Updated July 2022
Maybe you’ve always dreamed of driving a truck or just simply wanted to travel the world. Maybe you’re looking for a new career and truck driving seems like it could be a good fit. Whatever your reasons for wanting to become a truck driver, you’ll need a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) to do it. It’s not difficult to get a CDL, as long as you have proper training. Located in Northern Indiana, DriveCo CDL Learning Center prides itself on it’s hands-on Class A CDL Training. If you’re interested in getting a CDL, there are training programs at our DriveCo campuses, no matter what kind of experience you have driving. Are you ready to get started? We’ve laid out the steps to getting a CDL, which you can read about below.
Get Financing: Know Your Options
A CDL is a good investment. Considering drivers who have a CDL can earn around $1,000 a week according to Indeed, the price of training shouldn’t scare anyone off. Especially since there are multiple ways to pay for training. DriveCo CDL Learning Center offers the following types of tuition assistance:
- Indiana Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act
- Indiana Trade Adjustment Agreement
- Military Benefits
- Sponsorship Training
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Financing Through DriveCo
With all these options for payment, anyone can get a CDL.
Get Ready to Learn
In Indiana, you need to have a driver’s license and be 21 years old before you obtain your CDL and drive across state lines. If you have a valid driver’s license and over 21, then you can get your CDL learner’s permit. With that in hand, you’re ready to start practicing.
ELDT Certified Schooling
If you’re looking to obtain your CDL any time after February 7, 2022, you will need to attend an ELDT-certified school. The ELDT driving mandate was established by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and Department of Transportation (DOT) to create a uniform set of requirements for CDL training programs. To qualify, a school must provide an acceptable mix of classroom education and behind-the-wheel training. If you do not attend an ELDT-certified school, such as DriveCo CDL Learning Center, you will not be eligible to take the CDL test at the DMV.
CDL Training
Once your financing is straightened out, you’re ready to start the course. In the DriveCo Class A CDL Training Course, you’ll learn what you need to know to take the test. The test has a written component and a driving component, so the training course does too. You’ll get the hands-on experience you need to pass the test.
Taking the CDL Exam
CDL exams have written and practical components, and you’ll need to pass both. DriveCo courses are licensed by the state, so if you took the training course before your test, you’ll definitely be prepared. There’s also a physical exam to pass before the State will approve a CDL, so make sure you’re in the clear with your health before it’s too late!
Get a Job
DriveCo offers job placement assistance. Once you pass the test, you’ll be ready to start working right away. It doesn’t matter where you are in Indiana, either. DriveCo has multiple locations, check them out here. For more information about getting a CDL, contact us.
