If you’re thinking about becoming a truck driver, you may be wondering if attending driving school is necessary or worth it.
The short answer is yes.
A reputable truck driving school can help give you the knowledge and safety skills required before you hit the road. It can also help jump-start your career because companies will see you as someone who takes this career seriously.
The good news is that there are plenty of school options for people who want to get their CDLs. In fact, the demand for qualified drivers is so high that many companies will actually pay for your training!
However, if money is tight or your employer isn’t offering any funding, don’t worry—there are still tons of ways to make sure that getting your CDL won’t break the bank.
Whether you’re looking into grants and scholarships or need help finding an accredited school near home (or work), this guide will walk you through everything from choosing the right program to applying for financial aid.
How do I choose the right truck driving school?
The truck driving school you end up attending will directly affect the rest of your career in the industry, so you’ll want to take the time to choose carefully. Below are a few things to look for when you’re doing your research.
- Start local. There are reputable driving schools in almost every city. Start your research by looking at Community Colleges or Universities near you. Then expand your search to private driving schools that offer CDL training.
- Check their accreditation. Getting accredited is not an easy process. If the school is accredited by a reputable source such as the American Trucking Association, you know you can trust it.
- Read the reviews. Reviews are a great way to see honest feedback from prior students or even teachers. Take into consideration the volume of reviews as well. If a school only has 5 Google Reviews, but they’ve been around for many years, that may be a red flag.
- Look at the curriculum. You want a driving school with a good balance of driving time and classroom time. Without enough behind-the-wheel experience, employers may think you won’t be as equipped to deal with the challenges that may arise on the road.
- Find a school with experienced teachers. The best instructors will have years or decades of on-the-road experience. Additionally, you’ll want to look at the ratio of students to teachers. A ratio of 4 students to 1 teacher is a good place to start, especially when it comes to on-the-road training.
- Ask about graduation rates and post-graduation job placement. The whole point of choosing a driving school is to set you up for a successful career. Find out what percentage of students graduate from their program, and then inquire about job placement assistance for post-graduates.
Looking for more flexibility? Online driving schools are a great option if your schedule is limited, like if you’re still working full-time while getting your CDL. These types of schools give students the freedom to study whenever works best for them and may allow them more time for family life or other commitments outside of class hours.
What kind of truck driving school should I go to?
When it comes to schools, you can choose between an independent truck driving school, usually through community colleges or universities or a company — or a sponsored CDL training program through a carrier.
There are many ways to find a truck driving school. One place to start is through word-of-mouth. If you have any friends or family in the industry, ask if they attended driving school and if they can recommend one. If you don’t have any industry connections, another option is to do your research online. Start with schools in your area, and then look for online opportunities if there’s nothing local.
Online driving schools are a great option if you want more flexibility with your schedule, like if you’re still working full-time while getting your CDL. These types of schools give students the freedom to study whenever works best for them and may allow them more time for family life or other commitments outside of class hours.
How much does it cost to go to truck driving school?
The average truck driving school cost can range from $3,000 to $7,000. The actual prices will vary from school to school and depend on several factors, including:
- The length of your program. Some schools offer shorter programs that are less expensive than those with longer hours and more coursework.
- Where you enroll in your coursework—online courses are usually cheaper than in-person ones, so you may want to consider taking online courses if possible.
- What kind of training you need, such as CDL license training). The amount of experience that qualifies for this type of training can also affect how much money it costs to attend truck driving school.
Does my trucking company pay for truck driver school?
Sometimes.
Trucking companies will sometimes pay for the cost of truck driving school as part of your training. If your company does pay for your training costs (including tuition, books, and other expenses), then some will require you to sign a contract stating that you’ll stay with them for at least six months or longer after completing your training program. An agreement like this protects their investment in you as a driver.
In other cases, however, some companies may choose not to require any contractual obligation from new hires. Instead, they might simply cover training costs as part of their recruitment process. This is usually clearly outlined in job descriptions, or you can ask your recruiter when you start applying to truck driver positions.
Does the government offer truck driving school grants?
Just like any other form of education, a driving school can be too expensive for some. Fortunately, there are some truck driving school grants out there for those in financial need. You just have to know where to look and have patience when applying.
There are essentially two types of government grants offered: Federal or State grants. Depending on your situation, there are many different types of grants you could apply for. These include specialized grants for Veterans, Native Amerian, and even unemployed or injured workers. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) website is an excellent resource for finding more information about grants. Visit their site for continuous updates and news.
Are there scholarships for truck driver school?
Because of the growing need for qualified drivers, many companies are trying to make truck driving careers more accessible and affordable to interested drivers.
There are quite a few national trucking scholarships, but they tend to go fast, so you may want to start on a local level first.
A good place to start is by joining your state’s trucking association. By joining these associations as a student member, you may be able to apply for their scholarships. Additionally, you could apply directly for scholarships for the school you want to attend. Many schools have significant scholarship funds they use for incoming students. As always, taking the initiative to apply early is the best way to increase your opportunity to receive a scholarship.
Check out our guide for financing your CDL A license for more.
What if I have a criminal record or felony?
It can be difficult for individuals who have been through the justice system to re-enter the workforce.
You may be wondering, is there such thing as truck driving school for felons? The good news is that you don’t have to have a spotless record to train and become a truck driver.
However, certain felonies, like serious driving-related incidents, will automatically make you ineligible for your CDL.
According to Interstate Trucker, a national law firm just for truckers, the following driving-related offenses automatically prohibit you from obtaining a CDL:
- If you’ve been charged with a DUI (driving any vehicle with a blood alcohol content (BAC) at or above 0.08%)
- Committing a felony that involved the use of a commercial motor vehicle.
- Charged with causing a fatal car accident through dangerous or negligent driving.
- First or second-degree vehicular manslaughter.
What’s the best way to find a reputable, accredited truck driver school?
The best way to find a reputable, accredited truck driving school is to look for a school that the Department of Education accredits.
You should also ensure that the school you choose has good reviews from previous students and employers.
If possible, research their track record with OSHA or other certifications like CDLs or DOT exams.
In Conclusion
The trucking industry is booming, and it’s an excellent career choice if you’re looking for a long career, as there will always be a high demand for truck drivers across the country. We hope you found this article helpful as you decide whether or not to pay your own way, pursue government grants or scholarships, or look for companies that offer truck driving school paid training. If you still have questions or concerns about finding the right driving school after reading this article, don’t hesitate to reach out!
