CDL and Truck Driving: Schools and Costs
A truck-driving career offers you many benefits. For instance, you can see the country while earning a steady paycheck. However, the career option can be challenging as it requires you to be away from home for extended periods. You’ll also need to complete comprehensive training to work in the industry. The first step is to complete a truck driver-training course. You’ll also need to obtain your commercial driver’s license or CDL.
How Much Does CDL Training Cost?
If you acquire your training through a professional trucking company, then the business may cover your training and licensing costs. Some schools will cover the expenses initially and permit you to pay them back over time. If you have to pay for training, then the cost of truck driving programs range from $1,500 to $10,000 depending on the location. The cost estimates are for Professional Truck Driver Institute, or PTDI, certified courses.
Those who venture into the career on their own can expect to pay from $8 to $150 for the CDL license. Each state has its own set of fees for licensing. For instance, in California, the cost for a Commercial Class A license is $70, and the Commercial Class C license will cost you $41.
How Long is Truck Driving School?
Most PTDI certified training programs last from four to six weeks. However, you may come across an accelerated program that is just two weeks long while other programs are more detailed and take 12 weeks or longer to complete. If you intend to work for a local trucking company, then be sure to obtain your training through a PTDI. The country features an estimated 70 schools in 27 states, which gives you plenty of training options. According to the Truckers Report website, Sage Truck Driving Schools and Roadmaster Drivers Schools offer some of the best training courses. As you consider trucking schools, be sure to check each company’s accreditation, certification and cost. Also, ask the school about its job placement program and success rates for placement.
After Training
Once you have the completion date of your truck driver-training program, you can begin applying for jobs. If you receive an early acceptance, then the company will give you a pre-hire document, which is not a job guarantee, but it is an agreement that the company intends to hire you. Also, be sure to send out a large number of applications and talk to recruiters about work opportunities.
Additional Certifications and Requirements
To become a truck driver, you must be at least 21 years old and have had your personal driver’s license in the United States for a minimum of one year. You’ll need to pass a physical fitness exam and a drug test. You can earn more as a truck driver by obtaining endorsements like hazmat, which will cost about $100. A hazmat endorsement requires you to have a background check. The double or triple trailer endorsement is another option to consider. Truck drivers generally earn a paycheck that lets them live comfortably, and the career choice gives them an amazing sightseeing opportunity.
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