Anyone here have a CDL?

skirush · 01-23-2014, 07:43 AM

Just wondering...I'm interested in getting a CDL and doing that on the side, or just in the summers (I'm a professor). But, truck driver schools are very expensive (~ $5000). Does anyone know of a less expensive way of learning and earning a CDL? I don't have a truck and I don't know anyone that does, so I have no way of practicing.

Thanks,

Silverlsinva · 01-23-2014, 08:08 AM

I think it depends on what class of CDL you are trying to get as there are more than just CDL license there is Class A Class B and I think just one for Air brake endorsements.

acowherd · 01-23-2014, 08:25 AM

Check local community collage..some have CDL programs. I got my Class A CDL when I went to community College. They had a program with a local trucking company and we used their trucks. I have most endorsements....missing hazmat and bus.

ROD_SS · 01-23-2014, 08:30 AM

I'm in the same boat as you.

Rock on · 01-23-2014, 08:31 AM

I have a dump truck and with a trailer with brakes you can get a class a I've let two family members get their class a. So if. You know someone with a truck it's not that hard to learn

FenwickHockey65 · 01-23-2014, 08:56 AM

I used to have a Class B + air brake and passenger endorsements from my job in college.

skirush · 01-23-2014, 09:18 AM

What about a class B? Is a class B worthwhile job wise? I called and those programs are half the cost.

Do you even need a school for a class b?

FenwickHockey65 · 01-23-2014, 09:25 AM

Depends on what you want to do. I drove transit buses.

^^My baby.

We were the second highest paid student job on campus (which doesn't amount to a lot, but still). I think the people at COTA (Columbus bus system) made pretty decent money but they also had to put up with a lot more BS than we did.

Depending on what you end up doing, the company you work for might train you themselves. That's what Ohio State did for me.

evh5150vanhalen · 01-23-2014, 09:30 AM

I have a class1 with airbrakes. I'm a long haul driver. other than going to school the only other option is what you listed.

mydreamcar · 01-23-2014, 12:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by skirush

What about a class B? Is a class B worthwhile job wise? I called and those programs are half the cost.

Do you even need a school for a class b?

They have schools for both Class A and B License. Really depends on how much you want to make. A class A license will pay you better but you will have less flexibility of work hrs. A class A is required to drive and tractor Single axle or Tandem axle when its hook up to a trailer regardless of size. Mst companies that look for class A drivers want someone who is okay with driving over the road for 7-14 days at a time

A class B license is required for any unit that is registered above 26,001 gvw and has air brakes. For the most part that weight is usually 33,000 gvw. It will be easier to find a part time gig for a class b license.

As for how to train, do you know anyone with a class B or A license. If so you can always rent a truck for the day with that driver and have them show you whats involved. Maybe cost a few bucks but nothing to the tune of 5k.

I work a Ryder Transportation and we always renting to people who need to train or take thier cdl test. good luck

72MachOne99GT · 01-23-2014, 02:52 PM

Fortunately I work in a field that reimbursed the cost of the license, training, and testing.

Sounds like you need to start with some studying just to pass the written tests (I believe there were 3 for me) as they aren't the easiest. I went to moron route and didn't study anything. Missed the maximum allowed on all three tests... that was after a lot of second guessing.

Green Machine · 01-23-2014, 03:05 PM

I've been driving for a few years... getting your permit is pretty easy. Just grab the booklet and read it over. Go in and take the tests. You should also take whatever endorsements you want at that time.

To take your actual test you need access to a truck and tailer. You have to do a walk around, reverse maneuvers and finally the road test. The backing will take practice.

Sent from the road.

casper sc/1ss/rs · 01-23-2014, 03:18 PM

If you are going to go through a training program I would highly recommend getting a class a to start with and be done with it.

1QwikZ28 · 01-23-2014, 03:54 PM

I have a CDL with HazMat, doubles endorsement. Easiest way to get one is work for a company that will help you get one. I worked for Coca-Cola a few years back as a route helper. They basically trained and helped me get my CDL, including suppling the truck to take my driving test with. I since have moved on from driving trucks (federal agent now), but I still have my CDL and in a way miss driving trucks.

01-23-2014, 07:43 AM	#1
skirush Drives: 2013 1LS Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Nowhere Posts: 254 View My Garage	Anyone here have a CDL? Just wondering...I'm interested in getting a CDL and doing that on the side, or just in the summers (I'm a professor). But, truck driver schools are very expensive (~ $5000). Does anyone know of a less expensive way of learning and earning a CDL? I don't have a truck and I don't know anyone that does, so I have no way of practicing. Thanks,

01-23-2014, 08:25 AM	#3
acowherd Drives: 2010 2ss/RS 4l80. 2009 2500 HD Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Mid MO Posts: 1,826	Check local community collage..some have CDL programs. I got my Class A CDL when I went to community College. They had a program with a local trucking company and we used their trucks. I have most endorsements....missing hazmat and bus. __________________ Follow along as we build and race this 2010 Camaro! https://www.facebook.com/pages/FNSS-...75028626000379 FNSS Racing!

01-23-2014, 08:30 AM	#4
ROD_SS Drives: 2013 1SS Camaro and a truck Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: San Antonio,TX Posts: 1,081	I'm in the same boat as you. __________________ ADM tuned (465 rwhp / 442 torque) Mods- CAI, kooks long tube headers, & ADM stage 2 cam

01-23-2014, 08:31 AM	#5
Rock on Drives: black 2011 2ss Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: plain city utah Posts: 248	I have a dump truck and with a trailer with brakes you can get a class a I've let two family members get their class a. So if. You know someone with a truck it's not that hard to learn __________________ FASTER THAN A SPEEDING TICKET 2011 cammed 3600 stall LSA super charger. 68 cammed 2800 stall 4/11 posi

01-23-2014, 08:56 AM	#6
FenwickHockey65 General Motors Aficionado Drives: 2023 GMC Canyon, 2023 Expedition Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Florida Posts: 37,375 View My Garage	I used to have a Class B + air brake and passenger endorsements from my job in college. __________________ 2023 GMC Canyon Elevation 2023 Ford Expedition SSV (State-Issued)

01-23-2014, 08:08 AM	#2
Silverlsinva Drives: 2013 Fiat 500 Abarth Grigio Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Manassas, Va Posts: 3,124	I think it depends on what class of CDL you are trying to get as there are more than just CDL license there is Class A Class B and I think just one for Air brake endorsements.

01-23-2014, 09:18 AM	#7
skirush Drives: 2013 1LS Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Nowhere Posts: 254 View My Garage	What about a class B? Is a class B worthwhile job wise? I called and those programs are half the cost. Do you even need a school for a class b?

01-23-2014, 09:25 AM	#8
FenwickHockey65 General Motors Aficionado Drives: 2023 GMC Canyon, 2023 Expedition Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Florida Posts: 37,375 View My Garage	Depends on what you want to do. I drove transit buses. ^^My baby. We were the second highest paid student job on campus (which doesn't amount to a lot, but still). I think the people at COTA (Columbus bus system) made pretty decent money but they also had to put up with a lot more BS than we did. Depending on what you end up doing, the company you work for might train you themselves. That's what Ohio State did for me. __________________ 2023 GMC Canyon Elevation 2023 Ford Expedition SSV (State-Issued)

01-23-2014, 09:30 AM	#9
evh5150vanhalen Drives: 2010 ABM Camaro 2SS Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Nova Scotia Posts: 167	I have a class1 with airbrakes. I'm a long haul driver. other than going to school the only other option is what you listed.

01-23-2014, 03:05 PM	#12
Green Machine Always Workin Drives: 2021 Mazda MX-5 Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Youngstown, OH Posts: 1,362	I've been driving for a few years... getting your permit is pretty easy. Just grab the booklet and read it over. Go in and take the tests. You should also take whatever endorsements you want at that time. To take your actual test you need access to a truck and tailer. You have to do a walk around, reverse maneuvers and finally the road test. The backing will take practice. Sent from the road. __________________ 2023 Vivid Orange 1SS 1LE 6MT Arrived 8/31 Purchased 9/3 2018 1SS 1LE, HyperBlue Metallic (Sold) 2014 1SS 1LE, Black, Twin Turbo (Sold)

01-23-2014, 03:18 PM	#13
casper sc/1ss/rs Drives: 2011 camaro ss vortech supercharged Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: marion VA. Posts: 524 View My Garage	If you are going to go through a training program I would highly recommend getting a class a to start with and be done with it.

01-23-2014, 03:54 PM	#14
1QwikZ28 Drives: 1999 Camaro Z28 Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: S. Texas Posts: 181	I have a CDL with HazMat, doubles endorsement. Easiest way to get one is work for a company that will help you get one. I worked for Coca-Cola a few years back as a route helper. They basically trained and helped me get my CDL, including suppling the truck to take my driving test with. I since have moved on from driving trucks (federal agent now), but I still have my CDL and in a way miss driving trucks.