So you want to be a truck driver. You’ve done all your research, maybe even spoken with a few, go on a few rides, and just know it’s for you.
That’s great! Now to just get that pesky CDL so you can start working. You probably already know you’re going to need to go to a school for truck drivers. However, do you know what school to choose?
If you’re ready to start your journey to becoming a truck driver and rule the open road, then keep reading to discover what you need to know before choosing your school.
Find a Comprehensive Program
When looking around at schools and comparing your choices it’s important to know what each offers. Some schools focus on different aspects than others.
For example, one school may focus more on classroom time than practical application, while another is the opposite. Try to find a school that offers a comprehensive program.
Comprehensive programs split time evenly between classroom, range, and on-the-road training. This will help you to get a comprehensive understanding of the material and skills being taught.
Licensing
Keeping with the material being taught, it’s important to note that the school you choose must be licensed and accredited. Not just by your state but also by the federal government as well.
This ensures everyone is learning the same material and complying with the same rules and regulations. While non-accredited schools do exist, be cautious.
While you may still be able to obtain a CDL after graduating from a non-accredited school, you will find it difficult to get hired anywhere. Companies require their drivers to be in compliance with all state and federal laws and regulations.
The student to Teach Ratio
This is probably as important as licensing. In order to get the most out of your education, you should try to find a truck driving school that offers smaller training classes.
If there is one teacher for every fifty students you’re not going to get much out of the instruction. However, if your class size is only eight to ten students with one or two instructors, students have a better chance of receiving quality training.
Smaller class sizes allow each student the ability to receive more one-on-one instruction. Instructors will also be able to work more with those students who may be struggling without leaving them behind.
Pricing
Close behind licensing and classroom size is price. After all, finding the best school in the world doesn’t do any good if you can’t afford to attend.
While searching for a truck driving school it’s important to pay attention to the price. Not just to ensure it is within your budget but also to avoid less than reputable schools.
A school offering the average programs but charging much higher tuition may not be in your best interest. Likewise, a school that offers a lower than should be tuition cost with minimal instruction and programs is probably not the school to choose.
Shop around and compare prices to know what the average price range for tuition is for the schools you are looking at. Try to find a school with reasonable tuition that matches the programs offered.
Reputable and Successful
The final consideration to make when choosing a school for truck driving is their reputation and success rate. It should be obvious to choose the school with a good reputation. But what constitutes success?
A successful school, in this case, would be a school that has a high rate of a graduate who is hired by big-name trucking companies. This is not only an indication of their reputation but the quality of instructors and training programs overall.
Becoming a Truck Driver
Becoming a truck driver is no easy task. Being a truck driver is harder. It’s not a lifestyle for everyone. But for those who love the open road and freedom that it comes with, truck driving can be exhilarating.
Setting yourself up for success can also make your career choice as smooth an experience as possible. Choosing the right school for truck driving is the first step to being successful.
Choose a school with a good reputation, success rate, price range, and comprehensive program. Being serious about your education will demonstrate your seriousness about the job. And that’s what employees like to see.
