Getting A CDL In Massachusetts

Hey Folks. I live in Massachusetts and am thinking about getting a CDL to start a new career as a trucker after more than 20 years in an office job. I know that the prevailing advice on this site is to do paid CDL training with a big trucking company, leading to a job at the same company. But as a Mass resident, I guess I have to get my license in Massachusetts. The test here is probably different in some ways than it is in other states. Talking to coworkers working remotely in different states at my office job recently about Class D road tests (because someone is teaching his kid), it seems like the road test here for 4-wheelers is different here than in other states. (I admit Mass 4-wheel drivers are pretty bad.)

As far as I can tell, none of the big trucking companies have terminals here. There is a CDL school that gets good reviews just a 10-minute drive from me. For me, the tuition is not a huge big deal. I can afford it. I also do not like being in any kind of debt. I guess my only concern is the argument that, if a company had not paid for my training, they would not be as committed to me as a rookie.

For what it's worth, I want to do OTR trucking. I love travel and adventure and don't crave time at home. In fact, I crave getting away. I'd prefer to to drive a dry van at first (not a reefer due to the overnight driving nor a flatbed for other reasons).

Is company-paid CDL training even an option for me here? Would I be at a disadvantage going for my test here if I've been trained in a different state that tests different things that I might not be prepared for? Thanks in advance for your advice.

I'm not understanding the worry on the testing.

If you're in any state and get a license, you return to your home state and do a license transfer without any tests. The only exception I'm aware of is Illinois.

Hey Folks. I live in Massachusetts and am thinking about getting a CDL to start a new career as a trucker after more than 20 years in an office job. I know that the prevailing advice on this site is to do paid CDL training with a big trucking company, leading to a job at the same company. But as a Mass resident, I guess I have to get my license in Massachusetts. The test here is probably different in some ways than it is in other states. Talking to coworkers working remotely in different states at my office job recently about Class D road tests (because someone is teaching his kid), it seems like the road test here for 4-wheelers is different here than in other states. (I admit Mass 4-wheel drivers are pretty bad.)

As far as I can tell, none of the big trucking companies have terminals here. There is a CDL school that gets good reviews just a 10-minute drive from me. For me, the tuition is not a huge big deal. I can afford it. I also do not like being in any kind of debt. I guess my only concern is the argument that, if a company had not paid for my training, they would not be as committed to me as a rookie.

For what it's worth, I want to do OTR trucking. I love travel and adventure and don't crave time at home. In fact, I crave getting away. I'd prefer to to drive a dry van at first (not a reefer due to the overnight driving nor a flatbed for other reasons).

Is company-paid CDL training even an option for me here? Would I be at a disadvantage going for my test here if I've been trained in a different state that tests different things that I might not be prepared for? Thanks in advance for your advice.

Hay, Mark O. !! (Sometimes I get you mixed up with the other Mark O./Mini me . . . sorry !!)

ANYWAY .... these huge companies SURE DO have ways around 'your' specific states' specifications. If you'll look at the hoops that Kearsey, (fka: Rainy) jumped through, living in Jersey, with Prime . . . the COMPANIES WILL WORK IT OUT FOR YA! ~!!

Suggestion: If you haven't already (as I know I've mentioned it!) APPLY >>>Apply For Paid CDL TrainingApply For Paid CDL Training

The stellar companies that your app goes to, sure WILL take into consideration your state of residence; and perhaps send you to an accredited school in your area, to get the plastic. That, I can't answer.

To get your CDL up on your own, ... is always an 'Enter at your Own Risk' situation. Especially if there's something in your past that might come up, and render your CDLA to be stale &/or useless.

The major companies will VET YOU all beforehand, including your state of residence/domicile.

I'm not a driver, just married to one for years; and have been around the industry the same amount of time, or more. Again, this is just IMHO .. and what I've seen & read & garnered.

Best wishes;

~ Anne ~

Hey PackRat (or anyone else). So you're saying if I went to a major company's CDL training in, let's say, Arkansas, Arkansas would let me test for my CDL there even though I'm not an Arkansas resident? I didn't think that was allowed, but if I understand you right, it IS allowed? And then my home state will just convert the out-of-state license into an in-state license with no additional testing needed?

Thanks for the encouragement, Anne, but there is really nothing in my past that is likely to be an issue. I haven't had so much as a speeding ticket in at least 7 years, and I've never been arrested, much less convicted, or ever failed a drug test. I don't touch drugs, I have a beer like three times a year, and never drive afterwards. So I'm not worried about being vetted.

Thanks in advance, though, for any confirmation on my question about getting trained or licensed out of state.

Hey PackRat (or anyone else). So you're saying if I went to a major company's CDL training in, let's say, Arkansas, Arkansas would let me test for my CDL there even though I'm not an Arkansas resident? I didn't think that was allowed, but if I understand you right, it IS allowed? And then my home state will just convert the out-of-state license into an in-state license with no additional testing needed?

Yes

I live in New Hampshire, got my training and was tested in Wisconsin. They didn't even bother issuing a WI plastic, they just uploaded my info into NH DMV. All I had to do is schedule an appointment and pay some money.

Is company-paid CDL training even an option for me here? .

Absolutely! Trust me, there is no situation or circumstance the company schools haven't seen and dealt with hundreds of times before. I live in Washington but I went to school in Colorado. To establish residency in Colorado the school had us fill out lease agreements for our lodgings at the school. Yep, a 3 week lease! The Colorado DMV had no problem with 50 new students walking into their Denver office office every Wednesday with identical 3 week leases all made out for the same address.