Paid CDL Training vs Free CDL Training

What are the pros and cons of getting your CDL Free or paying up to 10,000 for your CDL?

Let’s start with the bad; one of the cons today between the two options listed above, is they suffer from equally is the number of people in line for the CDL Class, Free or Not. During the Lockdown in 2020, the trucking training centers had to close, and many haven’t been able to catch up because of the backlog created from the shutdowns. In addition, even the local Department of transportation requires new CDL applicants to schedule an appointment far in advance just to obtain a driving permit, let alone a license.

Free CDL Training: The Pros

Obtaining your license for free from one of the many mega carriers will help you save money you would otherwise spend on a CDL school. It would also help you with any potential buyer’s remorse you might suffer if you decide the trucking industry is not for you.

Free CDL Training: The Cons

Your pay will be many times lower than those that paid for the CDL training. This is because you will be required to stay and drive for the trucking company that trained you. If you leave sooner than the contract date, you will be charged the total training amount by the trucking company.

Paying out of pocket for CDL training

The price for obtaining your CDL today will vary from state to state, Depending on the demand in said state. However, you can expect to pay anywhere from 4,000 dollars all the way up to 10,000 dollars for a CDL. With The current CDL demand exceeding the available space per class, many CDL Schools are charging an arm and a leg.

Save money on CDL training School

Depending on your state CDL school requirements, If you can rent a truck and practice the alley docking along with parallel parking or have a friend who can let you drive their truck and give you pointers, you might be able to save a whole lot of money.

Closing Thoughts On Paid CDL training School

Having paid for your own CDL school training will give you many more options in the trucking industry, the primary being choice, as you will not be tied down to the one trucking company that trained you.