To become a professional truck driver, you will need a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) in Ohio. Landing a good truck driving job can be determined by the quality of the truck driver training and how you are trained to succeed as a professional truck driver. This article outlines the requirements to get a CDL, as well as the factors to consider when choosing the right truck driver training.
CDL Requirements in Ohio
- Be at least 18 years old to drive within Ohio
- Be at least 21 years old to drive across the country, and to transport hazardous material
- Have a valid Ohio driver’s license
- Have a clean driving record, with no more than two moving violations or accidents in the past three years
- Pass the DOT physical examination
- Pass the alcohol and controlled substances testing as required by the FMCSA Safety Regulations, part 382
- Read and write English
To get a commercial drivers license (CDL) in Ohio, you must:
| 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 Ohio
To get your CDL, it is mandatory that you complete the Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT), and that the trucking school is registered with the FMCSA.
Choosing a CDL driving school requires careful consideration of the following factors.
Determine the Cost
Equipment, gasoline, supplies, and the time of your teacher may all add up to a hefty truck driving school. Free training programs are nearly usually scams, so be aware of them. The price of a truck driving school should be taken into account when deciding whether or not to enroll in a school. There is a wide range of educational options available. Determine the monetary value of each program.
In Ohio, the cost of CDL training can range from around $2,000 to well over $10,000. You’ll want to be certain you have the funds to cover that amount. Choosing the school with the lowest tuition may be appealing, but be sure it satisfies all of your requirements before enrolling there. Additionally, if the tuition at your preferred school is beyond your means, you may want to inquire about financial aid and other options for students.
Examples of CDL Tuition:
Great Lakes Truck Driving School
- Class A program: $6,325
- Length: 200 hours, 5 weeks full-time
- Class A + heavy equipment program: $10,495
- Length: 360 hours, 10 weeks full-time
- Class B program (straight truck / bus): $4,245
- Length: 100 hours, 2.5 weeks full-time
- Location: Columbia Station, OH
Southern State Community College
- Class A program: $5,300
- Length: 160 hours, 4 weeks or 8 weekends
- Class B program: $2,900
- Length: 80 hours, 2 weeks
- Location: Wilmington, OH; Piketon, OH
- Class A program: $4,995
- Length: 12 days (automatic transmission); 15 days (manual transmission)
- Location: Freemont OH; Perrysburg, OH
Financial Assistance
Going to truck driving school is not cheap. As you can see above, paying several thousands dollars for a few weeks of training cannot be easily done without getting financial help.
Reputable schools will offer financial assistance via a third party company; will work with federal and state grants for CDL students; and/or have a partnership with trucking companies that offer tuition reimbursement.
Examples of CDL grants:
Instructor-to-Student Ratio
Some schools have a number of practice lots (yards) open at the same time, which might lead to confusion. Instructors stroll around the school grounds to see how their pupils are doing. There’s a silver lining: You’ll be behind the wheel. Alternatively, you may find that the teacher fails to provide you with any guidance on how to avoid repeating the same errors over and over again. Make sure you don’t develop a poor habit of repeating your blunders.
A driving teacher should maintain a close watch on their pupil when they’re behind the wheel. For teachers, it’s imperative that they correct pupils as soon as they make a mistake. If you want to learn anything on your own, it’s a good idea to do it with the help of an instructor.
Yard Time
There will be a lot of classroom time. This is beneficial in that it will help you study for your CDL exam and teach you a lot about operating a tractor-trailer. You’ll get the greatest knowledge, though, if you spend time in the yard driving and interacting with their vehicles. The expense of maintaining a big fleet of operating vehicles is prohibitive for the institution.
As a precaution, some schools restrict the amount of time you spend in the yard to the bare minimum. Choosing a low-cost truck driving school means not knowing how much time you would be spending in the yard learning to drive a truck.
Keep in Mind That Getting a Job is Essential
The next step for a truck driver is to look for work. Choose a truck driving school that has a solid track record of placing its students in jobs quickly. CDL schools often have partnerships with trucking firms that hire graduates. Trucking companies can also reimburse your tuition, just be aware of the commitment you’ll need to give to your employer.
Conclusion
Driver’s license training requirements may be different in Ohio than it is in other states. A commercial Driver’s License is required to operate a truck in the state of Ohio. You must have a special license to drive vehicles that weigh more than 26,000 pounds. For different commercial transportation jobs, the amount of time spent on them might vary. You may have to travel large miles to fulfill your responsibilities, or you may just have to transfer stuff in your immediate neighborhood. So take your time while selecting a training facility.
List of Trucking Schools in Ohio
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