Is CDL Training Worthwhile?
If you are interested in making a change but don’t know where to start, consider Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) training. For those interested in driving a commercial tractor-trailer, certain-sized delivery vehicles, or dump trucks, you may be required to have a CDL license or certain CDL endorsements.
New England Tractor Trailer Training School (NETTTS) offers CDL training at campuses throughout New England.
When Is a CDL Needed?
Many people think a CDL is needed for just driving tractor-trailers. But a CDL is required if to drive the following:
- A truck with double or triple trailers
- A truck with a tank
- A truck carrying hazardous material
- Dump trucks, box trucks, and similar vehicles
- A passenger vehicle
Laws can vary by state and special endorsements may also be required, so make sure to contact your local DMV to find out what a CDL license covers specifically for your state.
What Type of Training Does NETTTS Offer?
If you are ready to take the first step towards new career training, NETTTS trains for both Class-A and Class-B Commercial Driver’s Licenses:
CDL-A
The entry-level driver training program is designed to give CDL students a foundation of skills that include how to safely operate commercial trucks and trailers. Our experienced instructors teach students driving general knowledge and fundamentals in the classroom, how to drive in the training field, and then advance to driving on the road.
Our CDL-A program focuses on learning to safely drive tractor-trailers. We teach our students the basics, so no prior CDL experience is necessary. The CDL-A course covers:
- CDL Learner’s Permit prep
- Safety skills and general knowledge
- Training on federal and state regulations
- Pre-trip Inspection procedures
- Shifting practice on CDL driving simulators
- Hands-on and behind-the-wheel training
- Road training and CDL Road Test sponsorship
After a student learns safety skills in the classroom, it’s time to move to the training field to learn on a real truck. Students will continue to learn and practice:
- Pre-trip inspection protocol
- Coupling and uncoupling (Drop & Hook)
- Air brake testing
- Shifting drills
Our students will also focus on backing maneuvers, like:
- Straight back
- Blind side parallel park
- Sight side parallel park
- Alley dock
- Offset backing
CDL-B
NETTTS also offers a CDL-B training program where students will learn how to drive single vehicles with non-detachable trailers. This class is also known as the Class B Commercial Heavy Straight Truck Training program. Types of vehicles that require a Class B license can often be:
- Dump trucks
- Box trucks
- Cement mixers
Is CDL Training Worth the Investment?
At NETTTS, our goal is to make training for your CDL an achievable dream. Each NETTTS campus has financial aid advisors who are available to help explain tuition options. Financial aid is available for those who qualify and can include:
- Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
- Federal Pell grants
- Federal direct loans for parents or students
- GI Bill education benefits
- In-school and extended payment plans
- Agency and state workforce funding options
At NETTTS, we work with our students to find ways to make CDL training available to as many people as possible.
NETTTS Helps Students With Career Services
When our students are ready for graduation, we’re there to help them with career services support. Job placement is not guaranteed, but our support includes:
- Resume writing
- Job interview preparation
- Helping to find and evaluate possible future employers
- Post-interview follow-up
At NETTTS, we understand that enrolling in CDL training is the first step toward your goal of earning a Commercial Driver’s License, and we want to help you with the next step in your journey.
Take the Next Step in Your Career Training Journey With NETTTS
If you have weighed the options and are ready to begin training for your CDL, New England Tractor Trailer Training School (NETTTS) might be your choice. Our programs feature:
- Experienced instructors with professional driving knowledge and at least three years of CDL road experience
- Practice on truck driving simulator
- Training on trucks with 10-speed manual transmissions
- monthly payments that can extend beyond graduation
- Financial aid available for those who qualify
- Career services support
If you are ready to take the next step and find out more about the programs, we have four campus locations throughout the northeast:
- Bridgeport, Connecticut
- Somers, Connecticut
- North Andover/Haverhill, Massachusetts
- Pawtucket, Rhode Island
Call us at 800-333-2888 if you have questions. Contact us today or request more info about the programs at New England Tractor Trailer Training School (NETTTS).