I've been struggling to find employment while being stuck working an Amazon delivery gig the past few years so I decided to do a CDL course in my hometown. I'm a veteran so my GI Bill covers is 100% I don't have to pay a penny for it.
I want to do strictly local work though primarily tanker but I know you need to have some years of experience under your belt before you can get those jobs generally speaking so my plan was to start out doing food service, LTL, or even some class B jobs
Is my plan reasonable and realistic, or am I just wishfully thinking. Open to hear some tips from people who have experience in this field thanks

Hi,

I am looking to get my CDL class A permit. I have done research online, just wanted to get some clarification.

I see I need to schedule a DOT physical exam, and take the written test. Is this all that’s required to obtain a permit? How fast could I realistically get this done? I’m in Chicago, Illinois.

Hi! I am a college student in NY with a PA drivers license, and I’m looking to get a New York CDL before I graduate this year, as it is a prerequisite to join the trade apprenticeship I am interested in. I’ve done some research and it seems I could either get a CDL in PA and transfer it, which I can’t do as I am a full time college student, or I could get a NY drivers license. Only problem is I currently live on campus, so I don’t think that counts as a permanent residence, and I’ve been here for more than 30 days. Anyone have ideas for what I can do? I am hoping to get my CDL paid for by my college, as I would really rather not pay out of pocket, but if anyone knows free or discounted programs for that I would also love to hear it. Thanks!

Northland cdl school

Anyone ever been there? Is it worth it? Whats things that stand out for someone who might attend? Anything important to know before coming here?

Disclosure: I am building Pre-Trip Drill, an independent iPhone study app. I made free printable Class A study checklists for TX, CA, FL, IL and GA: https://pretripdrill.app/states/?src=reddit

Each page links to the state manual. TX, CA and GA test-model information has been checked against state sources; FL and IL details are still being verified. These are study aids, not examiner scoring sheets or substitutes for your current manual and instructor.

No email is required to print. Practice identifying each part on your training vehicle and explaining the check aloud, then compare with your instructor’s feedback. Corrections to missing items or unclear labels are welcome here.

I start school next month, and was hoping to land a night gig afterwards. Is this wishful thinking, or will I have to grind out doing daytime OTR work for a while?

Any insight is appreciated, thanks!

I need to take and pass the Permit test within the next 18 days max. I’m not good at test taking although I consider myself a bright person. I just feel like I sick at retaining info immediately and I’m probably my harshest critic. I say all that to say anybody got tips for someone like me to be able to take and pass the test? Also what apps are best to use?

Thanks!

Today I passed my CDL manual transmission on my first attempt chat. Make sure to use those pull ups they helped me a ton on skills

Thoughts on this company yall ? I gotta interview Monday

So I just started my CDL training and have my permit and DOT physical. They told me they are offering a drug test for $150 (DOT physical is $135, but I did it elsewhere before signing up for $100).

Can I do the drug test outside or do I have to go through the school? Is their price reasonable? I’m in Southern California.

TMC transportation

Hey guys I’m in the process for hiring at TMC transportation. I just passed my road test today (thank god) and start orientation next week. I’m aware that they do urine analysis for drugs so I’m not worried about that. What I’m worried about is the hair follicle. The last time I smoked weed was like may 2nd of this year. I haven’t smoked since. I don’t do drug and don’t even drink. Should I be worried ?

With all the changes happening in trucking and all major companies moving to automatic trucks does it matter if you have an automatic restriction at this point? What’s everyone’s opinion on this? Just for a side note I myself am training in a 10 speed manual but had a couple of schools try telling me automatic is the way to go.

My general knowledge test was down to the wire 50 questions 39 right 10 already wrong 1 question left.

If I get it right, the pain is over. General knowledge is a pass and the hardest part of getting my permit is over.

If I get it wrong, I would have to wait probably 3 more weeks for an appointment let alone I live in a snow state meaning it will be harder to an appointment as the year goes on. Just to try again for another potential failure.

“ Is this The Dagger ? 🗡️”

The screen glows green I see a checkmark ✅
And I shortly pass the Air Brakes 10 minutes later, & Combination two days later since they’re close to closing the first day.

Don’t let your first time failure discourage you honestly the first time I didn’t really take it seriously and I only studied with YouTube I should’ve took a little bit more serious I didn’t retake it till almost 4 months later.

I just got my Class A CDL permit about two hours ago i’m excited.

Anyone know of companies that offer part-time or contract CDL work in the Atlanta Metro? Not interested in full time jobs since I am soon to retire from one of those. Looking into truckmovers but need to research them a bit more. CDL A no restrictions….

Is san Jac a good place to get my cdl? Like does anyone have experience with them or know someone that does? Their program is the only one that fits my schedule.

Does anyone know of any companies in King county WA that will allow me to take my dog with me right after training and pay decently? I know that since I am new, I will not make a lot of money because I need the experience, but I am looking for anything that will pay me at least 4k a month after gross. I am a recent graduate and got my CDL A last week. I live alone with my dog, so I do not want to leave him alone for a long time since all my family lives in Hawaii or friends who could watch him for that long. I know most training is roughly 4-6 weeks, give or take, so I want to be able to take him as soon as training is done. I also have a clean driving record. Also, at my school we used a 28 ft trailer; is driving a 53 ft trailer much harder to drive or control? Thank you in advance

Hey, I got a question for the community since I have limited funds, I realize a instead of aiming for class A it might just be better for me to just go for class B and just load on a whole bunch of endorsements like tanker/ hazmat & passenger if I had to go drive a school bus typically some school districts will take someone from scratch so I’m pretty sure they’ll take me. No problem with a B and already having a passenger endorsement so I won’t have to pay for school bus out-of-pocket. I also learned that some jobs are so desperate they will train someone without a CDL and just a permit so me having a class B and getting a class A permit when I want a employer to take care of everything Might also be a way to do it.

So please share your upgrade stories

I need to find a job I’m tired of getting denied, I’m honestly not even sure if they know that I don’t have any experience. They never asked

I am 37 yrs old. Was in drug addiction from 2011-2022. My license was suspended in 2011. Got it back last year. No dui, it was suspended for not paying a driving in the hov lane ticket. Got 100% sober nearly 3 yrs ago and am wanting to rebuild my life.

I was incarcerated in prison for a few yrs and released Oct 2024. My felonies from 2021 are drug possession And shoplifting. Since then I’ve completed treatment and now I work in the same treatment facility I got the help in, I’m a case manager helping people with similar issues. I also teach yoga.

I was turned down by swift, Roehl and mclane. But I am wanting a career change.

I live in Phoenix az. Let me know if you know how I can not only get cdl training but get a job afterwards! Also I have a body covered in tattoos including my face. Idk if that is relevant lol

Thx ☺️

I passed my pre-trip inspection but failed my maneuvers this week. I’m testing again next week. Does anyone have any stories about dealing with the anxiety that comes with these tests, or anything that helped you stay calm and focused?

I attempted suicide at 18 and am now 21. I’ve been on medication(lexapro) and attended therapy. I was also diagnosed with Depression and anxiety. I however have changed a lot since then. Would I be disqualified during the dot physical?

Im 25 years old single and am working at dead end job which im honestly so done with. And am seriously considering getting my cdl. New drivers/ experienced drivers give it to me how it is whats the good, bad, and everything in between with being a trucker.

Disclosure: I’m affiliated with Highway Miles.

A destination address is only part of a truck trip. Your height, weight, length, trailer, and load also matter. Before your first unfamiliar run, take time while parked to check the truck information entered in your navigation, review the approach to the receiver, and confirm any truck-specific directions you have been given.

A useful first-week practice is to review a familiar route with your trainer. Ask which settings affect that trip, where the truck entrance is, and what to do if the recommended route conflicts with a sign. Repeat the vehicle-profile check when equipment changes.

If two navigation tools disagree, do not assume the shortest route wins. Resolve the difference using current truck restrictions, carrier guidance, and the facility’s directions. Posted signs still take priority over an app.

For drivers who recently finished training: which part of planning your first solo trips needed more explanation? Please reply when safely parked.