Publicly Funded Schools

I searched this topic and found two threads from two years ago, so I thought I would share my experience.

I attended Waukesha County Technical College in Pewaukee, Wisconsin. Their driving program has many different options for class times, and I attended weekends only for 18 weeks. It was a commitment to give up my weekends from August - December, but I thought it was worth it, and was lucky to have a supportive family.

The program cost was about $2700. (Then, $150 to the third party tester) I applied for foundation scholarships, and was thrilled to receive two, which gave me $1250 in return.

The school held two Meet & Greets in which company recruiters came for students to ask questions and make connections. I actually met my employer at one of these Meet & Greets. I got my license December 28, and was hired for local P&D January 9. So far, so good.

Check out the National Association of Publicly Funded Truck Driving Schools website for a school near you.

napftds.org

I hope this info is helpful.

Cindy

Thank you Cindy for your experience. One question: did you feel confident in being prepared for the CDL skills test?

Most schools get you "barely" ready for the test. How did you feel on test day?

Good morning, Sir,

Yes. My experience was nothing less than perfect. I don't know the numbers, but the school is required so many classroom, range, and road hours. We also had a group project, written tests, and other school requirements.

Road days consisted of three instructors with three students in each truck. As our class times were 7:30 am to 5:30 pm, we had about three hours of driving each day, and if someone missed class, it was more time for me. (By the end, three people dropped, so we had two in a truck). The instructors took more time with people who were struggling, and classmates who were getting it, helped others. Sometimes, our personalities conflicted with one instructor, so we would change it up, and learn from someone we connected with.

I especially enjoyed the skid pad training at Fox Valley Technical College in Appleton. (I finally understand ABS brakes!)

Foundation scholarships at public schools go unused, and no matter what program one is enrolled in, I encourage everyone to take the time to fill out the scholarship application.

Thank you.

Thank you Cindy for your experience. One question: did you feel confident in being prepared for the CDL skills test?

Most schools get you "barely" ready for the test. How did you feel on test day?

I was nervous, yet thoroughly prepared, and confident. (I was one of two who struggled the most!)

Thank you.

Checked that site out. The ONLY program offered in my state is... $4,600. Ouch!

I'm amazed at the affordable options offered elsewhere in the country. I would be thrilled to find local classes for under $3k...even 100% out of pocket.

Cest la vie.