10 Things you Should Look for When Selecting a CDL Training Program

Last Updated: January 7th, 2022

When you are getting ready to become a trucker, a CDL training program is going to help prepare you to sit in for the exam you will have to take. And, since many of these courses are rather pricey, you have to know what to look for and what schools are the best, to ensure you get the best training. These are 10 things you should look for when selecting a CDL training program, to ensure you learn from the best, and to ensure you are going to get the required knowledge, when you are ready to get your license.

Licensing

You have to go to a school that is fully licensed and accredited. Both by the state and federally. Not only does this ensure you are learning the right materials, it is also a guarantee that you are going to get a license that is recognized by all companies, and all industries, when you are ready to sit in for your licensing exam.

The instructors

You want the instructors to be well taught; they should either be former truckers or currently still work in the industry as a trucker. When you learn from someone with actual experience behind the wheel, it is going to give you a different perspective, and is the guarantee that you are going to receive the proper training.

Job placement

You also want to go to a school that helps with job placement. Depending on the type of driving you want to do, there are different schools that will help you find an employer, and get you started in the industry. So, look for a school that will help with this.

Guarantee

The top rated schools guarantee you will pass the first time, or you will get your money back, or can repeat the training, for no additional cost. Not only are these generally the best schools, they are also the ones that have the highest pass rate, so you know you are learning the proper materials you are going to be tested on.

Reputation

You also want to choose a school that is well known, has a solid reputation, is well spoken of, and has a well grounded foundation. The longer it has been in business, and helping students pass exams, the better you are going to do when you go to that school.

Type of licensing

Some want a Class C others a Class D license. You have to choose a school that will train you for the type of driving you want to do, the types of trucks you want to drive, and the type of work you want to do. So, you have to research and learn what each school has to offer, so you can eventually choose the one that will provide you the right training, for the types of deliveries and fleet you are going to be transporting.

Student/teacher ratio

You should look for a school with fewer students each training session. If there is one instructor, for thirty drivers, what are you getting out of this? You have to find a school where the instructors can dedicate their time to you, and can give you full attention, to ensure you get the most out of the training.

Standing

The school should have a long standing; the longer it has been operating, and the longer it has helped past students do well on the exam, the more likely it is that they choose the best instructors and offer great training curriculum. The end result is you passing the exam and getting your license the first time around.

Pass rate

If only 40% of students pass, do you want to go to that school? Look for a school with a high pass rate and guarantees, to ensure that they are truly the best to help you get your license.

Pricing

It shouldn’t be the main driving factor, but the cost of CDL training is pricey. So, comparing a few schools and their rates, will allow you to find the best one, for a price you can afford to pay for the training you will receive. But there are ways to finance your schooling.

These are a few of the many factors you should consider, when you are deciding on the CDL training program and school that will help you get licensed.