Here are the answers to some of the most common trucking questions.
Q: What is a CDL?
A: CDL stands for Commercial Driver’s License. On this site, we only talk about CDL Class A – big rig, tractor-trailer, eighteen-wheeler, any commercial vehicle of 26,001 lbs. or more and towing a trailer over 10,000 lbs.
Q: What is OTR?
A: OTR stands for Over-The-Road. Basically, it refers to driving in all 48 states.
Q: How do free truck driving schools work? Are they really free?
A: Yes, they are free to you. The cost is covered by a big trucking company. They need new drivers and you need a new driving career, so it's a win-win situation.
Q: Do I have to pay back my school tuition?
A: No, as long as you stay at work for a few months, your schooling fee will not be deducted from your paychecks. And, your pay will not be reduced just because you attended all-covered truck driving school.
Q: Is there any difference between truck driving school and CDL training?
A: Yes, there is a big difference. In school, you pretty much learn some very basic maneuvers and get your commercial driver’s license Class A (or CDL Class A).
In training, you go out on the road with a driver trainer (or mentor) and learn all the ins and outs of the trucking business.
Q: How long is truck driving school and how long is CDL training?
A: Most of these truck driving schools are three weeks. Driver training is about four to eight weeks.
Q: What are the minimum requirements to get into a free driving school?
A: You have to be at least 21 and have had a driver’s license for at least a year. You have to have a good driving record (no recent DUI or DWI), stable work history (with no unexplained gaps), pass a criminal background (in most cases - no pending charges allowed). You will also be required to pass a DOT physical and drug tests. Your company will cover the cost of these tests.