Suggest anyone interested in becoming a driver, check first with your local community college. For many out there without financial resources to pay a big fee for private training, it is surely the way to go. Since it is through a recognized, accredited educational facility, you can obtain financial aid if necessary. Most of the community colleges who offer driver training do so in consort with a locally-based freight company with national loads - beneficial to the person being trained and the college/freight company. All win because the safety factors are stressed. DO NOT BUY INTO THE FAKE IDEA THAT YOU CAN BE A SAFE TRUCK DRIVER WITH AN 18-DAY COURSE! A really good company matches the trainer with the trainee (e.g. smoker with smoker). If you can't seem to 'click' with the first trainer, ask for another. Spend at least 30 days in your home training, then another 6-8 weeks over the road with a good trainer. These apply to all trainees, no matter what kind of truck you ultimately want to drive. When you get out in the real world, make it a point to attend each and every safety briefing your company provides. Most will require it anyway. They will make the time for you to come in off the road to attend.
