Driving school or not

[oldmanrandy]

Just got my learner's cdl by taking the written.
Local trucker is going to train me for my Class A.
Besides this guy will I be employable with just this and some road time.

[devildice]

Just got my learner's cdl by taking the written.
Local trucker is going to train me for my Class A.
Besides this guy will I be employable with just this and some road time.

depends on what type of work you are seeking.

[oldmanrandy]

I would like to be well rounded and qualified in several areas.
The more diverse experience means the more opportunities.
Everything is on the table right now.

[devildice]

Most OTR companies are going to want several years experience or formal CDL schooling for newbies

[Ardmore Farms Forever]

Just got my learner's cdl by taking the written. Local trucker is going to train me for my Class A.

Randy.......here is where your problem lies, in my opinion................this guy might train you how to drive a truck.........I don't know where you live, but, here in Florida....you MUST have your "Road Test" given by a "State Certified" examiner......in my own case, I acquired my own CDL-A permit and rented National Truck Driver Training's Tractor to take my road test on their property.....total cost $140.00..........with your CDL permit,...you are usually given a 6-month grace period to take a "Road Test" etc......and get your CDL-A validated..

Besides this guy

DO NOT bet on this guy being able to get you approved by his insurance..........that is of course, if you run with him as a team driver..........I'm really not sure, so I won't dazzle you with BS.

will I be employable with just this and some road time.

If you qualify for his insurance and stick with it for a year or two......I personally don't see why you wouldn't be.

Either way.........go for it and best of luck to you.

[oldmanrandy]

That insurance is tricky.
I know that one fellow has a DUI and the insurance won't cover him for 5-years.
I have a clean record, but I guess "rookie" status might have something to do with it???
Thanks for the input.

[USXRecruiter4080]

You will be employable by small mom & pops companies, but no larger companies will touch you. Not by their choice, but again by the insurance company standards.

Just like any other industry, education is highly preffered.

[oldmanrandy]

So how long does that lack of education last.
Once you have proven yourself.
3months???
6months???
Is it like college. Freshman year you have to have SAT's ACT's, High School GPA.
But once your finish your freshman year at Community College the door is wide open you are a proven commodity.

[USXRecruiter4080]

So how long does that lack of education last.
Once you have proven yourself.
3months???
6months???
Is it like college. Freshman year you have to have SAT's ACT's, High School GPA.
But once your finish your freshman year at Community College the door is wide open you are a proven commodity.

With most companies once you get verifiable 6 months solo OTR it will never matter if you went to school or not. 6 months experience is just as good as school. That may be a more feasable route for you if you're not looking to spend on a driving school.

[oldmanrandy]

OK thanks for that.
Next, if then I purchase my own truck how nice will the insurance co. be
to me, or is your record and age,50's, more important

[USXRecruiter4080]

OK thanks for that.
Next, if then I purchase my own truck how nice will the insurance co. be
to me, or is your record and age,50's, more important

Everywhere you go will be different. The best thing you can do is call around go ahead and start planning. Get a good feel for what you're getting into so there are as few surprises as possible. Ask about the insurance on EVERYTHING. O/O is a different world my man.

ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS plan these things as early as possible. It's like knowing it before you even do it. Might keep yourself from getting screwed over too.

[oldmanrandy]

Again thanks.
As a newbie in trucking, but a prior business owner,that is why the questions now.
watching everyone around me,learning each day.

[Sealord]

Local trucker is going to train me. I'd be interested in knowing what his training qualifications are.
Besides this guy will I be employable with just this and some road time? So how long does that lack of education last? Depends. Some companies want as much as two years experience bvefore they'll look at you. What kind of trucking do you want to do?
I would like to be well rounded and qualified in several areas. I doubt one guy can do that.
Small mom & pops companies That may not even get the job done. I doubt they self-insure.
verifiable 6 months solo OTR Won't be met if you're pulling local.
I purchase my own truck how nice will the insurance co. be
to me? They won't be unless you have a big pot of money.
It would help if we knew where you are because there are inexpensive ways to get the training to earn a Class A CLD. Like a community college or college/university doing workforce education. BOL

[USXRecruiter4080]

Again thanks.
As a newbie in trucking, but a prior business owner,that is why the questions now.
watching everyone around me,learning each day.

Not a problem bud. If you have any other questions feel free to message me. I don't do O/O recruiting, but I may be able to answer some of your questions or concerns. I enjoy my job, and I love this industry. Keeps my family fed easily.

[oldmanrandy]

Im in Kentucky.
But after reading this web site and hearing all the guys that get flushed out of school and still owe the money, or the guys that owe there first born to the company for one year, and when being interviewed for driving I felt he was a conscientious person with experience. Being in my 50's and starting my third career just thought I would tip toe in. It may not be my cup of tea. But so far so good.
Thanks to you all for the feed back.