Local Community College vs Trucking school

[JD F350]

I have been following this board for a few months as I recover from shoulder surgery and value all professional opinions as there is a wealth of knowledge here. Twelve years as an aerial lineman I've choosen to give it up and use my tax return refund to obtain my CDL. Any opinions on differences between the above title? Both come in within a few hundred $$$ of each other approx $3800.00 with a 95% job placement. Both courses are 7-8 weeks long. I have explored my options to sign on with company training but am in a position that I'd rather not "owe" myself to them for 2+ years. Thanks, John

[Colts Fan]

Originally Posted by JD F350

I have been following this board for a few months as I recover from shoulder surgery and value all professional opinions as there is a wealth of knowledge here. Twelve years as an aerial lineman I've choosen to give it up and use my tax return refund to obtain my CDL. Any opinions on differences between the above title? Both come in within a few hundred $$$ of each other approx $3800.00 with a 95% job placement. Both courses are 7-8 weeks long. I have explored my options to sign on with company training but am in a position that I'd rather not "owe" myself to them for 2+ years. Thanks, John

Smart move not becoming a slave to a company. You want to make sure that the school you choose is PTDI certified. I went to a driving school that was offered through a local community college. Kind of the best of both worlds. Make sure that the school is at least 150 hours and all of your drive time is 1-on-1 instruction.

Best of luck.

[JD F350]

Originally Posted by Colts Fan

Smart move not becoming a slave to a company. You want to make sure that the school you choose is PTDI certified. I went to a driving school that was offered through a local community college. Kind of the best of both worlds. Make sure that the school is at least 150 hours and all of your drive time is 1-on-1 instruction.

Best of luck.

Thaks for the tip I was not aware of PTDI certified and did just find out that not all schools are. Any other tips would be gladly apprieciated.

[medic92]

I would prefer the college route because their interest is in training you to drive a truck. Companies have a vested interest in getting you through the school and into a truck making money for them, and I would just worry about the quality of the training. I have no proof of this and can't give specifics, it's just a feeling I have.

Regardless, most schools only teach you to pass the CDL test. The real driver training comes when you're on a truck with a trainer out on the road. A good trainer can make all the difference in your driving career.

Good luck and keep us updated!

[Colts Fan]

Originally Posted by medic92

Regardless, most schools only teach you to pass the CDL test. The real driver training comes when you're on a truck with a trainer out on the road. A good trainer can make all the difference in your driving career.

This is so very true. Luckily I learned a lot from my trainer. With the big carriers, the quality of your trainer will be hit or miss. You seem like a smart guy, so just use your common sense and you'll be fine. If you have the opportunity try to get on with a LTL or local carrier so you can have a normal life.

[kboomarang]

I went to a local vo-tech for my training and it was well worth the extra time and it was really kinda of a bargain, the course covered all aspects of the business,plenty of equipment and yard time,and while we used crew cab tractors for road driving, a instructor and three students when it was your turn to drive it was one on one, when you were not driving you learned by watching the other students. The school was not certified I asked the dept. head why not?..."Because we exceed their certification requirements and see no reason to pay to get certified". So ask around, check to see what companys hire their students, you'll also end up with more options for jobs over a company school.