How to Choose a Good Truck-Driving School
Look for certification and good reviews when choosing a trucking school.
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Instructions
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Check with your state's department of motor vehicles or public safety to learn what it takes to get a commercial driving license where you live.
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Look for a program certified by the Professional Truck Driver Institute. Although not all good schools choose to have their programs certified by PTDI, looking for the certification is one quick way to find a school that meets at least minimum standards.
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Check the course syllabus for course material that covers the basics of what you need to know. Talk with teachers, administrators and past students to get a feel for how the school operates and the quality of equipment it uses.
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Tips & Warnings
In addition to PTDI, some state departments of education also certify programs; check where you live.
Postgraduation placement services are a nice plus for a school, but not absolutely necessary in the truck-driving business. So many opportunities abound that you won't go long without work if you learn the job well, pass the physical exams, keep a clean record and stay dependable on the job.
Beware of "license mills," which offer short courses that cover only the material expected on the tests. You might get your commercial license, but you're likely to lose out later when you compete for the best-paying jobs with more qualified graduates of thorough schools.
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Comments
View all 9 Comments-
don t go to phoenix truck driving institute, not much driving time.
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ktbons
Jan 09, 2011
Would you rather watch other students drive or spend time in the classroom reading handouts and watching videos? That is the difference between one-on-one training and 3-5 training. You are going to get your behind-the-wheel time regardless, your remedial time can be spent in the cab observing or in the classroom that's the difference. Tanya Bons -
ktbons
Oct 08, 2010
Behind the wheel time is the most important factor. There is a misconception - Schools that do one-on-one instruction often have less time "around" the truck. Schools that do one-on-one instruction allow you to be with the truck only when you are are driving. Schools that use observation techniques, like several students in the truck, still have to meet behind the wheel training. Would you rather spend your time in the truck observing or working in the classroom? Observation time, (remedial time) and behind the wheel are not the same. Verify actual behind the wheel hours before signing up with any school. Good luck and drive safe! Tanya Bons
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hgvlgvtraining
Feb 02, 2010
It is quality of training. Not duration. 2 key components are required. A good reliable safe truck and a good instructor. Did I menetion you need a lot of common and road sense too. My training was on a ratio of 2:1:1 and it git me through
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Nov 22, 2005
Look for schools that offer one-on-one training. Some schools place 3-5 students in a truck at the same time. Most students get the best training when it is private driving instruction with only one student in the truck. This is critical. Otherwise, you are paying to watch other students drive.
