I want to be employed and start a career in trucking – How Do I do this?
The CDL School works with many national and local employers who hire directly from our training programs. Please contact your local The CDL School office to learn more about entering the transportation industry.
Why TRUCK DRIVING AS A CAREER?
CURRENT DEMAND
According to the Federal Government Occupational Handbook there is a current demand for 500,000 truck drivers (light and heavy) nationwide. You will have job security as your skills will be in demand.
CONTINUING DEMAND
“If you’ve got it – a truck brought it.” Trucks are used to deliver food supplies, oil and gas, clothing, materials to build homes, warehouses and factories. Can you think of any industry more important to our way of life?
GOOD PAY AND BENEFITS
Most trucking companies are offering benefits such as paid vacations and holidays, medical and life insurance, along with competitive wages.
CHOICE OF DRIVING OPPORTUNITIES
Today many opportunities exist in the trucking industry. You can choose from local, regional, or over the road driving jobs.
ENTREPRENEURIAL OPPORTUNITIES
Many of the largest trucking carriers in the United States started as a single truck operation many years ago. Now they rank among the Fortune 500 companies. This means that you could have the potential to truly work for yourself and give your family the financial security it needs.
truck drivers enjoy these benefits
- Excellent Pay
- Travel across USA
- Job Security
- Insurance and 401K
how do i start?
how do i start?
- By visiting this website you have completed the first step to entering the transportation Industry.
- We encourage you to watch our video entitled The CDL Advantage to learn more about the industry and what The CDL School can do for you.
- Contact us via telephone or via email and we can arrange an initial orientation interview this.
- During this interview our admissions advisors can explain our various programs and the different ways you can obtain your CDL and enter the transportation industry.
which cdl do i need?
CDL Vehicle Classes And Required Exams
Class A
Allows drivers to operate a combination of GVWR/GVW vehicles.
Knowledge Exams Required
General Knowledge, Air Brakes, Combination, Vehicles
Skills Exams Required
Pre-Trip Basic, Control Skills, On-Road Driving
Class B
Allows drivers to operate a large single vehicle including those with a GVWR/GVW.
Knowledge Exams Required
General Knowledge, Air Brakes
Skills Exams Required
Pre-Trip Basic, Control Skills, On-Road Driving
Class BP(S)
Allows drivers to operate buses weighing over 26,000 pounds that can carry 16 or more passengers.
Knowledge Exams Required
General Knowledge, Air Brakes Passenger Transport, School Bus
Skills Exams Required
Pre-Trip Basic, Control Skills, On-Road Driving
Class C
Allows drivers to operate vehicles that transport fewer than 24 passengers including themselves.
Knowledge Exams Required
General Knowledge, Passenger Transport, Hazardous Materials, School Bus
Skills Exams Required
Pre-Trip Basic, Control Skills, On-Road Driving
how to get your CDL license
- Steps can be completed in a matter of a few days.
- Our schedules are flexible to fit with your availability.
- We are here to help you obtain your CDL, but also to ensure you enjoy the process.
Step 1
Contact Us to arrange your information meeting, or online conversation.
-or-
Visit one of our local offices in person (walk-in or schedule an appointment)
Step 2
Meet with an admissions advisor to discuss your needs, class of CDL, your timescale and your availability for taking your CDL.
Step 3
Work with the admissions advisor to design YOUR training program and the schedule that works for you to obtain your CDL.
Step 4
Enroll and schedule your training, either in our class rooms or online, to take the CDL Knowledge Exam (written test) and obtain your CDL Learner’s Permit.
Step 5
Then take your vehicle training in preparation for your CDL road test (if necessary).
Step 6
Take and pass your CDL Skills Exam (vehicle exam).
Step 7
Collect your CDL from the Department of Motor Vehicles.
exams required to obtain your cdl
1. Passing the CDL Knowledge Exam - Written Exam
Class A Vehicles
- General Knowledge (50 questions)
- Air Brakes (25 Questions)
- Combination Vehicles (20 questions)
Class B Vehicles
- General Knowledge (50 questions)
- Air Brakes (25 questions)
Class BPS Vehicles
- General Knowledge (50 questions)
- Air Brakes (25 questions)
- Passenger Endorsement (20 questions)
- School Bus Endorsement (20 questions)
2. Passing the CDL Skills Exam - Driving Exam
Once you pass the knowledge exam you then must take a skills (Driving) exam in order to receive your CDL. There are 3 parts to the CDL Skills Exam.
Pre-Trip Inspection
You have to know whether your vehicle is safe to drive before you get on the road.
Basic control skills exercises
Straight line backing, Off-set Backing Right or Left, Parallel Parking Blind side or Driver’s side, Alley Docking
Road driving Exam
You will drive in a variety of traffic situations to show your understanding of local traffic laws and road safety.
