I've got a question.
How expensive is it to get a CDL in the US and would it be smarter to just look around if a company wants to pay for the CDL (and maybe give additional training) and hire you directly than pay for your CDL and training yourself?
Also, how did
you get your CDL?
I like this thread by the way!
Well CDL prices appear to vary from state to state. The average cost is usually about 20 dollars more than a Class D License, for my State it costs me 40$US to get a CDL.
Now to take the test including the road test is generally done at Truck training facilities or Trade Schools, for a good one it can cost up to 10,000$US, but most usually average around 6,500 to 7,000$US. Remember this price covers usage of their truck equipment, diesel costs, and tuition/books. The courses generally last about a month for the good schools, or 2-3 weeks for the lesser quality schools.
Trucking companies, like the top 5 in the US, CR England, Swift, CRST, Prime, and Werner, all have their own schools and the costs is usually around 2-3,000$US, and they take it out of your check, but you have to agree to drive for them for up to a year.
If you are thinking of getting your CDL training done, please do not go through a trucking company, they train poorly and many drivers fail after graduation within 3-4 months. (high accident rates) If you can afford it, go to an accredited Truck Program at your local Trade College and then sign on with a company (not the top 5), like Gordon or Pride, they tend to reimburse your tuition costs after a year employ.
I got my CDL by going into my local DMV and taking the test. When they informed me I needed to do a road test by an accredited driver trainer, I went to my Uncle's friend who manages the training program at the local Trade College and he waived my fee and gave me my seal of approval after the test. Then I began driving, so in total I spent about 150$US. Had to pay for the test and the CDL License only.
Also, a new law recently passed probably last year or 2 year ago now require all potential CDL applicants to now acquire a Medical DOT card before they can drive a truck, even in training. So most of the prices listed above include your Physical cost, and are usually done by a Company doctor if doing it at a Top 5 Company. Before that law, you could drive a truck in training without a Medical DOT card but will have to get one before you can drive it unsupervised, for lack of better word. A basic Medical DOT Physical cost generally varies from doctor to doctor, or state to state, mine generally costs about 150$US. Also, make sure your doctor is legally licensed to perform this physical, they are different from normal physicals and are strictly enforced. If a doctor issues you a Medical DOT card and is not licensed to do so, not only do you lose the card, you lose your CDL as well and the doctor will have his practice license revoked and he will not be able to practice medicine again.
So to summarize:
Top Truck Training Programs: 10,000$US
Mediocre training programs: 6,000-7,500$US.
Top 5 Company training: 2,500-3,000$US with contract of 1 year service.
Medical Card physical (if not covered by above programs): 150$US
DMV Tests and CDL License (usually covered by programs): Test 100$US (maybe less now not sure); CDL License around 40$US.
Road test (Done at Trade Colleges): 500-2000$US depending on how many times you retry test.(unless you know someone there then they may waive fee.)
Bolded are requirements needed to drive truck. If you only do the bolded and pass, you can drive a truck.
EDIT: Should also be noted that the test has two parts to it, first is the general knowledge test that test your knowledge on traffic laws and physics of truck driving versus car driving. The 2nd part is the air brake test, a requirement if you get a Class A license, or a CDL, in which you must prove knowledge in air brakes and how they work. 70% is considered passing grade on both tests, anything less and you can retake the test for free, but fail again, and you will be asked to pay 10$US for any retakes after that.