1. Is the program certified?
2. How many students are in the truck with an instructor?
3. Is the school affiliated with a trucking company?
4. What is the total cost?
5. What about your CDL?
6. What about job placement?

1. Is the program certified?

Certification shows that a truck driving program has taken the extra steps to prove they have a high quality program. Not all certifications are the same. PTDI certification is based on trucking industry standards. Other certifications are easily obtained by simply paying a membership fee. There are good truck programs that are not certified. Certification can be your assurance the driver training program is worth investigating.

2. How many students are in the truck with an instructor?

The best type of training is one student in the truck with one instructor. There are no embarrassing moments in front of other students, the instructor can give you his undivided attention, and you can feel comfortable asking questions. Observation time sitting in the back watching another student has little educational value.

3. Is the school affiliated with a trucking company?

Trucking schools run by a trucking company ensures that you will be hired, but it limits your choices. If you want to pick your own company after you know something about driving a truck, enroll in an independent trucking school. You will be able to evaluate the different jobs with better information. Be careful about company run schools. You could owe them money if you do not work for them.

4. What is the total cost?

Ask for all the costs you are paying. This could include tuition, books, drug screen, physical, CDL testing, CDL license, and interest charge. Never be in a hurry to sign a contract committing to a trucking school. Take your time with your decision and review any paperwork with a friend. There can be hidden charges in a contract.

5. What about your CDL?

Does the truck school require you have a CDL permit before you enroll? Will you have a CDL license when you complete the trucking school? Be sure the truck driver training program includes your CDL. Some truck schools will train you and leave the CDL up to you.

6. What about job placement?

How many companies hire the trucking school’s graduates? Who are the companies and are they ones you would like to work for? How long after you graduate will the training program help you with placement? Some programs will offer lifetime placement. Some truck driving training programs leave it up to you to find your own job with no assistance.