Choosing to pursue a CDL A is likely one of the best decisions you’ll ever make. Having a CDL A provides you with a lot of opportunities without years of expensive education, you get to start an exciting career, and you can get fulfillment from your job knowing you’re America’s backbone.
However, just getting a CDL A isn’t enough. The training program you go to does impact your future opportunities, and it’s a big choice even though the final license is the same. It’s a lot like applying for a very prestigious job. The same degree from Harvard is looked at a little differently than one from your local community college with bad ratings.
Don’t worry, though. It’s actually fairly easy to get into the best CDL A programs, and unlike the college comparison, there isn’t a noticeable price difference. It all comes down to vetting programs effectively and signing up for the right one.
Today, we’ve got 8 tips to help you choose the right CDL A training program for your future.
1. Look at Success Ratings
First and foremost, you want to look at the success rating for any program you look into. This is the percentage of students who not only complete the program but also go into meaningful careers shortly after.
This is never going to be a perfect score, because there are a lot of variables, such as the drive of individual students, the effort made after the course to secure a position and keep it, etc. However, a high success rate in the 80 to 90% range is optimal.
If a program simply isn’t leading to success for the majority of its students, it’s a good indicator that something is wrong with the program.
2. Read Reviews from Previous Students
Any time you make a big purchase, you probably go online to look at reviews. Treat your CDL A program choice like a big transaction. After all, it not only costs a fair amount, but it’s also going to determine the success you have later.
You can find reviews on practically any program. Look for reviews that provide plenty of genuine information, and try to stay away from positive or negative reviews that don’t properly explain the experience the person had.
3. Look for Partnerships and Accreditations
A good CDL A program isn’t just going to have its own words and statistics to prove it. They draw attention from the industry and beyond, and over time, they start to become acknowledged by the trucking industry, regulatory agencies, and companies that hire their students.
These accomplishments are typically leveraged and shown off. So, you shouldn’t have to look far.
This is essentially a stamp of approval from 3rd party groups that don’t have anything to gain by doing so.
4. Pay Attention to the Class Size Advertised
The size of the class you’re in for the program is going to have a dramatic effect on how good your experience is. This isn’t high school. Having dozens of people in a room with one or two instructors is not optimal.
You’re going to be learning complex skills that will impact not only your future career but also how safe you will be when you get on the road.
Having a “class size” that is just a couple of people per instructor is a major benefit. You get more one-on-one instruction, the instructor can ensure that you’re learning everything effectively, and they can spend more time correcting mistakes you’re making.
5. Ensure the Instructors are Experienced Professionals
Optimally, you’ll want to make sure the instructors the program hires aren’t just people who know the curriculum. They should be in-industry professionals who have real-life experience with a CDL A career.
This isn’t uncommon. Many CDL A drivers eventually want to slow their schedule down, and they’ll start working with programs as a way to bring in income without having to be on the road as much.
This does a lot for you as a student.
A seasoned professional driver knows things that can help you be more prepared even beyond the course, they have experience traveling the country, and they can give you tips that will stick with you throughout your entire career.
6. Check the Course Schedule
Getting your CDL A isn’t like getting a bachelor’s in engineering or anything like that. You don’t go for a set limit of time across the board.
Depending on the program, you can finish it all in as little as two months, or you can end up taking your test almost a year after you start the course.
This is an important consideration. You want a program that spends enough time to ensure you have the best chance of success and adequately prepares you for your CDL A test. However, you also don’t want to spend too much time learning when you could be making money and starting your career.
Of course, this also depends on your performance throughout the program, scheduling matters, and various other minor factors.
7. Post-Program Support
Getting post-program support is crucial. Imagine getting your CDL A, getting excited to start a career, and then having no idea how to go about that. You have the license, but you still need a way into a good company.
This is what post-program support helps with. Many programs will give you access to job boards where companies that partner with the school will list openings you can apply for, some offer direct support, etc. Some even check up on you after you start your career to make sure you’re on the road to success.
8. Teaching Method
Finally, this has a lot to do with personal preference, but you’ll want to look at how the program is conducted. Many hold most of the course online, and the in-person work is done when it’s time to start working with a commercial vehicle, plenty are fully in-person like a traditional course, and some are hybrids of the two.
Make sure you choose one that will meet your scheduling and learning needs so you can stay focused on the program.
The Best CDL A Training Program in Orlando, Fl
If you’re in the Orlando, FL, area and want to start your career with a CDL A, join the East USA Trucking program today. East USA Trucking offers a comprehensive range of courses designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge needed for a successful career in the trucking industry.
We offer CDL entry-level driver training, providing you with a solid foundation to begin your trucking career. Our CDL A test course prepares you for the CDL A exam with thorough instruction and hands-on practice. For those looking to hone their skills, the CDL A practice course offers additional driving experience under the guidance of experienced instructors.
Our CDL A refresher course is perfect for drivers who need to update their skills and stay current with industry standards. If you need to remove restrictions from your CDL, our CDL restriction removal course is specifically designed to help you meet those requirements. Additionally, our CDL exam prep course ensures you are fully prepared to pass your CDL exams with confidence.At East USA Trucking, we are committed to your success. Our experienced instructors, modern training facilities, and flexible scheduling options make it easy to get the training you need to advance your career. Join us today and take the first step towards a rewarding career in the trucking industry. Contact us today!