Many people ask, “Can I get a CDL without going to school?” The short answer is yes; you can get a CDL license without attending school until February of 2022. While it is possible to get a CDL without going to school, you most likely don’t want to take that route. In the long run, getting a CDL without going to school will only hurt you and waste more of your time than if you attended a CDL school from the start. Choosing not to attend CDL school will result in you being far behind others in both knowledge and experience.
Here are all the reasons why you should get a CDL from a professional school.
Why You Should Get a CDL from a School
You’ll Learn More & Gain Experience at a CDL School
Getting your CDL permit is relatively easy. You only need to know the basics of commercial driving. But trying to coast through on basic knowledge will end with you stuck on the side of the road without the knowledge of how to help yourself.
That’s why when people ask, “Can I get a CDL without going to school?” we recommend they go to a reputable CDL training school. At a CDL training school, you’ll not only learn basic commercial driving knowledge, but you’ll be taught mechanical skills, receive situational training, and learn how the job actually works as a commercial driver.
When you attend CDL school, you’ll be prepared for any instances you may face on the road. From getting to practice basic maneuvers like backing up and docking to learning how to diagnose malfunctions and learning about environmental compliance issues, you’ll get the information you need to succeed throughout your entire career. It’s better to be prepared for life instead of only one test.
A few areas you’ll gain knowledge in when you get a CDL by going to school include:
- Backing & Docking
- Control Systems
- Coupling & Uncoupling
- Diagnosis of Malfunctions
- Emergency Protocol
- Environmental Compliance Issues
- Extreme Driving Conditions
- Inspections
- Night Operation
- Shifting/Operating Transmissions
- Space Management
- And Much More
You’ll Have Significantly Better Hiring Opportunities if You Get Your CDL from a School
Another reason why we recommend school when people ask, “Can I get a CDL without going to school,” is because commercial trucking companies are significantly less likely to hire you if you don’t attend a reputable school.
When a company is looking to hire someone, they want someone they can depend on. After all, the company will be responsible for any problems a driver causes. If you only studied up on a few items to get your CDL, the company will not believe you can make the best decision during emergencies or even in routine situations. When you get a CDL by going to school, on the other hand, you receive 160 hours of training from experts in the field. Any company will know you understand how to handle basic and advanced situations.
Not to mention, if a company is deciding between someone who got a CDL without going to school and another candidate who did attend a CDL school, the candidate who attended school will win every time because they have more experience.
In addition, you’ll have more chances of being hired when you get a CDL by going to school because recruiters often go to the schools looking to hire good candidates. Recruiters and schools can help you make the best decision as well because you won’t be forced to take the first opportunity offered – you can find a company that meets your needs in items such as benefits, schedules, and drive times when you have more choices.
Why Coastal Truck Driving School is Your Best Choice for a CDL School
Coastal Truck Driving School is the premier CDL school because of our additional offerings to students. While we teach students all the basics, we also go above and beyond in support and knowledge by providing manual shift training and outstanding educational and advisory support. Our students are students for life when they attend Coastal Truck Driving School, which means no matter how long after they graduate, they can always use us as a resource in their careers.
In addition, we offer premium job placement services for our graduates. We help them find a job that suits their needs when they graduate from our esteemed school. We set them up for success no matter what stage of life they’re in and what they need from their company.
Don’t bother getting a CDL without going to school when you’ll be better prepared for your entire career when you attend Coastal Truck Driving School. Check out our enrollment requirements and apply today to start a brighter future.