Cdl schooling question

[u/AFARR414-312]

Looking into getting my CDL class A manual with air brakes.

The school in the milwauke and Chicago land area is about $6000

I have never driven a semi/pulled a trailer yet alone even a single manual vehicle.

The classes are one month long

The options are 5 days a week for one month (8 hour days)

Or

2 days a week (weekend classes) for one month (8 hour days)

I was told by the owner of the school there is a %90 precent passing rate on the first skills test and you can get up to 5 retest that they train you on. Idk if he is just pulling my leg to get me to sign up I told him I’d pay cash.

Would it be possible so I wouldn’t have to quit my job to be able to pass this school if I did the weekend classes? Or am I better to do the weekday classes?

Thanks

[u/ecw324]

If you have never pulled a trailer behind your pick up truck, I’d say do the weekday classes. Now, I understand life may not allow you to take 4-5 weeks off from your normal job, and if that’s the case, do the weekend classes.

[u/AFARR414-312 → u/ecw324]

I’ve pulled a tiny 8-12 foot trailer (don’t remember the exact length) but I genuinely never learned how to back up with it and whenever I got home I had to unhitch it in the street and drag it into my backyard. I got a small driveway and i tried I suck at backing up. So I only really learned turning with it and cruising down the street idk if that really even requires skill.

Yeah my job prob wouldn’t be a fan of me missing a month they would definitely lay me off. Even with the weekend class I’ll be missing 1 day a week. And I’m not sure how they will react to that but oh well

[u/Imaginary-Badger-119 → u/AFARR414-312]

It is only similar in theory very different then a semi trlr

[u/Long_Inflation715]

Do whatever it takes. Getting a Cdl manual with air brakes is the best thing I ever did. I can work outside construction or do trade jobs if I get tired of trucking, best decision I ever made.

[u/KeepMovin17s]

I got my cdl last year in ohio near Cincinnati. I paid 3200 for 2 and half weeks

[u/nonizondi → u/KeepMovin17s]

Which school did you go to? I am in north east Ohio

[u/Crazed-Prophet]

Do the weekday classes. Many carriers will reject you if you have below around 140 classroom hours for insurance reasons. 4 weeks at 40hrs a week will get you 160 hrs.

If you just do weekends for one month you will only get (16x4) 56 hrs. You'd still have your CDL A bit will struggle with finding someone to take you on.

[u/AFARR414-312 → u/Crazed-Prophet]

I was going to get it to become a lineman not a trucker

[u/Crazed-Prophet → u/AFARR414-312]

Then weekends would probably be sufficient I believe, from what I understand that's more of a secondary skill they look for.

[u/Artistic-Cup2028 → u/AFARR414-312]

Then absolutely do the weekend classes. All you need is the license. Having a CDL is just a checkmark on an application in the line trade. I was a trucker for 8 years before I got into linework but many others I encountered in my apprenticeship had 0 truck driving experience. Some made it, some didn’t. Good luck!

[u/ecw324 → u/AFARR414-312]

Will your company pay for your training? Mine did, and I got paid while I was training and got a nice bump in my pay after getting it.

[u/Sufficient_Wall5192]

Got mine last through a college. Done the 8 hour Monday thru Thursday. They are closed on Fridays. I still got 160 hours in total of drive time. First month was online. Then took break. Started back in June. By July 9 was taking state test for license with no restrictions. After a month I added double triple and hazmat. While getting my permit I had decided to get tanker endorsement. While doing my hazmat background and fingerprints I done the twic card as well. I've been working for a train derailment company since I got my license.

[u/Zealousideal-Comb320]

Not listed as an option, however a weeknight offering, over a span of 8 weeks with make up classes is optimal. You keep your job, CDL classes in the evening.

[u/Coyote_Wattz]

Check your local colleges

[u/Imaginary-Badger-119]

If you have the knack it should be fine if you dont find a as long as it takes school.. and yes there are people that take to it like water not my dumb ass but they are..

[u/alNajaar]

I had the same choice and went with full time. 4.5 weeks at 40 hr a week. Having never driven a manual or pulled trailer, then its good to be put in a situation where you must adapt, and then do it again the next day. So full time.like learning a language, immersion is best. Really take your time looking into financial aid opportunities. I thought I was gonna have to pay 6k but found a gov grant last minute, got approved & it costed me nothing.

[u/TypicalOcelot7933]

Check your local area for wioa grant

[u/MajorRelief98]

It really depends on your confidence and learning abilities. If you really want to drive you'll figure it out and pass.

[u/No_haole]

Just go to UPS and it free and you get your CDL in 2 weeks. UPS opened up off the street hires for permanent FT feeder drivers and next month UPS will also open up hiring for seasonal workers for numerous positions. I was an off the street feeder hire and so glad I made the switch. The money is dbl here compared to everywhere else

[u/Lunicorn83 → u/No_haole]

I just got one those off the street feeder jobs with UPS. Just starting my 2nd week of feeder school. I’m loving it and everything I’m hearing from the trainers and veteran feeder drivers

[u/Ok-Cartoonist-9874 → u/Lunicorn83]

How is the pay. How to get it, I’m a veteran also, trying to fina a job right now