Connecticut Truck Driving Schools

If you’re ready to get started on the path towards a promising career, then obtaining your CDL license opens up a wide range of future job options. There are plenty of great reasons to use a truck driving school to help you obtain your Class A CDL license so you can start driving a tractor-trailer. We’ll outline some of the top reasons why you should consider using a CDL school in Connecticut.

Excellent Training

Trucking driving schools make sure that you receive plenty of classroom learning and on-the-road Class A CDL training. Instructors are there every step of the way to ensure that you fully comprehend the ins and outs of operating a tractor-trailer. Many instructors have decades of experience and have taught hundreds of Connecticut residents, so they’ll be extremely efficient at teaching you what you need to know.

Job Placement

Most CDL schools are well connected with major trucking companies across the US. They’ll know who’s hiring, where they’re hiring, and the salary you can expect from the employer. They can also connect you with the HR departments of the top trucking companies in Connecticut. This provides you with additional leverage if you’re able to receive multiple job offers, which ensures that you’re going with a high paying and high quality trucking company in the long-term.

If you find a truck driving job and then a few years down the road you decide that you want to look into a different company, many truck driving schools are happy to help you find a different job. Given the current nationwide shortage of truck drivers, CDL schools are happy to help trucking companies find new drivers for a referral fee.

Truck Driving Schools Outside of Connecticut

If you’re considering any CDL schools outside the state of Connecticut, check with the program to make sure that the license will transfer back to the state of Connecticut. This is ideal for many residents living close to the border, or for those who commute out of state. The CDL school should be able to tell you upfront if they can provide certification for Connecticut, but this will likely require some paperwork. You may also need to re-take the CDL exam and/or the road test so that you can be licensed in Connecticut. This may not be a bad idea if you’re considering moving to a neighboring state like New York, but for most people it’s an unnecessary amount of work.

You should always check with the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles for up to date information on CDL license requirements, fee prices, medical requirements, and renewal requirements. These are always subject to change, so it’s a good idea to find this information directly from the ct.gov website.

Choosing the right CDL school

There are a few considerations to keep in mind when choosing the right CDL school

1. Cost

Most truck driving schools have programs that range anywhere from $1,000 – $8,000 which vary based on the training program. Most schools allow you to pay a percentage of the tuition or lump sum upfront and then allow you to workout a payment plan. It’s never a good idea to base your decision solely on price as a good trucking school can help ensure that you receive your Class A CDL license and assist with job placement for years to come. “Schools” that offer free training are never really free as you’ll likely need to enter into an employment contract with the provider.

You may qualify for scholarships and grants offered through the Connecticut Office of Higher Education. You can use their website to search for scholarships and grants that can be used towards a Connecticut truck driving school. Be sure to also ask your school about any additional financial aid options that they are aware of.

2. Reputation

Because job placement is a huge advantage when it comes to using a truck driving school, it’s important to choose a high quality school with a solid reputation. Ask about their job placement rates, their industry connections, and the methods of their instructors. You should also search for reviews that past students have left about the school.

Even if the best CDL school is not the closest to your location, it may be worthwhile to make the long commute to the school that is farther away. You can complete most CDL training programs in under a month, and it’s not a bad idea to get used to time spent on the road!