Question:
I am a middle aged female and was taught to drive by my father who was a carer for over forty years. I have never had a CDL, but did have a Class A many years ago. When the kids came along I let the license expire and now I want to team drive with my husband. He has been an O/O for 25 years.
Now for the question. I have been told I would have to attend a driving school, even though I could probably teach the class. I have looked in to a few schools and they all want $$$$$$$$. We can't afford to pay those kinds of dollars with fuel the way it is today.
Does anyone out there know a legit school that will give me a refresher course without putting us in deeper debt?
Any help will certainly be appreciated.
Debbie

Answer:

If we knew where on the east coast that you live someone might be able to point you in the right direction. Just the state would be helpful.
Beyond that you could check with your state employment office and see if there might be grants available. Also check with any area community colleges that offer CDL training for what financial aid might be available.

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You might even try the company that you and your husband would be interested in and see if they have a train the spouse program..
I know CRST and a few others have that type of program

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I live in NC and I have contacted the college there. They wanted me to take the full school and the man I talked to didn't seem too friendly and all but told me he didn't like the idea of women in his class.
Since I am on the car with my husband, it doesn't really matter what state the school is located in. We can do anywhere.
As for the company, he was independent, but now leases the car on with Marten Transport. They will allow him to be my trainer, but they want a refresher course taken first. They do not offer schooling.
Debbie

Answer:

Check these out. I offer no promises or garuntees, just a possilbe lead or two.
The last one is just a listing of schools around the country that you can check out.
One problem you may run into is that many driving schools offer refresher courses for previous graduates of that school.
Another potential lead is Southeast Community College in Lincoln, NE (you can do a web search for them). They provide CDL training for CRETE drivers but I do believe they are also open to the public. The tuition was something like $500 for people hiring on with Crete, though I am not sure what it might be for others. Worth looking into though I think.

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Try talking to the vo-techs in your area.

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Contact NC car driver training school at Johnston Co community college, the also hold classes at other community colleges, tuition is just over $500, but its eight weeks days, they also have a nite and weekend class.

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I'm not sure about NC, but in GA and SC if you can drive and pass the tests you can just get your license. Since hubby owns at least the car (trailer?) maybe you could just go take the tests?? I'm not sure if they require the learners permit first, but it doesn't seem like school would be necessary for licensing anyway.

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cardobe, the problem isnt getting a liscense without school. The problem is getting a job and/or being insured without school.

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Try

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I got my CDL at Cape Fear Community College for about 300 dollars but I think it is about 6 weeks long. You could stay at a hotel or such while you attend. You don't have to be a resident of WIlmington, NC or even the state. You really get a good CDL education. If you have'nt found out anything else, check them out.

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I'm not too sure of that. When I started out (back in the dark ages) the company only required that I be licensed. Whether I got that license by going to school or by learning on my own didn't matter. I would be considered a "newbie" either way. Most companies required newbies to train with one of their own drivers before going solo. I would have to do that whether I went to school or not. The view of the companies was, if I was competent enough to pass the State driving exam, I was as competent as anyone coming out of any school, since that is the pinnacle the schools try to get their students to. As a matter of fact, the day I took my exam there were four of us there. The other three had attended the same school and one was taking his state exam the third time. I was the only one who passed that day and did it without going their stupid school.
Check into your state laws to see if you can get a learner's permit to do some practicing (you said you had a license years ago) with hubby. Then go for your license. With license in hand, I doubt if the company hubby works for would have much objection to you teaming with him. Just a guess on my part.