Getting your CDL is a great choice. It opens a whole new world of possibilities, and few, if any, regret doing so. You can get a fruitful career regardless of most things that prevent you from getting equally paying jobs in many other fields, and you can do something truly necessary for your countrymen whether that means transporting goods or transporting people.
However, you might be wondering what the process is like and how you can navigate it effectively.
Today, we’re going to provide a step-by-step guide to getting your CDL A in Orlando, Florida to help you understand what you’re about to do.
Let’s get started.
1. Reach the Right Age
First and foremost, you need to be at least 18 to get your CDL. This isn’t something you do right after you get your normal license.
This is a requirement in most states, and it’s a solid standard to follow.
2. Get Your Learner’s Permit
Just like when you were in high school learning to drive a car, you need to get a learner’s permit to learn how to drive a commercial vehicle.
To do this, it’s similar to getting a normal driving permit. You have to show a basic degree of on-the-road knowledge, and you get a permit. You will have to have your permit displayed on the windshield during all on-the-road exercises. So, you need it just to take a proper course.
- Find the Right CDL Program
Once you have a permit, you need to enter a CDL program. It’s important to take a while and look at all your options. The school you choose will impact whether relocation is necessary, and it will greatly impact the results you get throughout the course and after you get your license.
There are several things to consider, and we’ll cover most of them here.
First, think about the cost of the course. You will need to pay to go to CDL school. It’s not a free service. However, there are ways to lower the cost or at least get help paying for it. So, research all available options before paying up front.
Then, you need to determine how many students will be in the class. It’s optimal to have one-on-one training, but that’s not always possible. However, you do want to enroll in a course that has minimal students per teacher. 3 or 5 students being taught by one teacher is great, but you don’t want to be stuck in a large class with one teacher.
Not only will the quality of teaching suffer, but you likely won’t get the attention you need to learn more advanced information if the teacher is juggling dozens of students.
You also need to look at the school’s track record. A good school will gladly boast about a high success rate with students. They’ve created relationships with companies that are necessary to get fresh graduates jobs, and they clearly teach their students the right way to handle their duties.
The instructors themselves are important, too. It’s great to have teachers who understand the curriculum, but you should also ensure that experienced professionals are part of the team. At East USA Trucking School, they even have instructors who speak Spanish! Instructors can pass on invaluable information that will change your entire future long after you get licensed.
Finally, the location of the course is important. Some courses are online for the bulk of the course and handle driving tasks in person, but it helps if you are able to work directly with professionals while you’re learning.
The school you choose will have a tremendous impact on your career. Companies know which schools are the best, some schools provide after-education services that help you get right into the workforce, and in general, a good school will ensure you succeed in the long term.
4. Excel Throughout the Course
Once you’re enrolled, you’ll go through a fairly standard “driver’s ED” course.
This is similar to what you did when you got your normal license. First, you’ll receive ample instruction from a teacher who knows what they’re doing. Throughout this phase, your understanding of the course will be tested with regular paperwork just like you remember from school.
Periodically, you’ll be given tests to make sure you understand the material and are ready to get on the roadway.
Driving courses are included in all this, and they tend to be the hardest part. Especially at first when you don’t have first-hand experience behind the wheel of a commercial vehicle.
All of this is designed to prepare you to actually get your CDL, and beyond that, you’ll need everything you learn throughout the course to do your job effectively and safely once you join a company.
5. Pass Your Licensing Test
Getting your CDL will require you to both drive effectively and pass written paperwork.
After a long course with plenty of instruction and hands-on experience, you’ll have to put that experience to the test and show that you can properly drive a commercial vehicle.
It’s not particularly difficult if you choose the right school and ensure you get the best educational experience possible.
6. Apply and Succeed
Once you get your CDL, you must find a job to recoup your expenses and build your life. Luckily, good CDL schools help with that. They have strong relationships with many companies and can provide job listings and the best possible recommendations.
Work with your school to get into a great position that fits your expectations, and you’ll start the career of a lifetime with ease.
Choose East USA Trucking
If you’re looking to start a fruitful career in trucking with a CDL, you need a school that will not only get you through the mandated curriculum but also give you the tools to thrive on the road.
At East USA Trucking, we offer a variety of specialized courses to ensure you’re fully prepared. From our CDL entry level driver training to the CDL A test course in Orlando, and the CDL A practice course, each program is designed to build your confidence and skill. For those looking to update or expand their qualifications, we also offer a CDL A refresher course and a CDL restriction removal course. To help you excel, our CDL exam prep course provides focused study and practice to ensure you’re ready for the licensing test.
With our expert instruction and hands-on training, you’ll be well-equipped to pass your CDL test and embark on a successful trucking career. Choosing East USA Trucking means you’re choosing a partner dedicated to your success on the road. If you have any questions about our programs, feel free to reach out!