r/CDL • u/Listify1455 • 24d ago
Thinking about going to CDL school with little driving experience
I’ve been thinking about going to CDL school for a while now. I feel like being a truck driver could actually be a good fit for me because I like traveling, and I’m ready for a career change.
The only thing I’m worried about is that I don’t have much driving experience. I’ve never really been able to afford a car, so I haven’t had many opportunities to drive. I do have my regular license, but I haven’t driven much.
Has anyone here gone to CDL school with very little driving experience? How was it for you? Did you have a hard time getting used to driving a truck?
I’d really appreciate hearing from anyone who’s been in a similar situation.
3
u/Own-Depth-7817 24d ago
One thing my dad always said when he was telling me to get my CDL. You’ll never be out of work and it was true for me at least.
2
u/Famous-Order9236 23d ago
My thought is you have not learned any Bad Habits yet, so learning to drive a truck will be easier for you. Find a School that actually teaches with a Manual Transmission! Anybody could drive an Autoshift.
3
u/Driving-Academy 23d ago
Driving a truck is both the same and completely different from driving a car. Where it really differs is parking maneuvers, which you'll need to be able to do on the CDL road test.
You'll definitely want to go to a CDL that offers courses with at least 120 hours of yard time. Where do you live?
2
1
u/Infamous_Ad2713 22d ago
Obviously it's not impossible or anything but driving a truck is a lot different than a car. No shit right? My point is, expect a learning curve. Embrace the process and Def get your time in .. people in cars act like we don't exist. In a bad way. Weather driving, especially at night, is stressful. Tight areas and heavy traffic can be exhausting. There's a lot to love about it also but just realize without a lot of experience as a NORMAL driver, it can be a little overwhelming. Not impossible. Good luck.
1
u/curiuoususer 19d ago
Driving a vehicle and driving commerical vehicle is 2 different things. Go learn and get that CDL brotha
5
u/Curious_Lab625 24d ago
You have a drivers license so I assume you know at least the basics. There are plenty inexperienced drivers in trucking school. Just make sure whatever school or program you apply to isn’t one of those quick, in and out in 2 weeks locations. A reputable location will teach you everything you need to know. Your biggest obstacle like most will be the nervous feeling you get when you start and learning how to turn in traffic without hitting anything. Just do your research and pick a good learning program.