- Watch your mirrors
- Keep an eye on your gauges
- Listen to the engine
- Shift smoothly
- Learn to double-clutch
- Know where your trailer is
- Keep an eye on other traffic
- Pay attention to your speed
- Drive at night
These are just a few of the skills you will learn in truck driving school. It is a lot to learn.
But just like learning any other “hands-on” skill, the best way to learn is to spend time actually doing it. Imagine trying to learn how to throw a football or play the guitar or ride a bike, if mostly what you did is WATCH someone else do it?
Unfortunately, most truck driving schools want you to do exactly that. You pay to watch other students drive on the road. Most schools put 3 or 4 students in a truck and rotate you into the driver’s seat for your 15 or 20 minutes of time behind the wheel. The rest of the time you are sitting in a bench seat in the sleeper area – you are WAY BEHIND THE WHEEL!
Don’t Pay to Watch!
Don’t Pay to Watch!
At SAGE, all truck driving time spent on the road is done with one student per truck. Just you and the instructor. No one else is in the truck. Most driving sessions are about 4 hours, which means to you get much more time actually driving the truck than at most other schools.
Ask yourself whether you would learn to throw a football better with 20 minutes of coaching or 4 solid hours of one on one coaching? The answer is obvious. And the same goes for learning all the skills you need to drive a truck.
Don’t get tricked into paying for a school where mostly what you will do is watch other students drive. Unless of course you want to pay to sit in the back of the truck, sleep, play video games on your phone, and joke about the guy in the driver’s seat!
A few states may require more than one student, but SAGE is committed to giving every CDL training student the maximum time one on one with an experienced instructor.
Bottom line: don’t pay to watch! Pay to drive.
How does the cost of one-on-one CDL training compare to traditional multi-student training programs?
One-on-one CDL training typically costs more than traditional multi-student training due to the personalized attention and increased driving time provided. While specific cost differences vary by program and location, the investment in one-on-one training might be justified by the potential for more thorough skill development and possibly faster completion times.
How long does the entire one-on-one CDL training program at SAGE typically take to complete compared to multi-student programs?
While specific durations can vary, one-on-one CDL training programs might complete faster than multi-student programs due to the intensive, personalized driving practice. Generally, CDL programs can range from a few weeks to several months, depending on the program’s structure and the student’s progress.
Does SAGE offer job placement support or assistance in finding employment after completing the one-on-one CDL training program?
Many CDL training schools, including potentially SAGE, offer job placement support to help graduates find employment. These services can vary but often include job boards, recruitment events, and connections with trucking companies.
What are the different types of CDL licenses available, and how does one-on-one training prepare students for each specific type?
CDL licenses are categorized into Class A, B, and C, depending on the vehicle type and the loads it carries. One-on-one training can tailor the instruction to the specific license type, focusing on the relevant skills and knowledge for that class of CDL.
How do CDL schools assess a student’s readiness to proceed with one-on-one road training?
Students’ readiness for one-on-one road training is typically assessed through written exams and basic vehicle operation skills tests in controlled environments. This ensures that students have a solid foundational understanding and basic maneuvering skills before advancing to more complex driving practice.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is based on the data available as of its writing and is meant to inform and guide prospective CDL trainees. For the most current information and specifics about CDL training programs, please contact SAGE Truck Driving Schools directly.