Best way to get a CDL?

[S204STi]

I was thinking of getting a Class A or B CDL to let me drive the big rigs, and see if I can't get a regional driving job somewhere.  Any suggestions on how best to accomplish that?  Should I go to one of the driver schools, or can I get away with skipping that part and just going to the DMV?

[Eye of the Tiger]

Apply for a job at a trucking company that will pay to train you for the job.

[S204STi]

Apply for a job at a trucking company that will pay to train you for the job.

Ok there's one idea.

[Raza]

If you go straight to the DMV, you'll need to own your own commercial truck.  They don't just have 18 wheelers sitting around waiting for people to try parallel parking in them. 

[S204STi]

If you go straight to the DMV, you'll need to own your own commercial truck.  They don't just have 18 wheelers sitting around waiting for people to try parallel parking in them.  

Yeah, I guess the driving test would be hard.  That said, one of my brothers was able to go down to the DMV and get a CDL (not sure which class) for his job with Waste Management.  I've never done this so I'm looking for info.  I should probably give him a call too.

[MX793]

I don't know how it works out there, but around here getting a CDL is similar to getting any other license.  You take a test and get a permit.  With the permit you are only allowed to drive if another driver with a CDL is in the vehicle with you.  You have to take a road test to get a full license.  There are also some federally required medical examinations that go along with a CDL.

Also, if you want to haul garbage, you'll likely need a HazMat certification.

[dazzleman]

Realistically, I would think the only way to get access to a suitable vehicle to drive would be to go to a school that offers a training program.

[S204STi]

I don't know how it works out there, but around here getting a CDL is similar to getting any other license.  You take a test and get a permit.  With the permit you are only allowed to drive if another driver with a CDL is in the vehicle with you.  You have to take a road test to get a full license.  There are also some federally required medical examinations that go along with a CDL.

Also, if you want to haul garbage, you'll likely need a HazMat certification.

Cool, thanks.

Realistically, I would think the only way to get access to a suitable vehicle to drive would be to go to a school that offers a training program.

Yeah, that or Nick's suggestion seem like the most reasonable ways to go about it.

[Rich]

Join the military as a truck driver

edit.. sorry.. not regional, but you get to drive all over the world

[S204STi]

Join the military as a truck driver

edit.. sorry.. not regional, but you get to drive all over the world

Well, I could try the National Guard.  The chances are slim with this president that I'd be deployed anyhow...

[Pancor]

I obtained my Ontario "AZ" (tractor/trailer) license last year and did a lot of research on how to best go about it.  Things may obviously differ from here, but attending a training school worked out to be the best option by far.  Unless you have a friend with a truck that is willing to spend quite a bit of time training you, you probably won't pass the road test on your first try.  Getting used to having 53' of trailer behind you isn't all that hard, but shifting one of those beasts smoothly every time does take some time, and will definitely be something the examiner is looking for. As well,  proper circle check procedure and air brake knowledge/operation  is critical.   Spend a couple grand on a training program and you'll learn the legalese of trucking, everything to pass the written and road tests, and you'll have a truck for the examination. 

As far as an employer training you, unless your current company has a fleet and offers advances like that you're probably out of luck.  I just can't see a truck line risking hiring an unlicensed person and training them from the ground up...

[AutobahnSHO]

Well, I could try the National Guard.  The chances are slim with this president that I'd be deployed anyhow...

Obama wants more troops for Afghan.

The job code is 88M- and if you think civilian truckers have it bad, you ain't seen nuthin' yet. Truck drivers are one of the most over-used, under-appreciated groups of Soldiers out there..

NOT saying definitely don't do it, but don't expect the Army to be a bed of roses.

[Eye of the Tiger]

There must be some kind of financial aid/loan program available for a CDL course. Look into that for sure.

[sparkplug]

First thing you need to do is pass a written test for a CDL permit. To do that you need to read the book.

You also need to meet certain health requirements.

[S204STi]

Cool, thanks folks.  I found an independent school around here so I think I'll try to sock away a couple grand and give it a shot sometime soon. 

[Byteme]

I was thinking of getting a Class A or B CDL to let me drive the big rigs, and see if I can't get a regional driving job somewhere.  Any suggestions on how best to accomplish that?  Should I go to one of the driver schools, or can I get away with skipping that part and just going to the DMV?

A local Jr. College near where I live offers a truck driving course of study.

[Byteme]

NOT saying definitely don't do it, but don't expect the Army to be a bed of roses.

No it's not exactly like "Kelly's Heros" is it?

[S204STi]

A local Jr. College near where I live offers a truck driving course of study.

Ah, good idea.  Probably less costly than a trucker school too.

[Raza]

Join the military as a truck driver

edit.. sorry.. not regional, but you get to drive all over the world

Eh, he's got a wife and a Shih tzu, I doubt he wants to travel the world wearing green. 

[S204STi]

Eh, he's got a wife and a Shih tzu, I doubt he wants to travel the world wearing green. 

Shar Pei, dude.    My dog would ravage a Shitzu, and not in the classic film sense of the word.

But yeah, being married makes me reluctant to join the military unless we end up really having to defend our own soil.  Projecting our foreign policy and getting blown up by some cat with a hard-on for westerners doesn't sound like a good reward for learning to drive a truck.

[AutobahnSHO]

Shar Pei, dude.    My dog would ravage a Shitzu, and not in the classic film sense of the word.

But yeah, being married makes me reluctant to join the military unless we end up really having to defend our own soil.  Projecting our foreign policy and getting blown up by some cat with a hard-on for westerners doesn't sound like a good reward for learning to drive a truck.

Plus, promotion for truck drivers SUCKS (because there are so many of them that stay in when they should get out,) because they are NOT the quickest tractors on the farm...

[S204STi]

Plus, promotion for truck drivers SUCKS (because there are so many of them that stay in when they should get out,) because they are NOT the quickest tractors on the farm...

Well, being smarter than the average bear like me must pay off for some of them, right?

[AutobahnSHO]

Well, being smarter than the average bear like me must pay off for some of them, right?

Sure, if you like nothing but endless frustration..
But if you had college and a little bit of common sense, political prowess, you could get promoted faster than the average..

(the promotion scale is 0-800, 350 being the minimum to become eligible for Sergeant. College gets you 1.5 points per semester hour, up to a max of 100 points. The Commander should give someone 150pts, going before the board generally scores you 120-150, your physical fitness and rifle scores can get you another 100pts. Then awards can do 100pts, and "military education" (most easily obtained by {lame} correspondence courses another 200pts..)

[S204STi]

Wow, that isn't too bad.  I could make Sgt I think.

[dazzleman]

Wow, that isn't too bad.  I could make Sgt I think.

What's the largest vehicle you're ever driven, Roy?

[S204STi]

What's the largest vehicle you're ever driven, Roy?

A powerwheel.

Nah, just a 15 pass van probably.  I can't recall anything bigger than that.