[Danisawannabe]

It probably has been answered before, however I can't find it here (did a couple of searches).

What should I ask or check into about a school? If there is a good thread for this already can you point me to it?

Questions I have so far... Do you have any additions?
What is the student/instructor ratio?
Maximum Class size?
How much range time?
How much road time/road miles?
Certification(s)/accreditation(s) from?
May I observe a classroom session and a range session for part of a day?
Can I view or obtain a class syllabus?
What books and/or other teaching materials do you use? Are they available on campus?
Which recruiters commonly visit?
From the last 3 classes who have your graduates gone to work for?
Are any recent graduates contactable for a reference check?
Training for endorsements also? Extra cost?
Describe the training equipment?
Do you have a simulator? How much simulator time for each student?

[classicxl]

do they do the testing on site or do you have to go to Dept of Motorvehicles

[JoeyB]

Beyond road time-road miles, how many other students will be in the cab with you?

[Uturn2001]

What happens if I do not pass the state written and/or skills tests?

Do you offer job placement assistance? How long is it good for?

Do you offer refresher courses? Cost?

[classicxl]

do you offer to find me a job for life

[Ian Williams]

I would also ask for data on where the grads end up. Some schools are about supplying fresh meat for the OTR Megacarrier Grinder.

Here in Reno there are three CDL schools.

The best is Horizon, they operate a small LTL and container hauling business in conjunction with the school. They have newer, well maintained Peterbilts Many grads end up with local work; My Con-Way terminal often hires from them when we need people between the 6 month cycle of our in house training program.

The middle of the pack in Sierra Nevada, I have not heard much good or bad about them.

The bottom of the barrel is Desert, they have a very tired looking ex JB Hunt COE Freightshaker and a trailer that is beat to hell. They use the street my barn is on as their course for folks learning to shift. When they go to DMV I have seen 3-5 people pile out of the tractor in clown car fashion. We refer to them as the "Puppy Mill."

Another good source of info would be the recruiters and safety department of companies that hire newbies in your area.

[Danisawannabe]

Thanks everyone for all the suggestions. They are some great ones.

I hunted around some more on google and found http://www.newbiedriver.com/articles...Ask_School.htm w/ some ideas as well.

With your help I now have a list of Q's I'm comfortable with.

Thanks again
Dan