Best State to obtain my CDL and what will it cost?

School cost me about 5k, some counties unemployment will cover the cost of school. Otherwise looking at training with a company but you'll have a contract for a year or so

 

Which state do you live in?
Residents of every state have access to trucking company cdl schools.
Trucking company cdl schools are free if you agree to work there for 12 months.

 

And some companies pay you back the expense over the next 12 months.

 

It's the same process in every state. The whole purpose for creating the CDL was to standardize the license requirements among the 57 states.

Seriously, about the only difference between states is IL virtually guarantees every fails the pre-trip isnpection portion of the CDL test the first time they take it, because they want WORD FOR WORD the exact words written in their state CDL manual. All the other states want the inspection to cover all items to be inspected but your exact wording is a little less important.

To get the CDL in any state you will need to study and pass your permit test on a computer at the DMV. Then you need study and pass a test, usually given on computers, on all apsects and study areas relating to the CDL endorsements you want to attain. That generally includes General, Combination, Air Brakes, plus any other endorsement to be on your CDL. Then you have to pass the road test and backing skills test.

You can see ALL POSSIBLE QUESTIONS you might be asked on the website TruckerCountry.com/CDL. Each endorsement section of the test has 3-10 different possible tests. You will only take about 40 questions on everything, so don't think the computer test will be hundreds of questions and take many hours. It will be about 40-60 questions and take 20-45 minutes depending on how long you take. Take the practice tests at the web site above until you are happy with your score. I think you must get a 70% on each section to pass. You can also study your state's CDL manual. It's free and you can get one online or where you would renew your normal driver's license.

You will probably go to a CDL school where they will teach you the information to pass the computer tests and show you and teach you how to do the skills of the CDL like shifting gears, taking a long combination vehicle around city streets, and backing trailers.

The best thing you can do is research trucking companies near you that you think would be a good place to work. Once you have decided that, ask them what schools they get new drivers from or do they have their own school.

You will either borrow money to pay for CDL school your self, if you don't have the $4k-8k in your pocket now. Or, you can sign a contract with a trucking company that will "give" you free CDL training in exchange for you promising to work for them 1 year after you get your license. Or, most states have grant money available through the state unemployment office that will pay for your CDL license.

It helps if you tell us what city and state you live in. You might be near some good CDL schools or good trucking companies with their own schools. If you have felonies or DUIs in the last 3 years it's going to be hard to get a decent job for a while. You will be drug tested and if you have pot in your system you won't be hired. Get clean and then start your CDL process. Some CDL schools drug test you on day 1. CDL school is often only 3 weeks long.

 

Your school will only teach you enough to get a CDL at the DMV. But your real lessons begin when you are assigned your first load should you survive orientation.

 

CR England had 3 bunks in a truck that you can team drive in. With 2 other dudes you’ve never met. You never get out. But it’s only for a year.

 

lol