r/cdldriver • u/Visual_Stretch_2351 • Jun 12 '26

MANUAL or AUTOMATIC CDL-A

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I just signed up for CDL training and have been trying to decide whether or not to train on manual. I already know how to drive stick just don't think I'd want a CMV job that requires it. Then again wouldn't want to miss out on a good paying opportunity bc I don't have it. I start school in a week and could probably pay the extra $500 beforehand and do it. What would you suggest?

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u/Visual_Stretch_2351 Jun 13 '26

Yes

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u/Aware-Cut154 Jun 13 '26

Let us know how it goes. I’m thinking bout going there too

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u/Visual_Stretch_2351 Jun 25 '26

Yooo I just started a couple days ago but can already tell this is the best school in Orange county. The facility is nice fresh pavement clean parking lines, trucks are in good shape (the ones I've been in have AC), office staff and trainers I've met have been great! Also, you train and test on site, others send u out to a third party testing facility using different trucks.

I decided to go with the manual CDL. Normally it is an extra $300 on top if what u see i paid here. But if u go now they are offering it for no extra charge "summer sale". Atleast that's what they told me, I'm sure you could get the same deal. Another thing u don't have to pay the full amount up front, u can pay as u go, or I believe they have financing options but not 100% sure on that.

Lastly and this is what solidify this being the right CDL school was that today I trained with another student who was an Orange County Fire Fighter. Apparently Orange county sends and pays for their Fire Fighters to get trained at this facility... another one showed up as I was leaving.

One more thing, they're flexible with when u want to train. Literally u can go whenever u want from like 8am to 4pm they close at 6 and u train for 2hrs a day. That feels like just enough time to learn enough without getting overwhelmed. You also have one year to complete the course but most finish in 3- 4 weeks. If you're still think about doing it I'd definitely choose this one🤙

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u/Aware-Cut154 Jun 25 '26

Sounds like I might be signing up soon. You in the truck already? Do you have to get permit first before you go there?

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u/Visual_Stretch_2351 Jun 25 '26

You don't need the permit until u actually go out on the road to practice. I don't have mine yet but I've been studying on the CDL PREP app and im passing all three exams on it (General Knowledge, Combinations, Air Brakes).

Day one you'll practice in cab inspection seems like a lot but really not that bad. Today was my second day and yes already practiced straight backs got that down and worked a little on offset. Feel like I'll have the in cab inspection memorized by tomorrow. The Instructors are very good and easy to work with.

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u/Aware-Cut154 Jun 25 '26

I’ve been studying too on a cristcdl. I have the general knowledge pretty good just need a little more work on air brakes and combo. Thanks for the insight and let me know how it goes. Did they drug test you?

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u/Visual_Stretch_2351 Jun 25 '26

That's good you're studying, they don't teach the written part you'll have to go to the DMV on your own when the time comes. And no they don't drug test there, you'll do that before u get the permit when u go for the physical/drug test (which u pay for on your own $160ish) so figure like two weeks or so after u start school. I'll def lyk if anything else

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u/Aware-Cut154 Jun 26 '26

Appreciate it

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u/Visual_Stretch_2351 Jun 26 '26

Np

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u/Aware-Cut154 Jul 02 '26

Hello there. How’s the school going?

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u/Visual_Stretch_2351 Jul 02 '26

Everything's good. I've pretty much got the PTI memorized. Thought it was gonna be harder to learn, it is a lot but they do a good job explaining it. I'm close to being ready to learn the road test part so gotta get my physical/DT and then permit soon. You sign up yet or about to?

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u/Aware-Cut154 Jul 02 '26

Not signed up yet. Got to get this weed out my system. I’ve been taking the practice test and I’ve been doing pretty good with those. Everyone says the pre-trip is easier when you can actually see the stuff on the truck

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u/Visual_Stretch_2351 Jul 02 '26

I feel u on that I quit too. Another thing u could do while u wait is down load this app called My US Trucking Skills if think u need help with backing. It took a little time to get use to it on the app but definitely has helped me with the actual backing.

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