Truck Driver Academy

Contact Us (Se Habla Español)

  • 909-201-7600 or 626-852-2000
  • 4276 Elton St, Baldwin Park, CA 91706

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4276 Elton St, Baldwin Park, CA 91706 | 909-201-7600 or 626-852-2000 ( Se Habla Español ) [google-translator]
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Trucking FAQs

Truck Driver Academy / About Us / Trucking FAQs

[expand title=”What Do You Need To Become a Truck Driver in 2020?” tag=”h3″]All of the following steps can be made easy by working with a truck driving school like Truck Driving Academy. Truck Driving Academy can help you through every step along the way and even help you find a job once you have successfully completed the course and obtained your Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).

  • Be at least 21 years of age (or 18 years of age to drive in-state)
  • Submit your state’s CDL Application and pay the appropriate fee
  • Provide proper identification and social security number verification (requirements may vary from state to state)
  • Provide proof of state and US residency
  • Submit a completed Medical Examination Report Form and Medical Examiner’s Certificate Form
  • Pass a general vision test
  • Pass a knowledge exam
  • After passing both the vision and knowledge exams, you will be issued a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP)
  • After a minimum of 14 days, you can then schedule your CDL road skills examination
  • Pass a pre-trip inspection
  • Pass the road skills and driving examination (you must bring your own vehicle)
  • After passing the pre-trip inspection and the road skills and driving exams, you will need to pay the necessary fees for your new CDL. You may also have to submit a 10 Year Record Check
    if you’ve had a driver’s license in any state or jurisdiction other than the one where you are applying for your CDL.

[/expand]

[expand title=”How Much Does Truck Driving School Cost?” tag=”h3″]The cost of truck driving school varies from state to state, as well as between providers. Typically, the cost of obtaining a suitable Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) is somewhere between $3,000 and $7,000 – give or take a few. The type of license and endorsements you wish to obtain will also influence the cost. The price for Class A training is different from that of Class B, not including the cost of relevant driving endorsements.[/expand]

[expand title=”How Long Does It Take To Finish the Program?” tag=”h3″]Our program is self-paced and typically takes 4-8 weeks to complete driving school. It all depends on you and your schedule.[/expand]

[expand title=”When Does School Start?” tag=”h3″]Truck Driver Academy is an open enrollment school meaning there is no scheduled start date. When you’re ready to start training, we’ll be ready for you![/expand]

[expand title=”Is There a Minimum of Hours I Need to Complete?” tag=”h3″]Nope! Some students like to take their time and others have past experience. The ability to safely and successfully complete all school sections is what matters, not hours.[/expand]

[expand title=”What Hours Are You Open For Training?” tag=”h3″]Our instructors are in the training yard for the following hours:

Fontana

  • Monday – Friday: 8 am-8 pm
  • Saturday – Sunday: 8am-5pm

Baldwin Park

  • Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 8am-6pm
  • Tuesay, Thursday: 8 am-8 pm
  • Saturday: 8am-5pm
  • Sunday: Closed

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[expand title=”How Many Hours a Day Can I Train?” tag=”h3″]Hours depend on the volume of students in attendance on a given day. Typically, during the week 3-5 hours is common and up to 9 hours on weekends[/expand]

[expand title=”Do I Sign Up For Specific Classes?” tag=”h3″]No need to sign up for classes here. Our highly skilled instructors have the ability to adapt training to those in attendance. Airbrake training is the exception with regularly at 9 am training.[/expand]

[expand title=”Do You Provide CDL Written Exam Training?” tag=”h3″]The focus of the Truck Driver Academy curriculum is on the Skills Test, therefore, we do not offer formal written test training. That does not mean you cannot ask instructors or classmates questions about the written exam. Everyone is here to help![/expand]

[expand title=”What Training Can I Get At The school?” tag=”h3″]Our course is divided into three sections to match the Skills Test for CDL licensing. These sections are vehicle inspection, basic controls or maneuvering, and road (street and freeway). The Academy covers all skills required to pass each of the testing sections through classroom education field driving, and on-road driving.[/expand]

[expand title=”Is Driving School Required?” tag=”h3″]Yes, like most states, California requires all CDL applicants to obtain a Certificate of Driving Skill prior to taking the Skills Test. That is where we come in. With the skills obtained from Truck Driver Academy, we can provide you with all you need to receive a Certificate of Driving Skill.[/expand]

[expand title=”How Old Do I Need To Be To Be a Truck Driver in California?” tag=”h3″]Anyone over the age of 18 can apply and obtain a CDL good for all in-state commerce activities. Once the driver is 21, he or she can cross state lines in the duty of their commercial driving obligations. At 21, drivers can also become licensed to haul hazardous materials, operate vehicles with double or triple trailers, and several other endorsements.[/expand]

[expand title=”How are Commercial Driver Licenses Classified?” tag=”h3″]

  • Class A: GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more; ability to tow more than 10,000 pounds.
  • Class B: GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more; towing capacity less than 10,000 pounds.
  • Class C: GVWR under 26,001 pounds; ability to carry 16 or more passengers or hazardous materials.
  • Class A license holders can operate Class B and Class C vehicles with the proper endorsements.

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[expand title=”What Endorsements Can I Receive for Class A CDL?” tag=”h3″]
There are four main Class A Endorsements in which truckers may go for to earn more money when driving for a living, these are:

  • Hazardous Materials / Hazmat = H Endorsement
  • Tank Vehicles / Tanker = N Endorsement
  • Double / Triple Trailers = T Endorsement
  • Air Brake Restriction = K Endorsement

[/expand]

[expand title=”Does a CDL Work For All States?” tag=”h3″]Having a CDL allows any driver to operate a vehicle for which they are endorsed to operate, in the licensing state. Once a driver is 21 or older, a CDL in any state grants permission to operate the vehicle of endorsement in all states.[/expand]

[expand title=”Do You Need a High School Diploma for Truck Driving School?” tag=”h3″]A high school diploma is not required for truck driving school or to obtain a commercial driver’s license. However, some trucking companies do require a high school diploma or GED for employment.[/expand]

[expand title=”Can I Drive Truck If I Have a Felony Conviction?” tag=”h3″]Yes, however, this comes with a stipulation. This is will be dependent on how long ago you were convicted for this felony. Some trucking companies will hire you if the conviction occurred 3 or more years prior while others require 5 or more years before consideration.[/expand]

[expand title=”Where Do I Take the CDL Skills Test?” tag=”h3″]The official Skills Test will be completed at the nearest DMV. And don’t worry about the truck. We have you covered with the use of the same truck you trained in for the test. We’ll even make sure you get to and from the DMV. We take care of the logistics so you can focus on learning.[/expand]

[expand title=”Do I Need a CLP (Commercial Learner’s Permit) to Attend?” tag=”h3″]A CLP or commercial learner’s permit is not required to begin trucking school. However, one will be required prior to finishing your training and to apply for your license.[/expand]

[expand title=”What Do I Need For the First Day?” tag=”h3″]
A few items are recommended for your first day of school including:

  • Safety Vest (required all days)
  • Valid driver’s license (not required for school but required for a CDL)
  • Valid social security card or working permit (not required for school but required for a CDL)
  • Approved Medical Examination Report or in other words a physical by a licensed doctor

[/expand]

[expand title=”Is There a Dress Code For Training?” tag=”h3″]The important to remember a few items each day otherwise you will not be able to attend training. These items are a safety vest, long pants, and close-toed shoes. With these items, you will be good to go.[/expand]

[expand title=”How Does Job Placement Work?” tag=”h3″]We are committed to getting you your next job. All Academy students will have access to our job placement services. You can learn more about these services on our Job Placement page.[/expand]

[expand title=”Does a CDL Allow Me To Bring Family Members?” tag=”h3″]Most carriers certainly do offer rider programs, usually with a minimum age limit for children. We recommend reading our truck driver passenger regulations blog for more information.[/expand]

[expand title=”How Can I Sign Up For Driving School?” tag=”h3″]Great question! You can call us at 903-343-5745 to ask any questions you may have or begin enrollment.[/expand]

[expand title=”I Have More Questions, Where Can I Get Answers?” tag=”h3″]Getting questions answered should be easy! You can call us at 903-343-5745, connect with us on social media, or go to the contact page to ask any questions you may have. [/expand]