CDL Driving School
If students are looking to obtain their Commercial Driver's License (CDL), there are three basic types of schools that offer this type of license.First, there are motor-carrier schools, which are driving programs offered through an employer as part of an employee training program. Second, there are private schools, which are driving programs offered by private businesses. Finally, there are public schools, typically offered by voc-techs, state colleges or community colleges.
A motor-carrier driving school is the least desirable option for someone looking to gain a solid understanding of driving commercial vehicles. CDL training is offered by particular trucking companies for one reason: they need drivers fast. This is something of a crash course in learning to drive. Their goal is to get more drivers hauling their freight, so they give a quick and dirty version of driving basics, teaching drivers the bare minimum needed in order to pass the CDL test. Drivers coming from this type of driving school will likely be put on routes before they have the knowledge to handle numerous traffic situations. Because of this, training from a program by trucking companies is not recognized by most insurance companies. For insurance purposes, companies want to be able to say their drivers are "trained," and drivers coming from motor-carrier schools are not considered to meet that criteria.
Public schools are offered at local and state colleges or vocational schools. The cost at a public school might be less because these programs are often subsidized. The drawback is that a CDL course is just one of hundreds that a college/school carries, and as such does not necessarily have the same standards, quality of instruction or flexibility that a private driving school might offer. There might be a very limited class schedule and it might be stretched out over an academic semester. That time length could be too long for someone out of work who needs to find a job quickly.
Private driving schools, because they are businesses and privately funded, are better positioned to offer quality instruction than the other types of schools. Their business thrives when they have a good reputation, so it is in their best interest to turn out well-trained drivers. This equates to top instructors, more behind the wheel driving time for each student, and potentially newer vehicles in which to practice driving. Students should compare driving schools' reputations, curriculums and student driving time before deciding on a program.