The Complete Guide To A Career In Trucking
How should I prepare for CDL school, and what should I bring?
In most cases, your preparation will include getting your commercial learner's permit and DOT physical, though it may depend on your state and company or school.
Additionally, you will need to make personal & financial arrangements for whatever family situations you have going on, like spouses, children, pets, bills, etc.
Your company or school should be able to provide lists of things that you will need to bring with you to school or training, but we have some great ideas to get you started.
Do I have to get my Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP) before attending school?
Check with your school or company. Typically if you are attending private school in your home state, you should go ahead and get your permit.
Some company-sponsored training programs will have you wait until you get there, but if you are allowed to get it earlier, it will put you that much farther ahead and closer to driving on your own.
Forum - Getting Permit Before CDL School
Definitely get your CDL permit right now. It will make your life so much easier. Listen you're going to have a million things on your mind during your schooling.
Forum - Getting a CDL permit before going to Prime
We always recommend getting your permit before you go to Prime because that will allow you to immediately move on to other areas of training while the rest of the class sits around studying the CDL manual
Do I need to get my DOT physical before going to trucking school?
Again, it will vary by state. Some states require it before getting your permit. Check with your state, school, & company.
Forum - DOT Physical BEFORE Permit?
Do I need to get a physical BEFORE I can apply for the permit? I figured you just had to do it before you got your license, but now after looking at Indiana's CDL manual I'm not so sure.
State CDL Manuals And DMV Links
Different states will have different requirements for getting you commercial learner's permit. Always check with your individual states licensing bureau or DMV.
What kind of family arrangements should I make before CDL school?
One of your biggest concerns will be paying whatever bills that you have, and making sure that your family is supported.
Most of the time, it will be at least 4-8 weeks before you actually start pulling in paychecks, and even then they may be small to start with.
Additionally, you may need to make arrangements for your children or pets to be cared for in your absence, if you have them.
Forum - Trucker's Forum Topics Tagged Trucker's Family Matters
Dozens of forum topics dealing with truck drivers, their spouses, and the things that affect & happen to families when you decide to become a truck driver.
What items do I need to bring to truck driving school?
Your company or school should be able to give you a list, but we have some great lists right here.
Items To Bring To CDL School, Training, and OTR
Drivers will generally pack lightly for school and training, and their company should give them a general idea what items to bring with them.
Trucker's Forum Topics Tagged Items To Bring To CDL School
Helpful ideas from experienced drivers on what you should plan to pack & bring with you to CDL training school.
Article - Packing List for Truck Driving School
Before he left, my husband and I were arguing because he thought I was being obsessively neat and organized and over-packing. Now he is super-grateful at the way it was done. So far, he hasn't said there was anything he would have skipped.
Why Join Trucking Truth?
- The High Road Training Program
- The High Road Article Series
- The Friendliest Trucker's Forum Ever!
- Email Updates When New Articles Are Posted
Apply For Paid CDL Training Through TruckingTruth
Did you know you can fill out one quick form here on TruckingTruth and apply to several companies at once for paid CDL training? Seriously! The application only takes one minute. You will speak with recruiters today. There is no obligation whatsoever. Learn more and apply here:
TT On Facebook