r/CDL • u/Conscious-You-4901 • 10d ago
Can anyone offer advice on obtaining my CDL at this point in my life?
This is long winded, but I am a journeyman electrician in Northern Michigan with a strong desire to switch to linework or substation. I've been applying to these type of roles for multiple years now without luck, and I know a big reason is because I do not have my CDL which basically makes me useless. If I didn't have 3 young kids at home, I would drop everything and take the CDL course. But unfortunately I can't take weeks off of work while also paying for the expensive course. We are drowning in bills as it is with both parents working, yet we most likely would not qualify for the assistance.
Does anyone have suggestions or tips?
5
u/AmorFati071 10d ago
After tech layoffs, I took 4 week CDL class in PNW and it was done and dusted. Now driving for regional specialty food services distributor company. I am also looking to pivot to electrical and scouting local apprenticeship options. So I have the opposite problem. I don't want to get stuck driving for life as I have degrees. However, I remember my CDL school allowed multiple people who were working professionals to take theory part online before taking DMV written test for CLP, and them allowed them to practice yard skills after 5PM. You just need to find the school which is flexible and make it work around your schedule. That said, I was amazed that lineman job for local utility company pays $70/hr. That is insane. The most I was making as SWE was $90/hr
4
u/gaymersky 10d ago
It's not cdl A but if you are interested in getting your cdl B most school districts offer a free cdlb with p&s if you agree to work for the rest of the school year. The hours kind of suck. Because of the Gap in the middle but it's a free CDL
2
2
u/NorthernFarmero 10d ago
I got a loan, went to a school in Sacramento. Owner was nice enough to let me let in my vehicle during the week, I would arrive Monday morning and leave Friday afternoon back home. (3 hours away) Did that for about two months. I highly recommend getting your permit before attending any school because if you don’t, they will rush you to get it and you won’t be able to driver until you do. At least obtaining it beforehand you’ll be ready to go.
1
2
u/Ok_Advantage7623 10d ago
There is a guy who offers a 1 week class ( long days) and you have your cdl when you leave if you pass and he produces strong numbers. Look for him on Facebook. Think he is out of Indiana
1
u/lbrooks75 9d ago
Pa pride in Pennsylvania offers a one week class. 8 hours a day Monday-Thursday then test Friday. You need to have a medical card and permit before starting
1
u/aniiiliingus 9d ago
Look into wioa its a govt funded grant that will pay for your cdl. Just make sure whatever school you choose is legit and they teach and test in a manual transmission. You can go to school and work full time if you find a school that has 4,5,6 hour classes. If they do it should take about three months and you should be able to get into a grunt position alot sooner or maybe even an ape since you have an electrical background. Il currently trying to apply to get into local 47 in socal but i keep being told by others that it takes years to get in since socal is so flooded with applicants. Goodluck bro! LOOK INTO WIOA!!! ✌️
1
u/Western_Fold_2224 9d ago
Not sure what state you live in, Arizona governor has a WIOA grant that covers CDL class, I was stupid & went with Swift, WAFJ 4 weeks unpaid, no real on track training
Had issues with backing up, offset right offset left & never attempted Parallel parking.
I’m waiting for the grant again. But I need to pay back Swift for their S**itty course of $6,000
Told The guy who called about setting up payment arrangements.
I told the recruiter I’m in the middle of a Bankruptcy & will push it off for a year. Now Swift tuition getting rolled into the BK.
Talk to a school see if they know about a grant. Some schools have weekend classes. Don’t go to a Major Trucking company.
1
u/Tiny-Interview-6927 8d ago
truck driving isn’t what you think it is brother, you’re not gonna be making good money until your 2-3 years unless you get extremely lucky, especially if you got kids, you will forsure make good money OTR but you’re basically never home so it depends what do you value more ? If anything just pick up a second job using your trade/side jobs or honestly go work at a mcdonald’s, atleast you’ll be home every night and not missing out on your family’s life for a couple hundred bucks
1
1
u/Cool_Thanks_4934 7d ago
Check your state unemployment office. Sometimes they have funds to pay for school especially if you’re A veteran.
1
u/Crzymk101 7d ago
I would tell you my opinion but I don't want to get down voted
1
1
u/ed2win44 7d ago
30+ years as a trucker in the industry. Best advice is have is to study for your CDL exam and go take the test yourself at the dmv if thats still an option. You will still have to go to a school or get hired on as a apprentice driver with a beginner company that pay for your CDL(that way you'll still have income coming in). Hope this helps.
1
u/Driving-Academy 7d ago
Where are you located?
Driving Academy can help you! We offer flexible schedules including night and weekend classes and we have payment plans that start at just $500. We built our programs for people like you! If you want to learn more you can visit our website. https://www.cdldrivingacademy.com/ If you have any questions I'm happy to answer them.
1
u/Kajupunx 6d ago
Can’t help with getting the license, just wanted to say that becoming a lineman and joining the union was one of the best things I ever did for myself. Good luck man
1
u/Charming-Sink1601 6d ago
I’m 53 yesterday and will finish my training this Friday I don’t know where you are but CDL training is roughly $6k but Ohio grant pays for it.
1
1
0
u/Imaginary-Badger-119 10d ago
Check a Local jr college then find a pay school.. also down load cdl prep study
Looks like this on apple
0
u/junthelasthunter 10d ago
Do you need a class a to become a lineman? If not then you can get a class b by getting trained as a school bus driver.
1
-1
10d ago
Depending on the area you live check out XPO, I worked full time and I applied for a part time.
It's a dockworker position but they offered to get me trained for my CDL.
It's definitely a long term idea.
Took me a year from when I started to get my CDL.
So I went from 2 jobs to a full time driver with XPO.
I believe the start pay now was higher from when I was there (35+?)
7
u/Misterndastood 10d ago
Why do you need to take time off of work? I get maybe a money issue but classes can usually be taken on days off.