Driving a commercial motor vehicle requires more advanced driving knowledge and skills than driving a regular car. That is why it requires its own license, the CDL, and has training schools and programs specifically designed for and committed to teaching these skills.
So, what will you learn at a semi-truck driving school, and which are the top CDL training schools to consider? Find out all in this short guide to CDL training.
What is a Commercial Driver’s License Training Program?
A commercial driver’s license (CDL) training program is a specialized course designed to prepare students to qualify for a commercial driver’s license. And if you are keen on driving commercial vehicles like semi-trucks for a living, that’s the license you’ll need.
Education Benefits Offered
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), a division of the Department of Transport (DOT), oversees the issuing of CDL licenses. But CDL training schools help you prepare for getting the license.
You’ll have access to the shared industry expertise of experienced instructors and learn all about what it takes to drive a semi, safely. CDL programs at a semi-truck driver school typically include classes taught by knowledgeable instructors as well as practice driving lessons.
Best CDL Training Schools
If the open road is beckoning, heed the call and head to one of these leading CDL training schools.
All-State Career
Are you in Baltimore, Maryland, or Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and planning to make interstate trucking your career?
You can’t go wrong with the commercial driving programs at the All-State Career CDL school. They offer various courses, including Advanced Tractor Trailer Driving, Class A CDL Driving, Class B CDL Driving, and Commercial Truck Driver Training.
Roadmaster Drivers School
Roadmaster Drivers School offers comprehensive CDL instruction and behind-the-wheel truck-driving training.
This CDL training school has multiple locations in several US states. Their Class A CDL Training Program provides students with the skills to qualify for entry-level commercial driver positions. Roadmaster offers financial assistance with tuition and career placement services.
International Truck School
The California-based International Truck School offers CDL training for Class A and B licenses and hands-on experience with 10-speed manual trucks. These schools offer small classes for more personalized tuition, and job placement assistance is available. This school also has classes in Spanish.
SAGE Truck Driving School
SAGE Truck Driving Schools are situated at multiple locations across the US. They offer Class A and B CDL training courses.
SAGE schools go the extra mile, with resume and application assistance, interview preparation, and even job offer analysis. Therefore, they not only help you qualify for a truck-driving job but also help you find the best opportunities.
Ace Trucking Academy
The Ace Trucking Academy is based in Houston, Texas. You can get your entry-level driver training and permit here, followed by a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP). Ace offers extensive behind-the-wheel training for anyone wanting to qualify for the CDL.
5 Steps to Getting Your CDL
Once you have chosen the semi-truck driver school that seems to be the best fit for you, there are 5 steps to getting your CDL.
1. Apply for the CDL Training Program
Apply for the truck driver training program that best meets your needs. Attend the orientation at your chosen semi-truck driver school. You’ll learn what to expect on the CDL truck driver course and meet all the instructors.
If you have any more questions about the CDL training at that point, you’ll have a chance to get them answered.
2. Obtain an ELDT and Commercial Learner’s Permit
To qualify for a CDL, you must complete the Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT). FMCSA’s ELDT regulations are the foundation for training requirements for entry-level drivers seeking to obtain Class A or B CDLs.
A commercial learner’s permit (CLP) is a permit that only authorizes you to practice on public roads with a qualified CDL holder sitting next to you.
Class A vs. Class B
Class A CDL drivers can operate vehicles with a gross combination weight of 26,001 pounds or more if the vehicle being towed is heavier than 10,000 pounds. Class B CDL: Drivers can operate a single vehicle with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating of 26,001 pounds or more and tow vehicles under 10,000 pounds.
3. Receive Classroom Training and Instruction & Behind-the-Wheel Experience
Every top semi-truck driver school offers both classroom instruction and practical commercial truck driver training. Once you have received enough classroom training, your semi-truck driver school teachers will take you through more hands-on training.
4. Gain Behind-the-Wheel Experience and Complete Your CDL Driver Training
The behind-the-wheel component is crucial as it will prepare you with the right driving skills for the semi-truck driving experience. Attending a few classes is not enough to get the trucking job you desire. Even if it gets tough, you must complete your CDL driver training.
There are realities of the truck-driving industry you’ll discover once you’ve been driving for a while. One of these is a driver’s knee, a repetitive strain injury that affects professional truck drivers. The more prepared you are, the more likely you can prevent it when you start working as a semi-truck driver.
5. Pass the DOT Physical and Pass Your CDL Exam
DOT requires that drivers undergo a health check to ensure that they meet the physical and mental demands of semi-truck driving.
The FMCSA regulates these mandatory health exams. You’ll have to pass this physical exam regularly to keep driving commercial vehicles. Our complete guide to the DOT physical will give you all the information you need.
Once you have passed your CDL exam, you’re ready to start your career as a truck driver.
Once You Have Your CDL, What’s Next?
If you intend to start your own driver/operator business, you’ll also need to meet FMCSA requirements for commercial vehicle insurance. We’ve compiled a list of the most common truck insurance questions and answers, so be sure to give that a read.
Whether you are an owner/operator or in the employ of a large motor carrier, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with basic truck maintenance and repair.
This will be very helpful to you should any minor mechanical incidents occur on the road that impair your truck. You will be able to repair small problems yourself and get back on the road quickly. It also offers more flexibility in your career. Trucking companies will be keen to hire a driver who can maintain the truck en route.
Conclusion
A good semi-truck driver school will help you prepare for getting a commercial driver’s license. It’s the first step in becoming a semi-truck driver. You may even start to dream of starting your own motor carrier business. And Mission Financial Services can make that dream a reality.
We help people get the financing they need to buy new or used semi-trucks and other commercial vehicles. We offer a variety of lending options for purchasing commercial vehicles or paying for truck repairs. Contact us today.
