How to Choose the Right Trucking School
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If you’re looking for a stable, vibrant, well-paying career, over-the-road trucking can be an excellent way to earn a great income for you and your family as a truck driver. As such, you’ll want to choose a well-established truck driver school to attend ahead of earning your CDL. It’s much better than self-education because classes are taught by experienced OTR drivers. Plus, many trucking companies have their own schools and will pay for you to earn your CDL license.
Find out more details about how to choose the right truck driver school with our guide from International Used Truck Center.
Benefits of a Truck Driver School vs. Self-Education
You’ll get many benefits from attending a truck driver school versus self-education.
First and foremost is access to the equipment. If you teach yourself how to drive, chances are good you’ll need to know a truck driver willing to train you.
Second is the experience. Instructors at a truck driver training school often spent years driving behind the wheel of big rigs for a living before pivoting to a leadership role in a training program. They will know the ins and outs as well as tips and tricks of the trade.
Third is the job placement. Truck driver training schools often have relationships with logistics companies as a way to place graduates as soon as they earn their CDL. You could have a job very quickly after finishing your truck driver school program.
Private Truck Driver School vs. Company-Sponsored Truck Driver School
Another important factor is the cost of a truck driver school. There are hundreds of truck driver training schools out there. Some are private. Others are sponsored by large trucking companies.
The advantage of company-sponsored truck driver training schools is that they are low- or no-cost. The companies already have the equipment on hand, and you’ll need very little, if any, monetary investment.
The downside is that once you complete your driving training, you may be contractually obligated to spend a certain amount of time driving for that company. It’s important to find a situation that meets your needs, including the truck driver school costs, as you look to launch your new career.
Another option is to find a company to work for that is willing to reimburse your tuition for attending a private truck driver training school. You’ll still have to pay upfront, but there are the possibilities of financial aid, loans, and scholarships.
When looking over truck driver school costs, company-sponsored programs are much less expensive. You won’t have to spend a few thousand dollars on tuition.
Location of the Truck Driver School
Unlike many jobs now, you cannot learn remotely or drive remotely. You’ll need hands-on experience from a truck driver school to make this work. How far are you willing to travel to attend a school? If a large trucking company isn’t within easy reach, you might consider investing in a private school or spending the length of the program at a location outside of your region.
Comprehensive Training Program
Your chosen truck driving school should offer classroom, range, and over-the-road training throughout your course of study. The overall goal is to help you pass your CDL skills test. Look for the best schools through the Commercial Vehicle Training Association and the National Association of Publicly Funded Truck Driving Schools. These two organizations give you a starting point for top schools in the country.
Job Placement Record
Find a truck driving school that has a reputation for placing a high number of students directly into a job following completion of the program. You’ll want to have your investment start to pay off as soon as you can.
Enhancing Your Truck Driving Career at International Used Truck Center
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