With the title, ‘Get Paid To Get Your CDL’, I’m sure you’ll be either surprised and eager to know how it works, right?
Enrolling in a driver training program means you’ll be learning from and working alongside some of the best drivers in the world and at the same time get paid too.
In this article, we’ll describe what a CDL license is, the different forms, how it works, and how to get paid to get your CDL. Let’s dive right in!!!
What is a CDL license?
A commercial driver’s license (CDL) is a driver’s license that requires you to operate commercial motor vehicles. Obtaining a CDL certifies that you have the experience and expertise to run a specialized vehicle.
CDL licenses are divided into three types: Class A, Class B, and Class C.
To acquire either of these licenses, you must first meet licensing, testing, and age criteria. In many states, you must be 18 years old to obtain a Class B or Class C CDL but 21 years old to obtain a Class A CDL. The conditions for obtaining a CDL will also differ by state.
You must have the proper license to drive a specific model of vehicle. Here’s a rundown of what they are:
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How to Obtain a Commercial Driver’s License
Certain conditions must be met in order to receive a CDL. Since each state has different criteria, it is important to consult your own state when deciding how to obtain a license. The following are the basic steps you’ll need to take to receive a CDL:
- Determine the type of license you need.
- Explore the CDL specifications.
- Get your commercial driver’s license.
- If necessary, take the CDL endorsement exam.
- Take the CDL knowledge exam.
What Are The Steps Required To Obtain A CDL?
All license classes A, B, and C have the same basic requirements: however, to obtain a CDL, there are certain steps, otherwise known as requirements to be taken. They are:
- Be at least 21 years of age (at least 18 years of age to drive intrastate)
- Submit your state’s CDL Application and pay the appropriate fee
- Provide identity and Social Security number verification (check your state’s requirements)
- Provide proof of state and US residency
- Submit a completed Medical Examination Report Form and Medical Examiner’s Certificate Form
- Pass a vision test and knowledge exam
- After passing, be issued a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP)
- Wait a minimum of 14 days before you can schedule your CDL road skills examination
- Pass a pre-trip inspection
- Pass the road skills and driving examination (you must bring your own vehicle)
- After passing, pay the necessary fees for your new CDL (Optionally, submit a 10-Year Record Check, if you’ve had a driver’s license in any state or jurisdiction other than the one where you are applying for your CDL)
How Much Does It Cost To Obtain CDL?
According to cdl.com, the price to obtain your commercial driver’s license (CDL) varies according to state. However, on average, you can expect to pay between $1,000 and $8,000 for a truck driver training course that will prepare you to pass your CDL test. Additionally, the price will vary depending on the type of license and endorsements you want as well as the school you attend.
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How Long Does It Take to Get a Commercial Driver’s License?
The duration it will take to get your CDL requirements is solely dependent on the school you choose to attend as well as what type of commercial driver’s license you want to get.
Most programs take around three to seven weeks to complete, and Class A programs take longer than Class B and C programs because they provide more in-depth truck driver training. Class A programs also allow you to drive a wider variety of loads and vehicles than Class B and C licensing.
Also, each school varies slightly as to how long their truck driver training programs are. Therefore, contact the driving schools in your state to find out more about their programs before enrolling.
Remember, just because one program is shorter does not signify an increase in the quality of education. It will be in your interest if you do some research and make sure you’re investing in the best school for you.
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What’s the Difference Between a Class A, B, and C Driver’s License?
As stated earlier, another thing to consider when you pursue your truck driver training and CDL requirements is what kind of CDL you need. There are three classes of CDL licensing: Class A, B, and C.
Your choice of a CDL license type should be largely dependent on your job requirements, as well as your future career aspirations. Here are the major differences between each type of CDL:
- Class A: This option allows you to drive vehicles like tractor-trailers, livestock carriers, tankers, flatbeds, and more.
- Class B: This option is for those who desire to operate city buses, school buses, delivery trucks, dump trucks, straight trucks, and more.
- Class C: This option allows you to drive smaller vehicles like passenger vans, smaller trucks, HAZMAT vehicles, etc.
A Class A CDL allows you to drive a wider variety of commercial trucks. The Class A CDL training typically takes longer than Class B or C. To this end, it’s important to consider not just your current job position but also how you want to advance your career in the future.
Getting the license you need now will save you from having to re-do truck driving training if you want a different truck driving position later.
CDL Training
Because of the large number of Baby Boomer retirements, the demand for truck drivers in America has risen and will continue to rise over the next ten years. As a result, truck driving is a safe career choice, and truck drivers will be needed.
To acquire a CDL license, you need to undergo training that lasts for not more than 3 weeks, depending on the license. The CDL Training Program connects you with skills you can use to improve your life—both professionally and personally.
How To Get Paid To Get Your CDL
There are a good number of companies willing to pay you while you go through the process of obtaining a CDL. For instance, Roehl transport is willing to pay you while you are training to get your CDL and when you continue out on the road with a Certified Driver Trainer.
Just like Roehl Transport, there are other trucking companies that are willing to even pay you $500 or more a week while you learn, which means you might make $3500 or more before you even start working as a truck driver. For someone on a low-budget plan, I feel this is a great opportunity to make money.
Companies that offer paid CDL training programs are available with most of the big carriers.
Many large American trucking companies operate their own truck driver training schools. To kick start, you need to contact a carrier from any of the companies on our list of companies that offer paid CDL training below saying you want to learn to drive a truck.
Most of the truck companies will agree to pay for your training, on the condition that you work for them afterward.
At the truck company, you’ll learn how to drive a big rig, get the CDL and also earn a driving job.
What Companies Offer Paid CDL Training?
Here’s a list of trucking companies that offer paid CDL training and a job, upon completion of their program.
- CRST Trucking School
- C.R. England CDL School
- Knight Transportation
- Prime Trucking School and Prime Trucking Company
- KLLM Trucking School and Company
- FFE Trucking
- Roehl Transport
- Schneider Trucking School and Company
- Swift Transportation
- Stevens Driving School (Stevens Transport)
- Wilson Logistics Training
- Maverick Transportation
- Werner Enterprises
- Millis Transfer
- USA Truck
- Carter Express
- Pam Transport
- Estes
- XPO Logistics
What Are the Criteria For Company Paid CDL Training?
If you wish to enroll in a paid CDL training program, you must meet certain requirements in order to qualify. Most truck driving companies put a high value on safety and dedication. Below are some of the requirements that you must meet when you apply.
- You must be at least 21 years old. Some services require you to be at least 22 or 23 years old,
- You must have a valid US driver’s license (usually for the last 365 days),
- You must be a US citizen or legally permitted to work in the United States.
- You must not have a DUI/DWI conviction during the last five years.
- Your driving record cannot include any moving violations in the last three years,
- You must pass a dot medical test,
- A DOT drug test.
- You must have a clean criminal background check.
- You must have a verifiable work history for the last three years.
- You must commit to working for the trucking company for at least one year; some companies need a two-year commitment.
If you meet these ten criteria, you can be confident that you will be accepted into the company’s free CDL training program and out on the road as soon as possible.
And after reading all these pieces of information you can make a confirmed decision if you want to start a career as a truck driver.
Conclusion
Earning while undergoing a CDL training offers the trainee ample opportunity to get practical knowledge on the spot while earning and perhaps employment from the trucking company at the end of the training. Good luck!
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