Getting A CDL-The Private School Route

RI Red...I'm trying to decided on school...have lots of company sponsored offers but due to "life situations" I am leaning toward private...Think it is my best option...any advise in what to look for down private school road? I like you have put a lot of time into preparing and studying (Thank you TT)Money not really the issue as can get its the after complete training and job placement I worry the most about as that is reason why most of us are choosing to do this...make a career. I'm located in Northern AL and have two private schools within daily driving distance to choose from. One bigger school and one smaller school. Any advice?

RI Red...I'm trying to decided on school...have lots of company sponsored offers but due to "life situations" I am leaning toward private...Think it is my best option...any advise in what to look for down private school road? I like you have put a lot of time into preparing and studying (Thank you TT)Money not really the issue as can get its the after complete training and job placement I worry the most about as that is reason why most of us are choosing to do this...make a career. I'm located in Northern AL and have two private schools within daily driving distance to choose from. One bigger school and one smaller school. Any advice?

I was faced with a similar scenario- two schools to choose from. The bigger school was more well known and about twice the cost of the smaller. I intended to get my permit before beginning, so class time at the school was not my main focus. I was more interested in maximizing my time in the yard backing, and smaller class sizes, so I wouldn't have to wait to get in the seat each day. On the other hand, I wanted to be sure the school was established enough that carriers would hire from their grads. Finally, as I am still employed, I needed a school that was flexible enough to work with my current work schedule.

After visiting the smaller school, reading their online reviews and getting those questions answered, I went with the smaller one. I'm quite happy with it so far- expecting to wrap up in three or four weeks, assuming my road scores continue to improve. I can say I've never had a wont for more time in the yard, and spend as much time as I like practicing, and come and go as I please. Your mileage may vary, but I'd definitely research the points above with the schools to determine that they're accredited or establish enough that recruiters visit and hire from the school.

Thanks for in site, info. I have been studying a lot and review LOTS of materials. Like you, I review/go over things multiple times to ensure I know things and totally comfortable with it. The class room stuff not my concern either...its seat time I'm interested in. I myself am currently working and would like to keep finances going while in school. I learn by doing and visual learner so drive time is what I need the most. I've operated lots of farm/heavy equipment and hauled lots of cattle/horses with various types/size trailers, but big rig way different. I'm leaning toward the smaller school as they have better flexibility with a "full time" and "part time" class schedule. Lucky for me the area I'm living in has job boards covered up with postings for CDL drivers wanted...fresh out of school- no experience to experienced for LOTS of companies, but it would be nice to have good standing companies looking within the schools I want to attend. Makes to ultimate job search easier at the end which is whole reason for getting my CDL. Still doing research on this area. Plus like you said benefit of smaller school...more one on one time and have more drive time as fewer people to compete with time in the seat. If you have any other suggestions, or areas that you found I should look into before signing the dotted line...its appreciated... I appreciate your posts/updates...always learn from others and seems you and I are similar in our journey. Stay Safe and All the Best

Thanks for in site, info. I have been studying a lot and review LOTS of materials. Like you, I review/go over things multiple times to ensure I know things and totally comfortable with it. The class room stuff not my concern either...its seat time I'm interested in. I myself am currently working and would like to keep finances going while in school. I learn by doing and visual learner so drive time is what I need the most. I've operated lots of farm/heavy equipment and hauled lots of cattle/horses with various types/size trailers, but big rig way different. I'm leaning toward the smaller school as they have better flexibility with a "full time" and "part time" class schedule. Lucky for me the area I'm living in has job boards covered up with postings for CDL drivers wanted...fresh out of school- no experience to experienced for LOTS of companies, but it would be nice to have good standing companies looking within the schools I want to attend. Makes to ultimate job search easier at the end which is whole reason for getting my CDL. Still doing research on this area. Plus like you said benefit of smaller school...more one on one time and have more drive time as fewer people to compete with time in the seat. If you have any other suggestions, or areas that you found I should look into before signing the dotted line...its appreciated... I appreciate your posts/updates...always learn from others and seems you and I are similar in our journey. Stay Safe and All the Best

A matter of a few inches:

After taking a week off, I was back on the road practicing last week. It seemed I'd lost my rhythm on shifting, and I spent a lot of time recovering gears missed. After a half hour of crummy shifting I determined I was slow on the shift, because I was pushing the clutch pedal too far, instead of the usual two inches. After correcting this newly picked up bad habit, things became a bit smoother again, but I was annoyed that one week off had made me feel so rusty. We'll see how this week plays out.

A matter of a few inches:

After taking a week off, I was back on the road practicing last week. It seemed I'd lost my rhythm on shifting, and I spent a lot of time recovering gears missed. After a half hour of crummy shifting I determined I was slow on the shift, because I was pushing the clutch pedal too far, instead of the usual two inches. After correcting this newly picked up bad habit, things became a bit smoother again, but I was annoyed that one week off had made me feel so rusty. We'll see how this week plays out.

FYI, I "lost" my touch, too. I drove a manual truck for 5 months. Got into an automatic for another 5 months, then needed to use a manual shifter again. Grind Grind! But I got back to it after a few miles. I get a new (to me) truck tomorrow. I feel there's personal advantages both ways. Only all the new Swift trucks will be automatics.

A matter of a few inches:

After taking a week off, I was back on the road practicing last week. It seemed I'd lost my rhythm on shifting, and I spent a lot of time recovering gears missed. After a half hour of crummy shifting I determined I was slow on the shift, because I was pushing the clutch pedal too far, instead of the usual two inches. After correcting this newly picked up bad habit, things became a bit smoother again, but I was annoyed that one week off had made me feel so rusty. We'll see how this week plays out.

FYI, I "lost" my touch, too. I drove a manual truck for 5 months. Got into an automatic for another 5 months, then needed to use a manual shifter again. Grind Grind! But I got back to it after a few miles. I get a new (to me) truck tomorrow. I feel there's personal advantages both ways. Only all the new Swift trucks will be automatics.

I was out this Saturday and much smoother on the shifting- just a hiccup or two on that splitter! Is it a Swift policy to swap out for a new truck every 5 months?

RI Red wonders:

Is it a Swift policy to swap out for a new truck every 5 months?

I can't say for sure, but truck swapping costs time and money. Would you like to change apartments every 5 months?

RI Red wonders:

Is it a Swift policy to swap out for a new truck every 5 months?

I can't say for sure, but truck swapping costs time and money. Would you like to change apartments every 5 months?

I'm more inclined to if I don't have to stuff my couch, dining room furniture and tv into the cab....

The End is Near:

I have a tentative appointment for my test at the registry next week. I have Saturday to sharpen my skills one last time on the road. I'm feeling pretty good about my backing, we'll see how it goes....