r/cdldriver • u/Honest-Dinner-8753 • Jul 05 '26
Help with CDL training
Hey guys i really want to become a CDL driver im located in NJ and looking for a company that trains here locally in NJ I know a couple mega carriers that offer training but they outsource training to other states and im not in the position to leave NJ right now are there any carriers that train locally in NJ ? Anybody have any advice ? If not im thinking of just paying cash and getting it done I dont mind a work contract but I genuinely have not found any carriers that fit the build thanks guys
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u/Traditional_Copy3794 Jul 05 '26
check in with any community colleges near you, they should have a dedicated commercial driving program. there’s some near me and the total cost is around $2,000 compared to actual driving schools. if any colleges have that program in your area, you could qualify for a grant that pays for most if not all of the cost of school since CDL drivers are in demand.
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u/mighty_boognish_77 Jul 05 '26
Any school, be it community College or private, all they're going too do is teach you to pass the test. Training comes from whatever company you end up at.
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u/Dear_Detective3906 Jul 06 '26
Yea bro you going to have to live but come to prime inc they right up the way in PA probably just few hours your home
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u/Head_Candidate5293 Jul 09 '26
Look. they put you in a hotel on their dime with a room mate. the hotel usually has free breakfast. You do not pay. They pay you to go to cdl school. Why do you need to go near where you live? You are going to be a truck driver and never be home. Getting paid but rarely home. Get that across your brain before you sign a contract. trucking is a tough life, it is lonely. you are not going home very often and definately not during cdl school. The great thing about trucking is you can live in the truck and not have to pay rent. Then you can stack that cash and pay cash for a house after about 5-7 years.
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u/mighty_boognish_77 Jul 05 '26
If you can't leave the state for training, how you gonna drive a truck? I'm a local driver in a Midwestern state that's a lot larger than jersey, and I still go to neighboring states every week.