So you have decided to become a truck driver? Well, here’s what you need to know to get your CDL in Idaho and start driving a commercial vehicle.
CDL Requirements in Idaho
To obtain a commercial driver’s license (CDL) in Idaho, you must be:
- At least 18 years of age to drive intrastate, 21 years old to drive interstate (across the country)
- Have a valid non-CDL Idaho driver’s license (class D)
- US citizen or resident
- Pass the knowledge and vision tests
- Pass the skills test
Types of CDLs in Idaho
Class A: Allows the holder to operate any combination of vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 or more pounds, provided that the GVWR of the trailer(s) is 10,000 pounds or less.
Class B: Allows the holder to operate any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds, or any such vehicle towing another not in excess of 10,000 pounds GVWR.
Class C: Allows the holder to operate any single vehicle with a GVWR of less than 26,001 pounds or such vehicle towing another not in excess of 10,000 pounds GVWR, which is placarded for hazardous materials or designed to transport 16 or more passengers (including the driver).
Idaho residents who plan on driving a commercial vehicle outside of the state will need to comply with the requirements of the state they are driving in, as well as the federal regulations. For more information, please contact your local Idaho DMV office.
The requirements for each endorsement vary, but generally involve additional written and skills tests. For more information on the specific requirements for each endorsement, you can contact the Idaho Department of Transportation.
Cost of CDL Training
Attending a truck driving school in Idaho is much less costly than in other states. It ranges between $1,700 and $4,500. Perhaps some schools provide their services at a lesser rate in order to attract more students. However, if it is a well-known college with outstanding facilities and skilled teachers, it is conceivable that you will obtain what you paid for. When comparing truck driving schools in Idaho, it’s critical to understand why each one charges the fees that they do. Inquire about what sets the school apart from its competitors.
How to Select Truck Driving Schools in Idaho
Type of Driving School
The two main types of truck driving schools are private schools and for-profit programs. A corporation is more inclined to hire someone who has completed a paid training program. You get paid while you study, and after you have completed your studies, you will be given a job. Private school tuition is expensive, and even if you finish the program, you may not be able to find work. Instead, you’ll have to look for work on your own.
Complete Your Research
You must do extensive research in order to make an educated choice about the program to enroll in. Keep the following elements in mind while comparing truck driving schools:
- a school’s reputation as a learning environment among its former pupils
- There is a cost to attending college.
- The length of teaching
Also, when choosing truck driving schools outside of Idaho, be sure that your CDL will be simple to transfer back to Idaho. Each state in the United States also has its own set of rules. In certain countries, the written CDL examinations must be retaken a second time, whilst in others, the written tests and the road test must be completed concurrently. Consider this before deciding to get your CDL elsewhere.
The Standard of Instruction
Being on the road and driving a truck is an experience that can only be obtained via on-the-job training. Experience is the only thing that can replace it. A great CDL trainer is mainly reliant on the caliber of his or her pupils. They should like teaching and observing their students improve from inexperienced to skilled truck drivers.
Working alone to make a livelihood is insufficient. When you come to visit, take advantage of the chance to meet some of the current students and lecturers. Inquire if or not the instructors like and appreciate their job. They must also be compassionate and patient with their students.
Don’t Forget About Getting A Job!
The next stage will be to get work as a truck driver. If you want to attend a private training school that does not hire its graduates, you should check into job placement services. Inquire about each truck driving school’s job placement services and their most recent job placement records. Enroll in a truck driving school that has a track record of putting its graduates in employment as soon as they finish their training. Finding a job after training is very important, and a good school can help with placement.
Inquire About the Instructor’s Prior Work
To become a professional truck driver, one must first attend a truck driving school and undergo training. At this time, it is critical to learn critical skills in an easy-to-use format. The best way to learn is to be taught by someone who has considerable experience and skill. Examine the qualifications of the teachers at the truck driving school you’re thinking about enrolling in.
Conclusion
While instructing their students, the majority of truck driving schools in Idaho adhere to a set of criteria. In Idaho, commercial drivers must pass a written knowledge test, which is given to pupils in the classroom. No two schools, however, are the same. As a result, before enrolling in a truck driving school, you should do some research.
List of Trucking Schools in Idaho
TruckersTraining.com provide information, tools and resources to potential truck drivers in the U.S. We hope that you can use the content on the site to help you decide if want to drive trucks for a living.
