How to Find the Right Commercial Driver’s License Classes?
The trucking industry of the US amounted to $79.1 billion as per reports of 2019. The industry is evidently poised to continue to share a significant share in the nation’s economy while offering excellent employment opportunities. Do you want to get your CDL (Commercial Driver’s License)? When looking for CDL classes, you will find there are many options.
This article will tell you how to find the best training and certification courses in your area.
Commercial drivers license classes can vary significantly in quality, so it is essential to know what you are looking to get.
You can use these tips to ensure you get suitable CDL classes.
Make A List of What Is Most Important to You in A Commercial Driver’s License Class
There are many options out there, so you need to narrow it down. Here are some questions to ask yourself:
- How much time can I spend going to classes?
- What is my budget for CDL classes?
- Will the DMV allow me to go to school to get my CDL?
- Do I need a specific type of license (i.e., tanker, doubles & triples)?
Make sure you pick what is most important and not everything. This will help you make a more informed decision while choosing the right CDL training course for yourself.
What Do the Different Commercial Driver License Classes Teach?
If you plan to be a truck driver, you will need to get a CDL no matter what. That means you have to take specific commercial driver’s license classes to get your CDL.
You can choose one of three different types of training:
- Classroom Driver Training—You are taken out of the truck only when it is time for breaks or lunch. This form of training is best to get your CDL as fast as possible.
- Combination Driver Training—You will do most of your training in the truck but also spend some time in the classroom. It is a good option for those who would rather drive more often.
- OJT (On the Job Training)—It is where you learn everything on the job. It is not for everyone because it can be challenging to get an employer to let you do this. But if you know someone in the field, this could be a good option for you.
What Kind of Commercial Driver’s License Classes Are Available?
There are a lot of different commercial driver’s license classes available out there. You can choose from:
- Class A or B—Class A is for those who want to drive the giant trucks and haul the most weight. Whereas Class B is for those, who want to drive smaller trucks.
- Tanker—If you want to drive tankers in the future, then look for a course that is specifically for this type of vehicle.
- Doubles & Triples—It can be tempting to get into this type of training because you could be making twice as much money. It can be more dangerous too. If you find an excellent company to work with, it might be worth the risk, but make sure to think about it carefully.
- Passenger—Not everyone wants to drive trucks all the time. If you would rather be a bus or taxi driver, then make sure to find classes that specifically cover this skill set.
What Else Should You Know About Commercial Driver’s License Classes?
As simple as it sounds, it takes a bit more than showing up and getting trained. You will need:
- Proof of your identity—You can’t take any commercial driver’s license classes without proof of who you are. So, bring your photo ID and Social Security card.
- Proof of your residence— Most companies will want to know where you live, so bring something like a utility bill with your permanent address on it.
You may find other details about what you need will vary from company to company, but for the most part, these are the things you need to enroll in commercial driver’s license classes.
Where Should You Go to Get Commercial Driver’s License Classes?
Not all commercial driver’s license classes are created equal. You will notice that the best companies have a few things in common:
- They are insured—It is essential because you could be held liable if anything goes wrong if they aren’t insured.
- They have good instructors—It may seem simple, but you will learn more from someone who knows what they are talking about. Check companies with instructors who have years of experience.
- They offer flexible scheduling—Find something that works for your schedule instead of making your schedule work for some random class times.