matter of CDL training with these knowledge based videos and resources that will orientate you to what you'll need to learn to pass your test to get your CDL for the big road.
You'll find CDL training courses on line and even simulated driving computer like the video below. Most states don't actually required drivers to go to physical truck driving schools to get the CDL training. I dare say that most people will probably do better attending a physical trucking training facility though. I know I would but as they say, "different strokes for different folks"
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Trucking Schools
(Summary)
The trucking school that is most suitable for you will depend upon your situation and location.
If there is a community college near you that may be the best way for you to get your CDL. The program will be under the evaluation of the education system and the cost should be cheaper than private schools.
You also won't have to pay back the trucking companies for training you for free. However, if you have to get free training at a trucking company, nothing wrong with that either, just know what you are signing. Also know that in most cases you WILL owe them money if you don't work for them for a certain amount of time afterwards.
Ask questions...
How long will you have to drive for them to pay off the training? What is the penalty for breaking contract? If possible, don't break the contract.
