Knowledge About Schools After Asking Drivers

Sorry about that, I failed to take a look at what G-town posted,

No problem...I've done the same thing a gazillion times....it actually shows a level of consistency reinforcing how Art should approach this.

This is " format " I use when I call schools. I have read the articles including the one by " Tanya bons ".

I ask if they are certified. When they tell me they are. Can I trust that or can check that out with the DOT?

I ask about price & payment - they say they either want the cost to be paid upfront or have something like 3 thousand down and the rest within the coming weeks. It usually costs between $4,000 and $5,500.

I ask about the 160 hour certificate. They tell me it's actually called the " entry level certificate ".

Class size. Its always 1 on 1. ( in truck )

Driving time - they usually tell me I will get 40 to 50 of this.

Observation time - they have no idea what this is. They tell me I will not be watching other drivers. Instead there will be a 10 hour video about trucking.

When I ask about companies that hire out of the school. They either tell me I have no right to know or it's personal information and they can't release that.

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When I ask what the rest of the 110 hours is, the rep either doesn't know or they say is classroom stuff. Am I going about this the right way?

I have started checking the schools against the better business Bureau. I think yelp has better quality of reviews even though it's small. And Google reviews can be bought.

I have started checking the schools against the better business Bureau. I think yelp has better quality of reviews even though it's small. And Google reviews can be bought.

By far the most important thing about private schools is how the major companies feel about them. If major companies will hire from a school then it shows they've had good experiences with the students coming out of that school. The school is meeting the company's minimum requirements and turning out students that do well overall.

One of the first things you should do when considering a school is to ask them for a list of some of the major companies that will hire from the school and then call some of those companies yourself from home to verify this. If several major companies will hire from a particular school then you know they're at least worthy of consideration and you can then move on to other points for comparison.

I have started checking the schools against the better business Bureau. I think yelp has better quality of reviews even though it's small. And Google reviews can be bought.

You may be WAY OVERTHINKING this Art. Brett just gave you some great advice in the above post. Be wary of internet reviews in general. Disgruntled people are a million more time likely to post internet reviews than Happy people. Good Luck!

I know I have not posted in a month. I have more questions.

I have started a school. I have don't about 7 hours in total. Sighed up for 40. Got the medical card. Is it normal if they start you in then straight truck before you go to the semi? Also how many hours do people normally have to do before getting into the big rig?

Another thing. Can I drive trucks with automatic transmission after I get the cdl even though I am training on stick? Also will I be paid less for that?