Different truck driving schools may take somewhat different approaches to their curriculum. There is one unifying purpose, however: to prepare students to become safe and proficient commercial truck drivers who are ready to get their Nevada CDL and begin their careers as commercial truck drivers.
Before enrolling in a Nevada truck driving school, there are a few things to think about. Decisions you make may result in a fantastic learning experience or a wasted opportunity. You need to make sure that you are qualified to get a CDL in Nevada, then decide which commercial license is right for you, and then consider important factors when choosing a truck driving school.
CDL Requirements in Nevada
In order to obtain a commercial driver’s license (CDL) in Nevada, applicants must first pass the required knowledge tests for your license class and endorsements, as well as a skills test. The knowledge test covers topics such as road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving techniques. The skills test is a behind-the-wheel driving assessment that evaluates an applicant’s ability to operate a commercial vehicle safely.
To be eligible for a CDL, applicants must:
- Be at least 18 years of age (21 years of age for interstate driving, and hazmat and passenger endorsements)
- Hold a valid driver’s license
- Have a clean driving record in the last 10 years, no DUI/DWI, no reckless driving convictions/tickets
- Submit a medical certificate
- Agree to a pre-employment drug screen
- Be a citizen or a legal resident of the United States
Once an applicant has passed the knowledge and skills tests, they will be issued a CDL permit.
CDL License Class
You should get the Class A commercial license if you want better job opportunities, higher pay grade, and a wider set of commercial vehicles you can drive. If you want to only work locally and drive delivery box trucks for example, then a Class B license is sufficient.
| Class A | Driver can operate any combination vehicles with a gross combination weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more whichever is greater, inclusive of a towed unit(s) with a GVWR of more than 4,536 kilograms (10,000 pounds) whichever is greater. | Vehicles:
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| Class B | Driver can operate any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more without a trailer. You can also operate any vehicle towing a trailer that doesn’t exceed 10,000 pounds. | Vehicles:
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| Class C | Driver can operate any single vehicle or a combination of vehicles not meeting the Class A or Class B definition, that is either designed to transport 16 or more passengers (including the driver), or is transporting hazardous material. | Vehicles:
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Process to Get Your CDL
When you’ve determined the license class of CDL to obtain, the following are the general next steps.
| Steps to Get a CDL | |
 | 1. Pass the knowledge / written test |
 | 2. Get Commercial License Permit (CLP) - you will be issued a CLP when you pass the written test. |
 | 3. Complete the mandatory Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) |
 | 4. Pass the skills test: pre-trip inspection + on-road driving |
 | 5. Get your CDL - you will be issued a CDL when you successfully meet above requirements. |
How to Select Truck Driving Schools in Nevada
CDL Tuition Cost
Before enrolling in any courses or programs, be sure the CDL school you’re contemplating is legit. It may be appealing to take advantage of free or cheap CDL training, but doing so might have major ramifications for your career.
Before enrolling in a truck driving school, it’s a good idea to look into what your options are for financial assistance. That is one of the biggest deterrents of going to trucking school – the cost of tuition.
There are driving schools that enable pupils to pay in the manner and at the time that is most convenient and affordable for them. Make sure you understand precisely what you’re paying for and that there are no hidden costs.
Comparing prices is also a good thing. Before opting to commit your time and money to a program, research its cost and schedule. The cost of CDL training in Nevada averages $2700. When compared to other states, this is reasonable. Given the price, you’ll want to be sure it’s within your budget. However, while it may be tempting to enrol in the school with the lowest tuition, be sure it meets all of your standards first.
Example of CDL Tuition Prices in Nevada
- Class A CDL Program: $3,900
- Program length: 4 weeks
- Location: Carson City, NV / Fallon, NV
CDL Financial Assistance in Nevada
When researching trucking schools, make sure that they are willing to work with your financial capabilities. Does the school offer financial options? Does the school work with federal and state grants?
CDL financing options for Nevadans to consider:
- SANDI (Supporting and Advancing Nevada’s Dislocated Individuals) Grant
- Join Inc
Is the CDL School Licensed?
Consider the state’s Department of Education or Department of Motor Vehicles’ licensing requirements. Go for a school that is licensed by the state to make sure your certificate is recognized by professional trucker recruiters. Most of these recruiters look for a CDL whenever they want new truck drivers.
In addition to their state-licensed status, a few schools have extra qualifications. It’s a good idea to join one of these organizations. They assist in ensuring that the institution satisfies its higher training requirements than the state mandates.
A prominent organization for professional truck drivers are the Commercial Vehicle Training Association (CVTA). Also, the CDL training school must be registered with the FMCSA’s Training Provider Registry.
Is the Teaching Adequate?
Spending money and effort on a truck driving school is pointless if the training is poor. The good news is that you may seek trustworthy programs before enrolling. A good student-to-instructor ratio is essential. A good student-to-teacher ratio is three to four pupils per instructor.
You must be able to engage with and have easy access to the CDL training instructor in order to get the most out of the program. Find out who the instructors are. It’s best if they have truck driving experience – who were or are now drivers. A superb teacher can teach you a lot about a career and a way of life. There is no replacement for learning from someone who has been in the profession for a long period.
Curriculum
It is essential to examine the length of the training sessions, the cost, and the course plan when choosing a truck driving school. When it comes to trucking school programs, you have several options to choose from.
The method of education used to learn to drive a commercial vehicle, whether in-truck or in a classroom, is equally important. Enroll in a school that offers both classroom and sufficient on-the-road practical training in its curriculum if you want to be a great professional truck driver. As a general rule, look for a driving teacher who has been in the profession for at least three years.
Conclusion
The first step in becoming a truck driver is to first decide if you qualify and if driving trucks for a living is for you. Being on the road for long periods can put a strain on yourself, your family and your life in general. If truck driving is your chosen profession, then the next step is to enrol in a truck driving school. The decision to attend a CDL training school is significant, and it may be nerve-racking to consider. However, considering these few criteria may help you make a better decision.
List of Trucking Schools in Nevada
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