5 Things to Consider When Choosing a Driving School

Are you thinking about starting a career as a truck driver? 

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in many individuals switching careers due to one reason or another. The trucking industry is currently booming and offers numerous perks including good pay and a flexible lifestyle, reasons why many have opted to become truck drivers. 

However, don’t think that the switch will be easy because driving a heavy-duty truck is not as easy as operating your average sedan. You require specific skills that you can only learn from a truck driving school. But which one should you choose? 

Here are some tips to guide you in selecting the ideal trucking driving school. 

Cost

For most trainees, the cost is probably one of the most significant factors in selecting a truck driving school. Naturally, you don’t want to spend too much. But, that doesn’t mean you pick the cheapest school you can find. 

Schools offering training at a low-cost don’t focus on quality. They keep fees low to maintain high enrollment rates to generate revenue. Therefore, you will end up wasting your money. 

You want to find a balance between cost and quality. Look at various schools, check their programs and fees. Compare them to see which one offers you the most value for your money. 

Length of program

Learning to be a quality truck driver takes time. You will find many schools claiming they will have you trained and in the market within 2 to 3 weeks. As appealing as that may be, you won’t be ready in that short amount of time. Furthermore, most companies won’t hire you even if you are certified due to the length of the program. 

The length of the program depends on the qualifications you want. For example, a Class 1 driver training usually spans over 6-weeks and requires a commitment of 244 hours. You will need to commit both time and effort to the program if you want to make a career out of driving trucks. 

So, don’t go to a school that will offer quick certification. It will do you no good. Look around for one that offers quality training with both practical and theoretical knowledge. 

Instructor selection

Once you’ve narrowed down your list of driving schools based on cost and length, you need to see how varied the instructor selection is at the school. Quality schools rely on different instructors to teach a variety of elements within the training curriculum.

Inquire about the instructors in the training you plan to opt for and look into their qualifications and experience. This will help you determine if they have something of quality to offer you. 

Graduation rate/Employment rate

Checking both the graduation and employment rate is important to determine the quality of a driving school. There is no point in joining a school with low rates in either. The school will ultimately be of no value to you. 

Schools with high employment rates usually have a job placement program. So be sure to inquire about it also. It makes a huge difference when the school has contacts and can help you find a job. 

Training variety

Theoretical knowledge is vital, but it only gets you so far. You want a school that provides both theoretical and practical knowledge. When it comes to trucking, you learn a lot more when you are out in the garage or the road. 

Besides that, you also want to evaluate the variety of training they offer. A quality school offers various training from Class 3 driver training to Class 1. This proves that they have qualified instructors who take a holistic approach to training truck drivers. 

Don’t rush your decision when selecting a driving school. Take your time and do your research. Only then will you be able to find a school that will offer you quality training. 

For those looking to start their truck driving career in Manitoba, Professional Transport Driver Training School can help.We take pride in providing high quality driver training and services. The quality of our services won us The Consumer Choice Award for Business Excellence in 2016 and 2017. 

Contact us to learn more about our training or call us at (204) 925-1580 to speak to one of our consultants.