How Did You Learn To Drive

I'm currious how many guys on here went to school or company cdl training. And who didn't. Also who just got their permit and learned to drive on their own. Im thinking of going that route because I'm having problem finding a company to give me a shot because my license was expired for a while not suspended anyways they want at least a year active license. My step father is a driver and has his own truck. I take my permit next week how important is school or training. Am I making a mistake not going to some type of training

Well, Jerry, you'll find that "learning on your own" will be a waste of time. You can certainly get your CDL with your step dad's help, but trucking companies of any size won't talk to you without a certificate from a commercial driving course.

Have you seen these Trucking Truth links?

Paid CDL Training Programs

Apply For Paid CDL Training

I have. I also have a goid lead for work with a small company once I get my CDL. Are you saying a company will not hire an inexperienced driver without a certificate. Or lets say I get my license then work for said small company 6 months to a year would they still hold my not going to school against me. Also thank you for answering me I really value your opinion. And want your advice.

Most companies cannot get insurance for a driver with less than a year of experience unless they hold the 160 certificate from a truck driving school.

Keep in mind that your training isn’t over once you pass the CDL A tests. How does the company you have a lead from train entry level drivers? You should ask them that before going too much further with them.

Jerry, the problem is that no insurance company will insure a new driver who hasn't gone through some sort of legitimate training. Even then, most insurance companies won't insure inexperienced drivers at all. That's why for the most part only the largest carriers in the nation will hire new drivers, because they're partially self-insured and they can cover the small costs of all of the little fender benders and dingers their new drivers get into.

So for a small local company to say they're willing to hire you makes me very suspicious. Their insurance carrier isn't going to cover you. So how are they going to pull that off?

Small companies are known to pull all kinds of shenanigans in order to stay afloat. Trucking is a really tough business.

There are certain things in life you can take shortcuts with, like learning how to bake a cake or knit a blanket. But driving an 80,000 pound truck on public highways really isn't one of those "learn it yourself" kind of things. We always recommend that people go through the proper schooling when getting started in this career.

Its a company in Houston a food service they deliver frozen goods. They have a training program for inexperienced drivers. Its not OTR you have a partner. Home daily not great pay but its a foot in the door and experience. I value yalls advice tho. I'm really hoping I get into the millis training institute. I would love to work for them. And like that it has a 500 up front. At least they know a person is serious.

Its a company in Houston a food service they deliver frozen goods. They have a training program for inexperienced drivers. Its not OTR you have a partner.

Ah, I see. It sounds like you may not be driving, but riding along helping to unload the trucks, at least in the beginning. I'm not really sure how their setup would work.

Yeah I went back and was just reasing they will even take you with a CDL permit. Its pretty muck what you expect but its a way to get the needed experience. I know I'm not stopping until I'm driving a truck. I also have been told to check with cola companies and beer and other food stuff. That they may have similar programs. I really want to go to school in just looming at other routes to reach my goal. Ivebeen turned down by more than a few companies due to my license being expired for a short period this year and my 2011 felony for forgery. Millis seems to be ok with it. Id just have to wait until january

Jerry, January is not that long of a wait, especially if driving for Millis is your preference.

I think it is they seem to be a really good company. Its a long story but I worked extremely hard to get in the position to go down this road. I screwed up in the past and spent a ton of time and effort to try and repair it. The beautiful thing is trucking is a forgiving industry. All I need is a chance to show someone that my stupid **** up isn't me.