How Long Does It Take for Truck Driving School?

How much time does the truck driving school take? You’ve come to the right place if you’ve been wondering how long it will take you to finish truck driving school, but you should be aware that there isn’t a single, straightforward answer. The CDL Class A, CDL-B, or CDL-C training is the common name for the truck driving school program. Depending on the class you take, the program has a different length. Learning to drive a truck can take as little as three to five months or as much as six.

How Long Is Truck Driving School?

Length Of Training

How much time does the truck driving school take? The answer varies depending on your state, school, and employer:

• States: Each state has its own CDL manual, so a prospective truck driver in California might need to finish more or less in school than one in Missouri, Vermont, Florida, etc.
• Schools: To accommodate various schedules, schools run differently from one another. So that students with weekday jobs can attend more easily, some schools, for example, only offer classes on the weekends. These programs will, however, naturally run for a longer period of time. The training process is sped up by other schools’ availability of weekday sessions.
• Employers: The amount of training needed by employees varies between companies across the nation. While some businesses demand 120 hours, others demand 160.

However, since many employers demand 120 or 160 hours of training, truck driving school typically lasts just three to four weeks. Truly, that is all! You only need it for three to four weeks. Although it will be a busy month with lots to learn, you can get all the information you need to successfully apply for a CDL in that time.

Class A  CDL 

A Class A CDL, arguably the most flexible license type available, enables a driver to operate a vehicle weighing 26,001 pounds or more as long as the vehicle or vehicles being towed weigh more than 10,000 pounds.  You can drive across state lines with a Class A CDL, in contrast to the Class B or Class C CDL.

Because it enables you to haul more miles annually, this level of mobility is highly preferred by both new and seasoned CDL drivers. In the end, this might lead to better compensation and benefits. Due to the fact that Class A CDL holders are permitted to drive the majority of the vehicles that Class B and Class C CDL holders are allowed to drive, Class A CDLs also give their holders access to a wider range of employers.

The Truck Driver Institute is one of many programs that provide instruction for a class A license. Even though you have the option of attending a school that requires several months, TDI’s training program can be finished in just three weeks. Make sure the program will prepare you for the written exam as well as the road test when choosing a truck driving school.  

Truck drivers with experience and expertise designed TDI’s 15-day intensive program, which is regularly updated. The training course consists of in-classroom instruction from an experienced instructor, practical instruction on an off-road driving range, and on-the-road driving instruction from the TDI team.

We at TDI understand the value of driving instruction. It goes without saying that getting behind the wheel of a large truck is the only effective way to learn how to drive one. Therefore, TDI’s program puts you behind the wheel of the machinery you’ll use on the job, as opposed to other schools that have you operate a simulator, if lectures aren’t really your thing.

Class B CDL  

A driver with a Class B CDL is able to transport lighter loads than one with a Class A license. Based on the GVWR of the vehicle or trucks carrying hazardous materials, class A, B, and C CDLs differ from one another. A Class B CDL is required to operate a vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more, or to tow another vehicle weighing no more than 10,000 pounds.

But it should be noted that some vehicles do need additional instruction and licenses to operate. These vehicles include but aren’t limited to:

• Hazmat vehicles
• Passenger vans
• Busses
• Other fluid trucks or tankers

Because of this, the length of Class B CDL training varies depending on your career objectives. A Class B CDL license is typically obtained in order to fulfill the requirements of a job or position that the applicant already holds.

Depending on the specific training program and the state you reside in, Class B truck driving schools may require a different amount of time. The truck driving school would last longer because some states require more hours of driving than others. Contact your local DMV and ask for their advice if you’re not sure which program to select.  

Class C CDL 

Vehicles that don’t fit the criteria for a Class A or B license, transport 16 or more passengers, or transport hazardous materials need a Class C CDL. Depending on the type of vehicle, Class C CDLs require additional endorsements. An endorsement for a school bus, for instance, is necessary to operate one. A hazmat endorsement is also needed in order to transport hazardous materials.

The length of truck driving school for a Class C CDL will vary, much like it did for the Class B CDL.

Similar to Class B CDLs, the time it takes to complete a Class C program will vary depending on your state’s requirements, your intended use for your CDL, and the school you choose.

How Much Does Cdl Training Cost And How Long Does It Last?

At other schools, you may find options such as “discounted tuition.” Although this offer seems appealing on the surface, you might miss out on significant future pay and benefits for your career.

These truck driving schools are actually owned by carriers who hire the pupils who graduate from their programs. This practice is called “contract training,” and it could limit your options after you finish Contract-trained drivers are forced to work for the carrier that owns the school, even if it isn’t the best fit for them.

We at TDI don’t take part in contract training. To make sure that your training at TDI is as affordable as possible, we do, however, offer a variety of fantastic financial aid options. These choices include grants, scholarships, and compliance with the military and GI Bill ®. If you meet the requirements, TDI could issue your CDL for as little as $225.

We are also able to match our students with employers that provide tuition reimbursement through our job placement program. Tuition reimbursement enables the carrier of your choice to cover a portion of your TDI tuition.

You could pay the same out-of-pocket amount at TDI as you would at a contract training school while receiving significantly better instruction thanks to our financial aid options and the tuition reimbursement plans provided by specific carriers.

What Exams Are Needed To Pass The CDL Exam?

You should be equipped by your CDL training to confidently take the CDL exam. As you prepare for this exam, here are the qualifications you’ll need to meet:

• Your physical fitness to operate a truck is verified by a Department of Transportation physical.
• Driving history: While you might not be prevented from obtaining a CDL due to a DUI or a speeding ticket, these are crucial considerations when applying for jobs after graduation.
• Criminal history check: Even if you have a felony on your record, you might still be able to get a CDL and drive for a living. However, some trucking companies may not hire you.
• A total of 35 topics from your Roadmasters classroom training are covered in the knowledge portion of the exam, called the Theory. You must pass the Commercial Learner Permit knowledge test in order to move on to practical skill training.
• Demonstrate your prowess at backing up, turning, and driving during the CDL Skills Test. To be eligible for a CDL, applicants must pass the CDL Skills Test and demonstrate their ability to perform a number of necessary hands-on tasks.

How Long Do You Need To Train

The length of training for a commercial driver’s license depends on a few different things. In order to start driving as soon as possible if you are currently unemployed, you must find truck driver training that is quick and effective.

Four months of classroom instruction to become a truck driver may be too much time, even if you already have a job. But for aspiring truck drivers who have never operated a large vehicle, those purportedly quick training programs are out of the question. Plus, you need to watch out for places that are essential “CDL Mills”, churning out holders of commercial driver’s licenses who just barely pass the test.

Factors That Affect Your Time Commitment

A big decision is starting a truck driving school. You can prepare for the career you want and spend the right amount of time in school by making the right decisions early in your education. While examining different education options in your city, keep these factors in mind:

• License class: The most crucial aspect to think about might be the license class you select. Your long-term career goals should be in harmony with the amount of time you are willing to devote to school.
• Endorsements: Your employment options may increase once you obtain an endorsement for your licenses, such as passenger, HAZMAT, or doubles/triples. Your training period may be extended for each endorsement.
• Part-time vs. full-time: There are some truck driving schools that offer part-time programs. You might take longer to get your license if you choose to go to school part-time rather than full-time.
• Driving hours: Find out the number of driving hours offered by each school you are considering. Even though more driving time might necessitate a longer training period, you might become a more assured driver as a result.
• Classroom hours: There are some schools with fewer class hours than others, especially those that require you to pass a written exam prior to enrolling. You might be able to finish your education more quickly if you pass the seated exam before you begin your studies.

Getting ready for a new career can be done quickly and affordably when you choose trucking school over other educational options. Start by getting in touch with nearby truck driving schools to inquire about the length of their courses.